Hated Rivals

The results are in from the latest poll question:  Which Eastern Division rival do you like the least?

And your votes (with the winner in italics)

Bowling Green Hot Rods 0 (0%)
Dayton Dragons 2 (11%)
Fort Wayne TinCaps 3 (17%)
Great Lakes Loons 6 (35%)
Lake County Captains 4 (23%)
Lansing Lugnuts 1 (5%)
West Michigan Whitecaps 1 (5%)

I'm curious as to what the results of this poll would have been two years ago, before the Loons started beating the Silver Hawks regularly.  Hopefully, the Silver Hawks figure out a way to solve the Great Lakes mystery and beat up on the Loons in 2011.

Although I don't think there is as much hate for the Western Division, let's see what you think about them in the new poll question posted on the right side of the page.

Game Worn Jerseys On Sale

Have you ever wanted to wear the jersey of your favorite player?  I don't mean a replica...I mean the actual jersey.  Now you can. 

The South Bend Silver Hawks are selling game-worn road jerseys from the past few seasons online right now.  Visit this link to find out what numbers are available. 

Plenty of jerseys from future Major Leaguers are still available.

Calling All High School Summer and Legion Teams

Coveleski Stadium will be hosting a summer tournament for high school summer teams and legion teams.  The tournament is at the end of June and all teams are guaranteed four games on the newly-remodeled playing surface at the Cove.

Space is limited, so act quickly.  For more information, click here.

Diamondbacks Have Been Busy Today

Some news from the parent club on this Monday afternoon:

First of all, the Diamondbacks traded for Armando Galarraga -- the former Tigers pitcher who famously had a perfect game fall apart on an admitted bad call by umpire Jim Joyce.  They gave up two minor league pitchers, neither of whom pitched for South Bend.

Secondly, they signed Micah Owings to a Minor League contract.  Owings (no relation to former Silver Hawks infielder Chris Owings) played for Arizona in the past, then spent the last couple of seasons in the Cincinnati Reds organization.

MiLB Story About the Renovations

National baseball writer and fellow blogger Benjamin Hill (http://bensbiz.mlblogs.com/) has written article for MinorLeagueBaseball.com about stadium renovations throughout the country.  The Cove is one of three stadiums that is featured prominently in the article published on Friday. 

Read about all three stadiums here.

Sub Zero Temperatures

Quite honestly, I'm getting sick of this weather.  I know that I shouldn't complain, and there are parts of the country that have it worse than South Bend right now, but there is no part of seeing that little negative sign in front of a number that I enjoy when it comes to temperature.

I am a baseball guy, which means I am a summer guy, which means I am a warm weather guy.  Many of my friends would laugh and say that because of my red hair, I'm also a sunburn guy.  You know what?  I'd rather deal with a horrible sun burn right now than that stinging windburn you get when you walk outside to scrape your car windows before work.

Since I need to think warm thoughts, let's update the countdown to some baseball events this year:

23 days until Diamondbacks Pitchers and Catchers Report
27 days until Diamondbacks Position Players Report
70 days until Diamondbacks Opening Day
74 days until Silver Hawks vs. Notre Dame Exhibition at the Cove
76 days until Silver Hawks Opening Day at Fort Wayne
80 days until Silver Hawks home opener at the Cove

Job Fair!

The Silver Hawks annual Job Fair will be Saturday, Febuary 5th at 10 AM.  The home page (http://www.silverhawks.com/) has all the information you need.

We'd love to have you come on out and join our team.

Local Pitcher Re-Signs with Diamondbacks and More Prospect Rankings

Logansport High and Notre Dame alumnus Aaron Heilman has re-signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks.  It's only a one year deal, but it allows him the opportunity to compete for a starting job with the parent club. 

In other news, Minor League Baseball is doing a series of the top 10 prospects at each position.

Bobby Borchering appears on the third basemen rankings, while Chris Owings makes the cut for shortstops.  This is different from the Baseball America rankings that I posted yesterday.  If you go to either of the links above though, you can see the full rankings per position (and other positions through a sidebar).

Former Silver Hawks = Future Stars

I posted this over at the main page (http://www.silverhawks.com/), but I figured I should link to it here as well.  Baseball America released their rankings of the top 10 prospects in the Diamondbacks system yesterday, and it is chock full of Silver Hawks alums.

Nine of the top 10 played in South Bend, with a few more added in the "Best Tools" area. 

My article can be found here:  http://southbend.silverhawks.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110118&content_id=16454250&vkey=news_t550&fext=.jsp&sid=t550

The Baseball America article can be found here: http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/organization-top-10-prospects/2011/2611157.html

Vote for the Silver Hawks

Every year, the South Bend Tribune does a Readers' Choice Poll where you get the opportunity to vote for your favorites of the Michiana area. 

This year, the Silver Hawks were fortunate enough to be nominated in six categories.  While we'd like to win them all, it would be really cool to be voted as the "Favorite Family Entertainment" and "Favorite Place to Take the Kids". 

The team is also nominated for Favorite Banquet Facility, Favorite Place to Impress Out of Town Guests, Favorite Hot Dog, and Favorite Outdoor Dining.

Voting is easy as 1-2-3.

1:  Click here: http://poll.southbendtribune.com/entrypage.html
2:  Login or Register for free.
3:  Vote.

An Opportunity to Make Fun of Me

I try to keep myself clear of the insult line as much as possible, and I don't unnecessarily call attention to my stupid actions. 

However, this one is too embarrassing to keep to myself.  I am sitting at work right now, in extreme pain due to a back that is all out of whack.  This is the 4th or 5th time in my life I've thrown my back out (which is embarrassing in itself given that I'm only 28).  However, every other time I've done it I've had a legitimate reason:  lifted something too heavy, shoveled snow all day, slipped on ice, etc.

Not this time.  No, this time I've apparently managed to throw my back out because I played Tiger Woods Golf for the Nintendo Wii yesterday.  I played in the afternoon, and managed to make it through my round without any issues.  However, as I got ready for bed last night, the familiar discomfort started.  I was able to sleep through the night, but things have gotten worse this morning, and now I'm hobbling around the office staring at my shoelaces because I can't straighten up. 

The real question:  If this is happening at the age of 28, what am I going to be like when I'm 50?

Intern Diary

There's a new way to stay in touch with the South Bend Silver Hawks.  Our newest intern, Natalie, has started a blog to update our fans on the life of a Minor League Baseball intern.  Her primary focus is in promotions and community relations, but this blog will give you a pretty good insight on the offseason workings of a minor league baseball franchise.

You can read it here:  http://iamaminorleagueintern.tumblr.com/

Pitch Clock

This is up on the Silver Hawks facebook page as well, but the NCAA is implementing a 20-second pitch clock for 2011.  In most cases, the umpire will just carry a clock with them, but some conference may elect to put up a visible clock for the pitchers. 

I'm curious as to your thoughts on this.  I consider myself a baseball purist, but I have mixed feelings on the subject.  What do you think?

Marte Suspended 50 Games

I try to keep this blog full of mostly positive stories about former players, but I also intend for it to be a great source about Silver Hawks from the past, present, and future.  Unfortunately, sometimes those stories will be negative, as we have seen with players getting traded, released, etc.

Today, we hit another type of negative story with the announcement that former Silver Hawks outfielder Alfredo Marte has been suspended 50 games for a positive drug test.  According to the story, he tested positive for metabolites of Stanozolol, a performance-enhancing substance, in violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Marte played for South Bend in 2009, hitting .251 with seven homers and 71 RBIs.  He also led the team with 27 doubles.  Last year, Marte was with Visalia, hitting .260 with nine homers and 61 RBIs. 
 
The link above states that he is currently on the AAA Reno roster, but don't read too much into that.  There is really no way that Marte was going to start the year at AAA, but everyone has to be on some roster during the offseason.
 
I first saw this story on esteemed Arizona Republic writer Nick Piecoro's blog, where he basically sums up Marte's career the best with the following line:  Marte was once a fairly well-regarded prospect in the system, a guy with a quick swing, a strong arm and, some believed, a chance to become a dynamic player, but he hasn't lived up to expectations. He hit just .260 with a .688 OPS in High-A Visalia. This suspension, obviously, is a huge setback in his career.

Steroid Poll Results

I thought the question I asked last week about steroids in regards to the Hall of Fame was an interesting one given that we are fully into that time where the suspected users are becoming eligible for the HOF vote.

First of all, here was the question:  How should steroid users or suspected steroid users be handled in terms of the Hall of Fame vote?

And here are your votes, with percentages rounded off:

None of them get in 1 (7%)
Keep out only those that actually failed a test or admitted use 4 (30%)
Handle on a case-by-case basis 3 (23%)
Put deserving players in, note the steroid link on plaque 3 (23%)
Vote as normal without considering steroids 2 (15%)

Although it's close, the winning vote was that you keep only those that actually failed a test or admitted use out of the Hall of Fame. 
 
Here's the problem with that:  Under this logic, you are letting in Sammy Sosa (who never failed a test or admitted use but is highly suspected of using), yet keeping out Rafael Palmeiro (who failed a test).  That doesn't quite seem fair, especially if you think Palmeiro was a better player than Sosa (and he was). 
 
So then you say, keep out all suspected users.  Here's the problem with that:  If you have no proof, isn't it possible that some guy is being accused when we really don't know?  Take Jeff Bagwell for example.  He was a great player, but many people think he used steroids.  However, what if he didn't.  It is right to keep him out of the Hall of Fame on suspicions alone?
 
The next step is to handle on a case-by-case basis, which again creates the same dilemma as above.  You end up letting some people in because you don't think they used (when they might have), and you keep some people out because you think they used (when maybe they didn't).
 
Basically, this is my long-winded way of saying that I think you have to start voting in steroid users and suspected steroid users if their numbers are deserving.  I think if you know for a fact that they used steroids, then you need to note on their plaque that they either failed a test or admitted use.  If you don't know it for a fact, you have to assume innocence until proven guilty. 

Does this jeopardize the integrity of the Hall of Fame?  Probably.  But the entire sport has had its integrity called into question by the use of steroids and shouldn't the Hall of Fame reflect that era, just like it reflects any other eras (segregation, juiced ball, dead ball, etc)?

Photo Gallery of the Construction

As you all know, Coveleski Stadium is undergoing a facelift.  While the original plans have been scaled back, there is still a lot of construction being done around the field. 

I am still taking photos of the construction on a daily basis, and the best ones are now being published on the South Bend Tribune's website.  The gallery has been set up, and will be updated frequently with new photos.

I recommend bookmarking this address and checking back often for the latest updates:  www.southbendtribune.com/thecove. 

Digging Out from the Snow

For those of you not in this area, consider yourself blessed.  South Bend and the surrounding communities got blasted with roughly two feet of snow over the weekend.  Below are a couple of pictures of the stadium taken today (the construction crews took a day off from their work it appears.  I can't blame them...they can barely find their equipment).

I don't have a whole lot else for you today.  However, if you want to read about former Silver Hawk Clay Zavada returning to the Diamondbacks, may I recommend Nick Piecoro's latest blog entry at the Arizona Republic.

Reliving a Tough Night

Jim Joyce is a great umpire.  Unfortunately, Jim Joyce also missed a call that cost Armando Galarraga a perfect game last year.  More than anything in the world, Joyce wishes he could go back and change things.

However, that's not how life works, and moments like this continue to get brought up over and over again.  When they do, you only hope that they are treated in a professional manner.

So I was happy when today's article by Amy K. Nelson on ESPN.com that updates us on Jim Joyce and how he's feeling now does just that.  It's a deep and insightful look into a man who readily admits he made one of the biggest mistakes in baseball history, and who like all of us, just wants to move on with his life.

Hall of Fame Ballot

Given that I'm not a sportswriter, I don't have a vote for the Baseball Hall of Fame.  To be completely honest, I'm glad that I don't have a vote because with the steroid era players reaching the ballot, it's getting harder and harder to decide who should be in the Hall of Fame.  The official announcement is today at 2 PM.

However, what I do have is a group of friends that debate the Hall of Fame through email every year when the ballot is released.  I typically start the email exchange, remind everyone that they can vote for up to 10 people (per the Hall's rules), and then list my ballot.  In some places, I feel that it is necessary to explain my vote.  In others, a simple "No" is enough. 

For the first time ever, I voted for the maximum number of 10 people.  My ballot is below in alphabetical order with some comments (tell me who you would vote for in the comments)

Roberto Alomar - YES. Although I really don't like him, he was one of the greatest second basemen of all time.

Carlos Baerga - NO.

Jeff Bagwell - YES. He was the best player on that team for the better part of a decade, and arguably in the franchise's history.

Harold Baines - YES. Although I'm wishy washy on him. I change my mind on him yearly (although I did go back and look, and I said yes last year as well).

Bert Blyleven - YES. Great pitcher on some bad teams. It's time to put him in.

Bret Boone - NO. I loved the guy when he was with the Reds, but no way should he be in the HOF.

Kevin Brown - NO. Good pitcher, not good enough for Hall of Fame.

John Franco - NO. But he was really good.

Juan Gonzalez - NO. Although I could be swayed in favor of this two-time MVP.

Marquis Grissom - NO.

Lenny Harris - NO. If there was a pinch hitting Hall of Fame, he'd be first ballot.

Bobby Higginson - NO.

Charles Johnson - NO.

Barry Larkin - YES. He was better offensively than all the shortstops currently in the Hall. His defense was outstanding too. And I'm biased as a Reds fan.

Al Leiter - NO.

Edgar Martinez - NO. Although I had him as a yes, and realized I reached 10 people, so he's my 11th or 12th vote and had to get changed to a no.

Tino Martinez - NO.

Don Mattingly - NO. Still can't pull the trigger on him.

Fred McGriff - YES. I voted for him last year, so I don't want to change.

Mark McGwire - YES. He was fascinating to watch. I know he won't get in, but I'll vote for him.

Raul Mondesi - NO.

Jack Morris - NO.  A great pitcher, and even better in the postseason.  That doesn't mean he's a Hall of Famer.

Dale Murphy - NO, although I know many who will disagree.

John Olerud - NO, but I loved the helmet.

Rafael Palmeiro - YES. I don't know what I'm supposed to do about the steroid players, so I'm just going on his stats which are an obvious yes.

Dave Parker - NO.  Although as I said last year, my dad would put him in.

Tim Raines - NO.  I'm starting to read more and more in favor of him though, so maybe next year when I don't already have 10 votes.

Kirk Rueter - NO.

Benito Santiago - NO.

Lee Smith - YES. He was a phenomenal closer.

B.J. Surhoff - NO.

Alan Trammell - YES. But as I said last year, only if Larkin goes in as well.

Larry Walker - NO. Although he probably ranks 11th on my list.

So I voted for all 10 that I'm allowed. Alomar, Bagwell, Baines, Blyleven, Larkin, McGriff, McGwire, Palmeiro, Smith, and Trammell.

I had the most trouble debating the following outfielders/DH's:  Harold Baines, Juan Gonzalez, Rafael Palmeiro, Larry Walker, Tim Raines, Dale Murphy and Edgar Martinez. Admittedly, I did not do a side-by-side stat comparison and could be talked in or out of certain players.

CarGo Cashing In

Former Silver Hawks outfielder Carlos Gonzalez is on the brink of cashing in on his huge season in 2010.  ESPN.com is reporting that he just needs to pass a physical in order to finalize a seven year, 80 million dollar deal.  Not bad, huh?

Also, as if the playing contract wasn't enough, he's also signing endorsement deals, like this one with Gillette (thanks to offical scorer Pete Yarbro for the link).

MiLB.com Checks in with Collmenter

Minor League Baseball is doing a series of 10-question interviews with players on their website, and yesterday's subject was former Silver Hawks pitcher Josh Collmenter.  He talks about his success in 2010, the Arizona Fall League, and even a little bit about his Mustache Awareness Night in South Bend during the interview.  You can read it here.

Back to Work

Well I certainly hope everyone had a great holiday season.  Mine was great and I had a lot of time to spend with family and friends.  I also was able to iron out a few wedding details with my fiancee, so it was a very productive Christmas break.

Now that it's 2011 and the baseball season starts in about three months, things are going to be incredibly busy around the Silver Hawks offices.  For one, the construction around the stadium will be hectic in order to be ready for Opening Day.  Aside from that, there are programs and media guides to be produced, tickets and advertisements to sell, and games and events to plan.  It's going to be a little crazy for the next few months, but it'll all be worth it once April 7th rolls around.

I'll try to maintain my regular posting schedule of at least one per day (and sometimes two), but if there are days where you don't see anything, just know that I haven't forgot about the blog.