Mozeliak not ready to label Cards’ deadline approach; says team remains ‘open minded’

July 6, 2017 By Leave a Comment

https://www.101sports.com/2017/07/06/mozeliak-not-ready-label-cards-deadline-approach-says-team-remains-open-minded/

ST. LOUIS, MO – (Luke Schnake and Bernie Miklasz, 101 ESPN Sports.  Please click on link above for the full story and an interview with new President of Baseball Operations, John Mozeliak.  The introduction and the points are below.)

It’s trade deadline season again…That special time of year when teams posture themselves buyers or sellers and fans salivate and speculate over what new toy might be heading to town.

Mozeliak discussed the team’s needs in classic ‘Mo’ fashion, by asking himself questions and then answering them.  Below are the major points. 

On Tommy Pham potentially staying in CF over Dexter Fowler:

On Pham’s success:

On Aledmys Diaz’ issues:

On Stephen Piscotty’s slugging struggles:

Mo also addressed the play of Randall Grichuk.

The interview is well worth your time.  Steve

 

Filed Under: Sports

Redbirds bow out of the 1925 sectional in the first round to the Centralia Orphans

July 6, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

In the 1925 Sectional, the West Frankfort Redbirds bowed out of the first round of the Centralia sectional to the host Orphans 14-10.  It looks like legendary coach Arthur Trout loved to play McLeansboro ball.

I am amazed at the low scoring games.  They look like football scores.

Marion beat Mt. Vernon 18-17 in the sectional finals.  It looks like it has been a long time tradition to play Lee Emery/Doug Creel ball in the King City.

Centralia

Marion 33-26 Sumner

Anna-Jonesboro 25-16 Belleville

Mount Vernon 26-17 Harrisburg

Hutsonville 30-28 Westfield

Marion 31-15 Anna-Jonesboro

Centralia 14-10 West Frankfort

Mount Vernon 32-13 Hutsonville

Marion 24-17 Centralia

Marion 18-17 Mount Vernon

Box Score:

MARION (18): G. Harris 8, J. Harris 4, D. Harris 4, Carter 2.

MOUNT VERNON (17): Brooks 6, Moore 6, Marlin 3

Marion finished fourth in the state tournament.  The Canton Little Giants, my adopted team in the 309, finished third again.  I heard it was Leon’s first year at WBYS.

Seriously, Leon is Jack Buck good.  He is one of the best high school play-play men I ever heard.  On nights that I was home during basketball season, I would check on Canton from time to time.

I hope we cross paths again.  The most rewarding thing since I have been a part of the media, is the nice people you meet along the way.

Below are the State Tournament scores from that year.

1924-25

Semifinals

Champaign (H.S.) 23, Marion (H.S.) 15

Elgin (H.S.) 31, Canton 15

Third Place

Canton 33, Marion (H.S.) 17

Championship

Elgin (H.S.) 25, Champaign (H.S.) 17

 

 

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sports

Fan-Favorite Theme Night Christmas in July Returns Friday, July 14th

July 6, 2017 By Leave a Comment

From the Southern Illinois Miners

MARION, IL – Christmas in July returns to Rent One Park on Friday, July 14th as the Southern Illinois Miners take on the River City Rascals at 7:05 pm.

Rent One Park will turn into a holiday haven and Santa Claus will take a break from North Pole and be in attendance to see Miners fans from all around! And don’t forget to stay after the game for Fantastic Friday Night Fireworks presented by Peoples National Bank, River Radio and WPSD Local 6.

For more information on Christmas in July, contact the Miners Box Office at 618-998-8499!

Filed Under: Slider, Sports

Cardinals Are Reportedly Interested in Former MVP Josh Donaldson

July 5, 2017 By Leave a Comment

https://www.101sports.com/2017/07/05/cardinals-reportedly-interested-former-mvp-josh-donaldson/

Trade talks are starting to heat up.  The Link above is a story on WXOS- 101 ESPN by Luke Schnake.

No formal negotiations have taken place, but the Cardinals are reportedly interested in 2015 American League MVP, Josh Donaldson according to MLB.com. (Tweet from baseball analyst John Morosi)

The 31-year-old Donaldson is batting .238 for the Blue Jays this season with a .350 on-base percentage and .457 slugging percentage. He’s hit eight homers in 2017 with the last reaching the seats June 11 and is currently battling a 1-for-26 slump.

This link is to Donaldson’s career stats

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/donaljo02.shtml

Donaldson has been on the Cardinals radar for years.

 

Filed Under: Slider, Sports

Cubs activate OF Jason Heyward off 10-day DL, recall LHP Jack Leathersich from Triple-A Iowa

July 5, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Press Release from the Chicago Cubs 7/4/17

CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs today activated outfielder Jason Heyward off of the 10-day disabled list and recalled left-handed pitcher Jack Leathersich from Triple-A Iowa. In corresponding moves, the Cubs have optioned infielder Jeimer Candelario and right-handed pitcher Felix Peña to Triple-A.

Both Heyward and Leathersich, who will wear uniform number 51, will be available for the Cubs today as they begin their two-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Wrigley Field.

Heyward, 27, has been on the disabled list since June 22 due to a left hand abrasion. He played two games at Single-A South Bend as part of his rehab assignment, going 3-for-4 with a walk, two runs scored and an RBI. He is batting .258 (51-for-198) with six home runs and 29 RBI in 55 games with the Cubs this season.

Leathersich, 26, joins the Cubs for the first time this season. In 10 appearances since the beginning of June with Iowa, he has posted a 0.64 ERA (1 ER/14.0 IP) while striking out 26 batters and walking only five in 14.0 innings. Overall, Leathersich has gone 0-2 with a 4.56 ERA (13 ER/25.2 IP) in 22 relief outings, striking out 42 batters in 25.2 innings, an average of 14.7 strikeouts per innings. He has limited foes to a .191 batting average.

The southpaw returns to the big leagues for the first time since 2015, when he went 0-1 with a 2.31 ERA (3 ER/11.2 IP) in 17 relief outings with the New York Mets before his season was cut short due to Tommy John surgery that July. Leathersich returned from his rehab to make 26 minor league appearances across three levels of the Cubs organization last year, combining to go 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA (5 ER/23.1 IP), advancing as high as Triple-A (five appearances, 0 ER/5.0 IP).

Leathersich was originally selected by the Mets in the fifth round of the 2011 Draft out of the University of Massachusetts-Lowell. He was claimed off waivers by the Cubs on November 19, 2015.

Candelario, 23, is batting .152 (5-for-33) with two doubles, one homer and three RBI in 11 games covering two stints with the Cubs this season. With Iowa, he is batting .272 (61-for-224) with 22 doubles, three triples, nine home runs and 41 RBI in 64 games

Peña, 27, is 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA (8 ER/16.0 IP) in 10 relief appearances covering three stints with the Cubs this season. He is 1-1 with four saves and an 8.31 ERA (16 ER/17.1 IP) in 13 relief appearances with Iowa this season.

Filed Under: Sports

Homestand Highlights – July 5th

July 5, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Press Release from the St. Louis Cardinals

Game of Thrones Theme Night: Lord Dewitt, third of his name, is calling upon all Cardinals fans to join forces and enjoy Game of Thrones Night at the ballpark. Fans who purchased this special theme ticket will receive an exclusive Game of Thrones-inspired Cardinals t-shirt. Fans must present the voucher in order to receive this promotional item. An official Game of Thrones Iron Throne will be on hand for photo opportunities. For more information, visit cardinals.com/thrones (#CardsTheme).

  • Trevor’s Troops: Trevor Rosenthal will host a group from USO of Missouri for today’s game as part of his Trevor’s Troops player ticket program. Prior to the game, the group will get to watch batting practice from the field and meet with Trevor in the dugout to take pictures and ask questions.
  • Battle at Busch: 105.7 The Point and the Cardinals welcome back the Battle at Busch concert series. The 2017 schedule features 18 local bands over the course of six nights, at six different Cardinals home games in Ford Plaza. Tonight’s battle features Jack McCoy, O.O.P.A. and The Red Step Project. Gate 6 will open at 5:00 p.m. for the event. Performances begin at 5:30 p.m. with each act given 20 minutes to perform. Each band will be judged on a point system by Mozingo Music and 105.7 The Point. The top four scoring bands of the summer will be invited back to play on September 26 in the Battle at Busch finals for the grand prize package. Tickets are available for $10.57 to each Battle at Busch game by going to cardinals.com/battleatbusch.
  • MLBPAA Auction: The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association will conduct a baseball-themed silent auction by Gate 1 (Section 137) and Gate 3 from the time gates open through the fifth inning. All proceeds will benefit Cardinals Care and the Players Alumni Association, a non-profit group that strives to preserve the game of baseball while supporting a variety of charities.

 

Filed Under: Sports

Late Rally Falls Just Short As Miners Lose To Schaumburg

July 5, 2017 By Leave a Comment

SCHAUMBURG, IL-   The Southern Illinois Miners mounted a late comeback attempt on Tuesday night against the Schaumburg Boomers at Boomers Stadium, scoring three late runs including two in the ninth to get within a single run and put the potential tying run on second base, but fell just short in a 10-9 Independence Day loss.

Miners catcher Ben Moore goes 3-5 at the plate last night in a 10-9 loss at Schaumburg (Miners photo)

The Miners jumped all over rookie starter Michael Wood (1-0) in the first inning, as after Brett Wiley and Craig Massoni worked two-out walks, four consecutive singles brought home four runs off the bats of Nolan Earley, Anthony Critelli, Kurt Wertz, Jr. and Ben Moore for a 4-0 Miners advantage.

But the Boomers came all the way back in the second and third innings. After two sacrifice flies and a bunt single plated three runs in the second to make the score 4-3, Seth Spivey hit a two-run home run down the right field line in the bottom of the third to give the Boomers a 5-4 lead against Zach Cooper. After neither team scored in the fourth, Schaumburg chased Cooper (2-5) and score four times in the fifth inning on RBI singles by David Harris and Ryan O’Malley and a two-run hit with two outs by Jack Parenty to make the score 9-4.

The Miners struck back for two runs in the top of the sixth off reliever Alex Luna when they loaded the bases with one out. Craig Massey then lined a single to right field and Ryan Lashley followed with a walk to force in a run and make it 9-6, but after a double play ended the threat, Schaumburg got another RBI hit by Harris in the bottom half of the frame to extend the lead to 10-6.

The Miners would fight back late in the contest. They plated one run in the eighth inning off Kyle Westwood on an RBI groundout by Massey to make the score 10-7 before mounting one last rally against Jake Joyce in the ninth. Wiley started it off with a leadoff walk, and two batters later, Earley singled him to third base. Critelli then plated a run with an RBI single to make it 10-8, and Wertz followed by reaching on a fielder’s choice to score Earley and make the score 10-9. With two outs now in the frame, Moore singled to put the tying run in scoring position, but Joyce rebounded with a strikeout to end the inning and the game.

The Miners amassed 14 hits in the contest, with Critelli, Wertz and Moore each getting three. Massey, Critelli and Wertz each drove home two runs as well, with four players scoring two runs each, but it was not enough as the Boomers escaped.

After an off day on Wednesday, the Miners will look to bounce back in the series finale on Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. Ethan Gibbons will pitch for Southern Illinois with Preston Jamison starting for the Boomers.

The Southern Illinois Miners are the 2016 Frontier League West Division Champions, the 2014 and 2015 Frontier League East Division Champions and the 2012 Frontier League Champions. They have been awarded the Frontier League Organization of the Year award three times since their inception, and also set a new Frontier League attendance record in 2007, their inaugural season. For ticket information, contact the Rent One Park box office at (618) 998-8499. For any additional information, visit our website at www.southernillinoisminers.com.

Box Score

Batting Stats

S Illinois
# Batter P AB R H RBI BB SO AVG
23 Massey, C SS 5 0 1 2 0 0 .299
19 Lashley, R DH 4 0 1 1 1 0 .249
6 Wiley, B 2B 3 2 1 0 2 0 .246
11 Massoni, C 3B 4 1 0 0 1 3 .253
15 Earley, N RF 5 2 2 1 0 0 .262
22 Critelli, A 1B 5 2 3 2 0 0 .407
8 Wertz Jr., K LF 5 2 3 2 0 0 .234
7 Moore, B C 5 0 3 1 0 1 .237
2   Lindley, L PR 0 0 0 0 0 0 .278
5 Sluder, R CF 3 0 0 0 1 1 .179
25   Martin, W PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 .274
40 9 14 9 5 6

Batting
2B: K.Wertz Jr. (5).
RBI: C.Massey 2 (20), R.Lashley (36), N.Earley (19), A.Critelli 2 (3), K.Wertz Jr. 2 (14), B.Moore (9).
Team LOB: 9.

Fielding
A: C.Massey 3 (110), B.Wiley 3 (42), B.Moore (17), Z.Cooper (4).
DP: 1 (B. Wiley(2B) – C. Massey(SS) – A. Critelli(1B)).
E: C.Massoni (1), A.Critelli (2).
FCS: B.Moore (1).
PB: B.Moore (3).
PO: C.Massey (80), B.Wiley (28), C.Massoni (56), N.Earley 3 (77), A.Critelli 5 (34), K.Wertz Jr. (24), B.Moore 6 (254), R.Sluder 6 (21).
SBA: B.Moore (48).
TC: C.Massey 4 (193), B.Wiley 4 (77), C.Massoni 2 (60), N.Earley 3 (81), A.Critelli 6 (38), K.Wertz Jr. (26), B.Moore 7 (273), R.Sluder 6 (21), Z.Cooper (9).

Schaumburg
# Batter P AB R H RBI BB SO AVG
8 Ruchim, K LF 4 0 0 1 0 2 .275
12 Weigel, Z RF 2 2 0 0 2 1 .293
31 Godfrey, S CF 4 1 0 0 1 0 .289
15 Spivey, S 1B 4 2 1 2 1 1 .420
18 Harris, D DH 4 2 3 2 0 0 .338
10 Gardiner, J SS 4 2 2 0 0 0 .258
20 OMalley, R 3B 3 1 1 1 1 0 .214
16 Keller, J C 3 0 0 1 0 2 .219
5 Parenty, J 2B 4 0 4 2 0 0 .317
32 10 11 9 5 6

Batting
HP: Z.Weigel (4).
HR: S.Spivey (10).
RBI: K.Ruchim (23), S.Spivey 2 (47), D.Harris 2 (38), R.OMalley (7), J.Keller (14), J.Parenty 2 (11).
SF: K.Ruchim (2), J.Keller (5).
CS: J.Parenty (1).
Team LOB: 6.

Fielding
A: S.Spivey 2 (63), J.Gardiner 4 (68), R.OMalley (16), J.Keller (17), J.Parenty 3 (70), M.Wood (1), G.Kelly (1).
DP: 1 (G. Kelly(P) – J. Keller(C) – S. Spivey(1B)).
PB: J.Keller 3 (5).
PO: K.Ruchim 3 (82), S.Godfrey 2 (93), S.Spivey 10 (208), R.OMalley (22), J.Keller 7 (240), J.Parenty (33), M.Wood (1), K.Westwood (1), A.Luna (1).
TC: K.Ruchim 3 (83), S.Godfrey 2 (97), S.Spivey 12 (275), J.Gardiner 4 (132), R.OMalley 2 (40), J.Keller 8 (257), J.Parenty 4 (108), M.Wood 2 (2), K.Westwood (1), G.Kelly (2), A.Luna (1).

Pitching Stats

S Illinois
# Pitcher IP H R ER BB SO ERA
39   Cooper, Z 4.1 8 9 8 4 2 5.33
1 Palacios, N 1.2 2 1 1 1 1 5.18
21 Dubsky, A 2.0 1 0 0 0 3 4.36
8 11 10 9 5 6

Pitching
BF: Z.Cooper 25, N.Palacios 8, A.Dubsky 7.
P-S: Z.Cooper 95-57, N.Palacios 36-24, A.Dubsky 26-16.
WP: Z.Cooper 2 (2), N.Palacios (1).

Schaumburg
# Pitcher IP H R ER BB SO ERA
13 Wood, M 4.0 4 4 4 2 2 9.00
35 Winning Pithcer  Luna, A 1.1 5 2 2 1 1 5.40
30 Kelly, G 1.2 0 0 0 1 1 0.48
47 Westwood, K 1.0 2 1 0 0 0 2.92
26 Save Pithcer  Joyce, J 1.0 3 2 2 1 2 4.19
9 14 9 8 5 6
Schaumburg
# Pitcher IP H R ER BB SO ERA
13 Wood, M 4.0 4 4 4 2 2 9.00
35 Winning Pithcer  Luna, A 1.1 5 2 2 1 1 5.40
30 Kelly, G 1.2 0 0 0 1 1 0.48
47 Westwood, K 1.0 2 1 0 0 0 2.92
26 Save Pithcer  Joyce, J 1.0 3 2 2 1 2 4.19
9 14 9 8 5 6

Pitching
BF: M.Wood 18, A.Luna 10, G.Kelly 5, K.Westwood 5, J.Joyce 7.
P-S: M.Wood 69-44, A.Luna 34-20, G.Kelly 17-8, K.Westwood 14-8, J.Joyce 34-18.
WP: J.Joyce (1).

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
S Illinois 4 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 2 9 14 2
Schaumburg 0 3 2 0 4 1 0 0 x 10 11 0

League Transactions

July 4, 2017

GATEWAY GRIZZLIES:  Signed OF Zac Michener.
WASHINGTON WILD THINGS:  Activated RHP Joe Ravert from the injured list.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Slider, Sports

Cardinals fall to the Marlins 5-2

July 4, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

Happy 4th of July everyone.  If you missed today’s game you did not miss a whole lot.

Greg Garcia put the Cardinals on the board with a two run homer in the bottom of the fifth driving in SS Paul DeJong to make the score 2-0 after five.  Garcia got the start at 3B for the injured Jedd Gyroko who is day to day.

The wheels fell off in the top of the sixth as Christian Yelich hit a three run homer of starter and losing pitcher Lance Lynn (6-6),  Then Marlin SS J.T. Riddle drove in two with a single off of reliever Tyler Lyons to make it 5-3.

John Brebbia worked a scoreless 7th, giving up two hits, Trevor Rosenthal worked a perfect 8th, and Sueng Hwan Oh worked a perfect ninth.

Matt Carpenter, who started his second game in a row at 2B, had two hits.  Luke Voit was back in the lineup today going 1-4.

The Cardinals struck out 12 times on the afternoon, nine by their outfielders.  Tommy Pham (4), Stephen Piscotty (3), and Randall Grichuk (2).  In my opinion there were a lot of AB’s taken where they were swinging for the fence, instead of trying to make contact.  There were several fly outs to the warning track.

Jose Urena (7-3) picks up the win for the Marlins A.J. Ramos picks up his 14th save.

The Cardinals (40-43) fell to 4 1/2 games behind first place Milwaukee, who beat Baltimore 6-1 this afternoon.  The keep pace with the Cubs who fell to the Devil Rays 6-5,

Mike Leake (6-6) 2.97 goes against former Red Edison Voquez (4-8) 3.97.  Game time is 7:15 p.m. tomorrow night.

Again, happy and 4th of July and have a great rest of the day.  Never take for granted our freedom.

Filed Under: Sports

Angel Hernandez’ lawsuit against MLB is unreal

July 4, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

I usually wait when something is confirmed by several news sources before I comment on something.

Hernandez locking horns with Giants Manager Bruce Bochy, (Inquisitor.com)

Umpire Angel Hernandez has filed a racial discrimination suit against Major League Baseball in which commissioner Rob Mansfield is named.  Hernandez claims he has been passed over for promotions because of race.

I can tell you why he has been passed over bluntly.  He is terrible.  In my opinion, he is the worst umpire in the game.  When reading through comments, when this was shared on social media, not one person came to Angel’s defense to give him some love.

When there were separate umpires in both leagues,  you could keep track of the crews.  I have always been a National League guy.  If I am flipping channels, I will stop to watch an NL game.  I rarely watch the American League.

Since there is no longer separate crews for both leagues,  it is tough to keep up with the men in blue.   Angel Hernandez is probably the most “famous” umpire in the big leagues.  His fame does not come from good job performance.

I used to officiate basketball.  Dallas Bigham, a long time official, was a mentor to me.  He said something that has stuck with me a long time after I hung up the whistle.  He told me if you go into a strange place and the fans don’t know your name after the final horn sounds, you called a good game.

Every game Angel calls, especially when he is behind the plate, there is some kind of controversy or drama.  If he was promoted to a crew chief, could you imagine three others just like him?

I have said over the years, Hernandez thinks you pay or watch a game on TV to watch him umpire.  I guess my lack of recognition over the years by the majority of umpiresm means they are doing a good job.  The adding of instant replay has made the umpires less recognizable.  I miss the days of the manager coming out of the dugout, chewing on the umpire, and kicking dirt on home plate when they get ejected.

You might hear ESPN jump on this story and support Hernandez.  They have pushed the liberal agenda hard over the years.   Sports to me are a break from the political world.   It is something where conservatives and liberals can unite together rooting for their team.

It is an issue that has nothing to do with race, he does not deserve a promotion.

 

Filed Under: Opinion, Slider, Sports

Redbirds finish fourth in the state in 1924

July 4, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

I have a little more information about the daily post looking back in the archives.  I am getting this information from the following website Illinois post season scores.  The link is below.

https://sites.google.com/site/xtmi2000/

The Redbirds defeated Arthur Trout’s Centralia Orphans 20-18 in the West Frankfort Regional final.  According to the IHSA website, Trout was the coach.

They finished fourth in the state, being defeated by the Canton Little Giants in the 3rd place game.  This is ironic because the Redbirds were defeated by Canton in the first round of the playoff last fall in football.

I will share the scores until we get into the 1960’s.  Then you will see feature stories from time to time on the great teams of Southern Illinois.

The scores of the West Frankfort Sectional are below.

West Frankfort

West Frankfort 25-14 Metropolis

Flora 20-17 Marion

Centralia 28-21 Bridgeport

Belleville 19-12 Trenton

West Frankfort 21-11 Flora

Centralia 15-13 Belleville

West Frankfort 20-18 Centralia

 

WEST FRANKFORT (20): Lockman 9, Culley 6, Syfert 5.

CENTRALIA (18): Kell 8, Saul 4, Roanole 4, Lacy 2.

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports
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