Article on Bolsinger

As expected, MiLB.com wanted to talk to Mike Bolsinger after today's outstanding performance.  And why not, he tossed eight innings of one-hit ball.  You can read the article here.

Also, you heard me talk a lot on the air about the one hit and the debate over hit versus error.  To be honest, it was absolutely a hit as Ender Inciarte dove for it and had it go off his glove.  The only debate is because there was a potential no-hitter in progress, but the right call was made.  Everyone in the locker room agreed that it was a hit.

Today's Lineup - July 31st vs. West Michigan

Ender Inciarte - CF
Niko Gallego - SS
Matt Helm - 3B
Yazy Arbelo - DH
Gerson Montilla - 2B
Roberto Rodriguez - RF
Ramon Castillo - 1B
Chris Jarrett - LF
Jhoan Pimentel - C

Mike Bolsinger - SP

No pregame interview todayt, but we'll update the standings and do a MLB scoreboard look. Pregame show begins at 1:40 PM. First pitch at 2:00 PM.

Walters Traded

Obviously by now most of you have heard that Zach Walters was traded yesterday to the Washington Nationals organization in exchange for Major League pitcher Jason Marquis.  The full story can be found on www.silverhawks.com in the headlines section.

South Bend is expected to announce a corresponding move tomorrow.

This is a huge blow to the team offensively.  Already struggling to score runs, the Diamondbacks just traded away the best offensive player for the Silver Hawks.  However, as we all know, winning at the big league level takes precedent over winning in single-A and these things happen from time to time.  Now, more than ever, the other players need to take a look around and figure out who is going to step up and lead this team. 

Tonight's Lineup - July 30th vs. West Michigan

Sorry for a lack of posts today...didn't get back in until after 3 AM and had to catch up on a lot of stuff with the first day of a home stand.

Ender Inciarte - CF
Gerson Montilla - 2B
Zach Walters - DH
Matt Helm - 3B
Ramon Castillo - 1B
Roberto Ortiz - RF
Chris Jarrett - LF
Niko Gallego - SS
Jhoan Pimentel - C

Tyler Green - SP

No pregame interview tonight, but we'll update the standings and do a MLB scoreboard look. Pregame show begins at 5:10 PM. First pitch at 5:30 PM.

Tonight's Lineup - July 29th at Great Lakes

Ender Inciarte - CF
Gerson Montilla - 2B
Zach Walters - SS
Matt Helm - DH
Raywilly Gomez - C
Ramon Castillo - 1B
Roberto Rodriguez - LF
Roberto Ortiz - RF
Niko Gallego - 3B
J.R. Bradley - SP

Tonight's pregame interview is with manager Mark Haley. Pregame show begins at 6:45 PM. First pitch at 7:05 PM.

The Joys of Midland

Normally when I title a post like the above, it's some sarcastic remark about a miserable hotel or a terrible ballpark.  But today, I actually mean that I am really enjoying this trip.

First of all, the hotel here is one of the best in the league with a great restaurant (Big E's Sports Bar) attached to it. 

Secondly, the Silver Hawks are winning here with a 6-3 mark against the Loons at Dow Diamond this season.

Thirdly, I had a chance to get out and golf this morning at the Midland Country Club with Loons broadcasters Brad Golder and Matt Park.  Awesome course, but very challenging.  Unfortunately, my score ended up in the triple digits (ouch!)

The only bad part of this trip?  My hotel room had a terrible view.  See below!

Tonight's Lineup - July 28th at Great Lakes

Ender Inciarte - CF
Gerson Montilla - 2B
Zach Walters - SS
Yazy Arbelo - 1B
Matt Helm - DH
Roberto Rodriguez - RF
Niko Gallego - 3B
Chris Jarrett - LF
Jhoan Pimentel - C

Bradin Hagens - SP

Tonight's pregame interview is with Gerson Montilla (with an assist from Roberto Rodriguez as translator).  I don't do translated interviews often because they are long and difficult, but Monty's been playing so well that I wanted to get him on. Pregame show begins at 6:45 PM. First pitch at 7:05 PM.

From the notes - July 28th

South Bend Silver Hawks (13-18 Second Half, 47-53 Overall)
@ Great Lakes Loons (18-13 Second Half, 57-43 Overall)
 
Dow Diamond, Midland, Michigan – 7:05 PM Eastern Time
                                                                                 
Season Series: 8-6 Loons
@ Coveleski Stadium: 4-1 Loons
@ Dow Diamond: 5-3 Silver Hawks

Silver Hawks Team Hitting: .244 – T-12th                           
Silver Hawks Team Pitching: 3.69 ERA – 5th
Loons Team Hitting: .246 – 11th                                         
Loons Team Pitching: 3.60 ERA – 3rd

LAST GAME:  Jeff Shields (WP, 7-9) threw 7.0 scoreless innings and the South Bend Silver Hawks shut out the Great Lakes Loons 5-0 on Wednesday night.  Shields struck out three and walked three, allowing only five hits.  Meanwhile, Gerson Montilla and Zach Walters both had three hits and a RBI to lead the offensive attack.  Montilla had a solo homer in the ninth inning and Matt Helm had a two run homer in the second.  Garrett Gould (LP, 10-5) suffered the loss, allowing three runs on eight hits over 3.1 innings.  

TEAM NOTES:

·          South Bend will play only divisional opponents for the remainder of the season.  The Silver Hawks went 11-13 versus the West.

·          The Silver Hawks have 18 homers in July, the most of any month.  They had 10 each in April and June, and 15 in May.

·          Even with two homers last night, the Hawks still rank tied for last in the league in terms of total homers (53)

INDIVIDUAL NOTES:

·          Matt Helm has homered in three straight games for the second time in the last two weeks.  He also had homers in three straight games July 15-17.  All seven of his home runs have come in the second half.

·          Gerson Montilla had eight total bases last night (one homer, two doubles) – tying for the most by a Silver Hawks player this season.

·          Zach Walters ranks T-1st in hits, 7th with a .307 average, second in runs, T-3rd in total bases and 4th in XBH.

Playoff Race - 39 To Go

Did you realize that last night was game number 100?  Granted it should have been game 101, but with one rainout, last night was the 100th game played by the Silver Hawks.  That means there are 39 remaining in the regular season and it also means that these playoff race updates will become a bit more frequent on the blog. 

Without further ado, here's the playoff chase with 39 games to go in the second half.  Remember, Lansing and Bowling Green have already qualified, so they've been taken out of the mix.

Eastern Division (Top Two Make Playoffs)

Team	W	L	GB
Dayton	22	9	--
Great Lakes	18	13	-4.0
Fort Wayne	17	14	-5.0
West Michigan	16	14	-5.5
Lake County	13	18	-9.0
South Bend	13	18	-9.0

As you can see, it's time to start winning some more!

Tonight's Lineup - July 27th at Great Lakes

Ender Inciarte - CF
Gerson Montilla - 2B
Zach Walters - SS
Yazy Arbelo - 1B
Raywilly Gomez - C
Matt Helm - 3B
Roberto Rodriguez - LF
Ramon Castillo - DH
Roberto Ortiz - RF

Jeff Shields - SP

No pregame interview tonight...instead there was a lot going on in MLB the last 24 hours, so we'll review some news and notes from the Majors. Pregame show begins at 6:45 PM. First pitch at 7:05 PM. 

Collin Cowgill to Majors

Last night, former Silver Hawks outfielder Collin Cowgill was called up to the Major Leagues with the Arizona Diamondbacks.  He made his pro debut last night, but went 0-for-4.

Cowgill played with South Bend for 50 games in 2008, hitting .249 with one homer and 17 RBIs.

Cowgill is the 125th former South Bend White Sox/Silver Hawks players to make the Majors.  He joins Josh Collmenter, Evan Scribner, Bryan Shaw, and Ryan Cook as former Hakws to debut in the Majors this season. 

Tonight's Lineup - July 25th vs. Kane County

Ender Inciarte - CF

Niko Gallego - 3B

Zach Walters - SS
Yazy Arbelo - 1B
Raywilly Gomez - C
Matt Helm - DH
Roberto Ortiz - RF
Gerson Montilla - 2B
Chris Jarrett - LF

Mike Bolsinger - SP

Pregame interview with manager Mark Haley.  Pregame show begins at 6:40 PM.  First pitch at 7:00 PM.  Also, don't forget to look at the post below for former Silver Hawks updates.

Former Silver Hawks Playing in Organizations other than Arizona

This week we’ll focus on former Hawks’ players who play for other Major League organizations besides the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Orlando Mercado (Catcher) – AA Arkansas Travelers (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim)

Played for South Bend in 2006. Mercado began the season with the Arkansas Travelers (AA), but joined Salt Lake on June 5^th. Now back with the Travelers, Mercado hit .250 for AAA Salt Lake in 5 games. He is currently batting .269 with 2 HR’s and 18 RBI’s at AA Arkansas.

Pedro Ciriaco (Shortstop) – AAA Indianpolis Indians (Pittsburgh Pirates)

Played for South Bend in 2006. Recalled from AAA Indianapolis on May 21^st when Pedro Alvarez was placed on the 15-day Disabled List. Ciriaco was reassigned to AAA Indianapolis on July 22. In 7 games with the Pirates, he went 0-6 at the plate.

Leyson Septimo (Pitcher) – AA Birmingham Barons (Chicago White Sox)

Played for South Bend in 2006. Septimo began his professional career as an outfielder, but was converted to pitcher in 2008. He played outfield in his only season with the Silver Hawks. Claimed by Chicago White Sox on June 13, the lefty is 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA in 15 innings for the AA Birmingham Barons.

Danny Perales (Outfielder) – AAA Las Vegas 51s (Toronto Blue Jays)

Played for South Bend in 2007. Perales has split time between AAA Las Vegas and AA New Hampshire this season. Currently at the AAA level, he is batting .306 with 9 doubles and 27 RBI’s in 46 games for the Las Vegas 51s.

Brett Anderson (Pitcher) – Oakland Athletics

Played for South Bend in 2007. The lefty is 3-6 with a 4.00 ERA in 13 starts on the mound for the A’s, which includes one complete game. Anderson has struck out 61 and walked 25 batters, but was placed on the 15-day disabled list on June 7^th due to left elbow soreness. He underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery on July 14^th.

Chad Beck (Pitcher) – AAA Las Vegas 51s (Toronto Blue Jays)

Played for South Bend in 2007 and 2008. Beck has started one game for AAA Las Vegas after being called up from AA New Hampshire on July 24. He went 5.1 innings, giving up 4 hits , 1 earned run and striking out 7 to pick up a no-decision. He was 7-4 with a 3.69 ERA in 14 starts (22 appearances) at the AA level.

Evan Scribner (Pitcher) – AAA Tucson Padres (San Diego Padres)

Played for South Bend in 2007 and 2008. The right-hander appeared in ten games out of the bullpen for the Padres. Scribner had a 7.07 ERA in 14 innings before being reassigned to AAA Tucson. He is 2-3 with a 4.71 ERA in 28 relief appearances for the Tucson Padres.

Cesar Valdez (Pitcher) – AAA New Orleans Zephyrs (Florida Marlins)

Played for South Bend in 2007. Valdez was traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 5^th to the Florida Marlins for a player to be named later or cash considerations. With AAA New Orleans, he has a 8.38 ERA in 7 relief appearances.

Bryan Augenstein (Pitcher) – AAA Memphis Redbirds (St. Louis Cardinals)

Played for South Bend in 2008. Augenstein was placed on the 15-day DL on April 13^th due to a right groin strain and was later transferred to the 60-day disabled list on May 16^th. He was activated from the DL on June 23 and assigned to AAA. With the Memphis Redbirds, he is 2-0 with a 6.75 ERA in 12 games (1 start).

Daniel Schlereth (Pitcher) – Detroit Tigers

Played for South Bend in 2008. In 24 games out of the bullpen for the Tigers, Schlereth was 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA, 24 strikeouts, and 19 walks. He was reassigned to AAA Toledo on June 30. With the Mud Hens, Schlereth has posted a 0.87 ERA in 10.1 innings.

Reynaldo Navarro (Infielder) – AA Northwest Arkansas Natural (Kansas City Royals)

Played for South Bend in 2009. Navarro is hitting .293 with 9 RBI’s in 22 games at the AA level. He was called up from High-A Wilmington on June 30. For High-A Wilmington, Navarro hit .285 with 8 homers, 17 doubles, and 41 RBI’s in 72 games.

Scottie Allen (Pitcher) – A Charleston RiverDogs (New York Yankees)

Played for South Bend in 2010. Allen has started 6 games for the Charleston RiverDogs posting a 4-1 mark and 5.29 ERA. He was called down from High-A Tampa on June 24^th after struggling to a 7.21 ERA in 16 games (9 starts).

From the Notes - July 25th

South Bend Silver Hawks (12-17 Second Half, 46-52 Overall)
vs. Kane County Cougars (17-12 Second Half, 45-53 Overall)

Coveleski Stadium, South Bend, Indiana – 7:00 PM Eastern Time

                                                                                   

Season Series: 1-1 Tie
@ Coveleski Stadium: 1-1 Tie
@ Elfstrom Stadium: 0-0 Tie

Silver Hawks Team Hitting: .244 – 12th                              
Silver Hawks Team Pitching: 3.73 ERA – 6th

Cougars Team Hitting: .243 – T-13th                                  
Cougars Team Pitching: 3.79 ERA – T-7th

LAST GAME:  The Kane County Cougars jumped out to an early 6-0 lead and held on for a 7-5 victory over the South Bend Silver Hawks on Sunday afternoon.  Tyler Green (LP, 3-6) was roughed up for six earned runs over 3.0 innings and fell to 1-4 in the second half.  Cheslor Cuthbert had four RBIs to lead the early explosion offensively for Kane County.  Niko Gallego and Zach Walters each had two RBIs and Matt Helm hit a solo homer to lead the Silver Hawks charge, but it came up short as Jason Mitchell (WP, 1-0) and Chase Boruff (SV, 3) led the way on the mound.

TEAM NOTES:

·          Tonight’s game represents the final game against the Western Division this season.  South Bend will play only Eastern Division foes for the final 40 games of the year.  The Silver Hawks are 11-12 versus the Western Division this season.

·          At 12-17, the Silver Hawks have matched their start in the first half. 

·          The Silver Hawks have 15 homers in July, matching their total from May.  They had 10 each in April and June.

INDIVIDUAL NOTES:

·          Matt Helm has homered five times in the second half after going homerless before the all-star break.  All his HRs are solo shots.

·          Yazy Arbelo ranks 1st with 23 home runs, 76 RBIs, and 47 XBH.  He is third in total bases and walks and fourth in slugging.

·          Zach Walters ranks 8th with a .303 average, second in runs, third in hits and fourth in total bases and XBH.

MILESTONE WATCH:

·          Yazy Arbelo is 2nd on Hawks single season leader board with 23 homers.  He needs three to break Billy Martin’s (2000) record of 25.

·          Arbelo is also T-4th on Hawks’ career home run leader board.  Nilson Robledo has the career record with 36 from 1991 - 1995.

Today's Lineup - July 24 vs. Kane County

Ender Inciarte - CF

Niko Gallego - 2B

Zach Walters - SS

Yazy Arbelo - 1B

Raywilly Gomez - C

Matt Helm - 3B

Roberto Rodriguez - RF

Ramon Castillo - DH

Chris Jarrett - LF

Tyler Green - SP

No pregame interview today. Instead, we'll take a look at the Midwest League standings and the scoreboards for both the Midwest League and Major Leagues. Pregame show begins at 1:40 PM. First pitch at 2:00 PM.

Tonight's Lineup - July 23 vs. Kane County

Ender Inciarte - CF

Gerson Montilla - 2B

Raywilly Gomez - C

Yazy Arbelo - 1B

Matt Helm - 3B

Roberto Rodriguez - LF

Ramon Castillo - DH

Roberto Ortiz - RF

Niko Gallego - SS

J.R. Bradley - SP

The pregame interview is with outfielder Roberto Ortiz. Pregame show begins at 5:10 PM. First pitch at 5:30 PM.

Yazy Arbelo HR Breakdown

Yazy Arbelo has hit 23 home runs through 96 games this season, so who hasn't he homered against? As you might expect, there aren't many teams he hasn't taken deep.

Bowling Green Hot Rods: 2 (5/15, 6/18)

Dayton Dragons: 3 (5/4, 5/5, 7/9)

Fort Wayne TinCaps: 2 (4/10, 4/23)

Great Lakes Loons: 2 (4/20, 5/1)

Lake County Captains: 3 (4/28, 4/30, 7/2)

Lansing Lugnuts: 3 (5/17, 2 on 5/18)

West Michigan Whitecaps: 3 (5/10, 6/25, 6/27)

Beloit Snappers: 1 (7/14)

Burlington Bees: 1 (6/8)

Cedar Rapids Kernels: 1 (6/1)

Quad Cities River Bandits: 1 (6/5)

Wisconsin Timber Rattlers: 1 (7/16)

That leaves the Clinton LumberKings and Peoria Chiefs as the only Midwest League teams that have not given up a home run to Yazy Arbelo. Of course, the Kane County Cougars have also not allowed a Yazy Arbelo homer, but that's because they play the Silver Hawks for the first time this season tonight. We'll see in the next three days if Arbelo can make it 13 teams that he's taken deep in the Midwest league.

Tonight's Lineup - July 22nd vs. Clinton

Ender Inciarte - CF
Gerson Montilla - DH
Zach Walters - SS
Yazy Arbelo - 1B
Raywilly Gomez - C
Matt Helm - 3B
Roberto Ortiz - RF
Chris Jarrett - LF
Niko Gallego - 2B

Jeff Shields - SP

The pregame interview is with manager Mark Haley. Pregame show begins at 7:10 PM. First pitch at 7:30 PM.

From the Notes - July 22nd

South Bend Silver Hawks (11-15 Second Half, 45-50 Overall)
vs. Clinton LumberKings (13-13 Second Half, 37-59 Overall)

Coveleski Stadium, South Bend, Indiana – 7:30 PM Eastern Time

                                                                                   

Season Series: 2-0 Silver Hawks
@ Coveleski Stadium: 2-0 Silver Hawks
@ Alliant Energy Field: 0-0 Tie

Silver Hawks Team Hitting: .244 – T-13th                              
Silver Hawks Team Pitching: 3.68 ERA – 5th

LumberKings Team Hitting: .230 – 16th                 
LumberKings Team Pitching: 4.05 ERA – 14th

LAST GAME:  Matt Helm had two doubles and four RBIs on Thursday night, leading the South Bend Silver Hawks to an 8-6 win over the Clinton LumberKings.  Helm tied his season high in runs batted in and helped the team overcome a deficit with a three-run double in the bottom of the fifth inning.  Jeff Shields (WP, 6-9) allowed four solo homers and five runs total, but still managed to walk away with the win.  Nate Reed (LP, 2-3) took the loss, allowing seven runs (four earned) in 5.0 innings.  Roberto Rodriguez also had two RBIs for the Silver Hawks.

TEAM NOTES:

·          The next four games represent the final games against the Western Division this season.  South Bend will play only Eastern Division foes for the final 40 games of the year.  The Silver Hawks are 10-10 versus the Western Division this season.

·          At 11-15, the Silver Hawks have bettered their start through 26 games from the first half when they were just 9-17. 

INDIVIDUAL NOTES:

·          Helm’s four RBI night yesterday was his second of the season.

·          Roberto Ortiz has hits in five straight games, a new season high for him.  He did not play in last night’s game.

·          Yazy Arbelo ranks 1st with 23 home runs, 76 RBIs, and 46 XBH.  He is third in total bases and walks and fourth in slugging.

·          Zach Walters is on a 6 game streak and ranks 8th with a .304 average, second in runs, third in hits and fourth in total bases and XBH.

Jersey Photos from Last Night

Thought some of you might like to see the jerseys that the players wore on Pirate Night at the Cove last night.  Photos courtesy of Matt Tomenko.  Thanks Matt!

Ender Inciarte - CF

Gerson Montilla - 2B

Zach Walters - SS
Yazy Arbelo - 1B
Raywilly Gomez - DH
Matt Helm - 3B
Roberto Rodriguez - RF
Jhoan Pimentel - C
Chris Jarrett - LF

Jeff Shields - SP

The pregame interview is with Raywilly Gomez. Pregame show begins at 6:40 PM. First pitch at 7:00 PM.

Tough Debut for Cook

Last night, former Silver Hawks pitcher Ryan Cook made his MLB debut.  Unfortunately, it's one that he would like to forget.  He took over in a 2-2 tie in the top of the tenth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers, and here's what happened:

Kotsay singles through the hole at shortstop.
Wild pitch moves Kotsay to second.
Hart walks.
Cook balks moving runners to second and third.
Morgan with a RBI single.
Braun with a RBI single.
Cook taken out.

After he was removed, Morgan ended up scoring on another hit.

So if you're counting, that's 0.0 innings pitched, three runs, all earned, a walk, a wild pitch, and a balk in his MLB debut.  I think it's safe to say the nerves got the best of him.

Even still, he's in the majors, which is a lot better than most of us can say.  Good luck Ryan the rest of the way!

Former Hawk Called Up to the Majors

The Arizona Diamondbacks announced today that former South Bend Silver Hawks pitcher Ryan Cook has been called up to the Major Leagues.

When he appears in a game, he will become the 124th former South Bend White Sox/Silver Hawks player to make the Majors. He joins Josh Collmenter, Evan Scribner, and Bryan Shaw as former Hawks to debut this year in the Majors. Cook is also the first player from the 2009 squad to make the big leagues.

Cook was with South Bend for 25 games in 2009, going 11-11 with a 3.66 ERA, all as a starter. He was pitching in relief with double-A Mobile before getting the call.

Tonight's Lineup - July 20 vs. Clinton

Ender Inciarte - CF

Niko Gallego - 3B

Zach Walters - SS

Yazy Arbelo - 1B

Raywilly Gomez - C

Matt Helm - DH

Roberto Rodriguez - LF

Roberto Ortiz - RF

Gerson Montilla - 2B

Mike Bolsinger - SP

The pregame interview is with Matt Helm. Pregame show begins at 6:40 PM. First pitch at 7:00 PM.

From The Notes - July 20th

South Bend Silver Hawks (9-15 Second Half, 43-50 Overall)
vs. Clinton LumberKings (13-11 Second Half, 37-57 Overall)

Coveleski Stadium, South Bend, Indiana – 7:00 PM Eastern Time
                                                                                   
Season Series: 0-0 Tie
@ Coveleski Stadium: 0-0 Tie
@ Alliant Energy Field: 0-0 Tie

Silver Hawks Team Hitting: .243 – 13th                                 
Silver Hawks Team Pitching: 3.68 ERA – 6th

LumberKings Team Hitting: .229 – 16th                 
LumberKings Team Pitching: 4.00 ERA – 13th

LAST GAME:  The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers used three home runs to rout the South Bend Silver Hawks on Monday afternoon by a 9-3 final score.  Greg Hopkins hit two homers and drove in four while Chad Stang added a solo blast to pace the Rattlers attack.  Tyler Green (LP, 3-5) suffered the loss with three runs allowed in five innings while Patrick Schuster (ND) was roughed up for six runs in 2.0 innings.  Brooks Hall (WP, 5-2) held South Bend to just two hits in seven innings for the win.  Zach Walters had a two run homer for South Bend.

TEAM NOTES:

·          The next six games represent the final games against the Western Division this season.  South Bend will play only Eastern Division foes for the final 40 games of the year.

·          At 9-15, the Silver Hawks have bettered their start through 24 games from the first half when they were just 8-16. 

INDIVIDUAL NOTES:

·          Matt Helm homered in three straight games Friday through Sunday.  He was 0-4 in Monday’s finale at Wisconsin.

·          Yazy Arbelo ranks 1st with 23 home runs, 74 RBIs, and 46 XBH.  He is third in total bases and walks and fourth in slugging.

·          Zach Walters ranks 9th with a .302 average.  He’s also second in runs, third in hits and fourth in total bases.

·          Raywilly Gomez is on a six game hitting streak, tying his season high.

Playoff Race - 46 To Go

Is it still too early to be doing this?  Probably.
Am I still going to do it anyhow?  Definitely.

Here's the playoff chase with 46 games to go in the second half.  Remember, Lansing and Bowling Green have already qualified, so they've been taken out of the mix.

Eastern Division (Top Two Make Playoffs)

Team	W	L	GB
Dayton	16	8	--
Great Lakes	14	10	-2.0
West Michigan	13	11	-3.0
Fort Wayne	12	12	-4.0
Lake County	9	15	-7.0
South Bend	9	15	-7.0

Former Hawks (2009-11) in the Diamondbacks Organization

This week we'll take a look at former Silver Hawks (2009-2011) who are still playing in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization.

Jacob Elmore (Infielder) – AA Mobile BayBears

Played for South Bend in 2009. In his second straight season with Mobile, Elmore is batting .286 with 2 homers, 12 doubles and 32 RBIs.

Marc Krauss (Outfielder) – AA Mobile BayBears

Played for South Bend in 2009. Krauss has posted a .234 batting average with 12 home runs and 40 RBI’s. He was named to the 2011 Southern League Mid-Season All-Star team.

Alfredo Marte (Outfielder) – High-A Visalia Rawhide

Played for South Bend in 2009. Marte has split time between AA Mobile and High-A Visalia this season. While with the Rawhide, the outfielder has hit .290 with 3 home runs in 69 at-bats. For Mobile, Marte batted .233 with one homer in 43 at-bats.

Rossmel Perez (Catcher) – High-A Visalia Rawhide

Played for South Bend in 2009. Perez was selected to the California League Mid-Season All-Star in his second straight season at Visalia. This season, the catcher is batting .285 for the Rawhide.

A.J. Pollock (Outfielder) – AA Mobile BayBears

Played for South Bend in 2009. The former Notre Dame standout has starred for the BayBears this season. Pollock is currently batting .306 with 28 doubles, 6 homers, and 56 RBI’s.

Ryan Wheeler (Infielder) – AA Mobile BayBears

Played for South Bend in 2009. Wheeler is batting .310 with 11 home runs 22 doubles, and 66 RBI’s for the BayBears this season.

Ryan Cook (Pitcher) – AA Mobile BayBears

Played for South Bend in 2009. Cook has posted a 1-4 record, a 2.25 ERA, and 13 saves in 34 relief appearances for AA Mobile.

Trevor Harden (Pitcher) – High-A Visalia Rawhide

Played for South Bend in 2009. The righty has started 17 of his 18 appearances on the mound for the Rawhide this season. Harden has 2 wins and 8 losses with a 6.59 ERA. He has allowed 116 hits and walked 54 in 95.2 innings.

Wade Miley (Pitcher) – AAA Reno Aces

Played for South Bend in 2009. Miley began the season with Mobile, but was promoted to AAA Reno on July 1^st. In three starts for the Aces, the lefty is 3-0 with a 3.43 ERA in 21 innings.

Yonata Ortega (Pitcher) – High-A Visalia Rawhide

Played for South Bend in 2009 and 2010. Ortega is 4-1 with a 4.81 ERA in 34 games as a reliever for High-A Visalia. He has struck out 58 batters in 39.1 innings.

Taylor Sinclair (Pitcher) – High-A Visalia Rawhide

Played for South Bend in 2009. The lefty reliever is 4-1 with a 3.05 ERA in 28 games for the Rawhide. In 41.1 innings, Sinclair has struck out 50 and walked 13.

Eric Smith (Pitcher) – High-A Visalia Rawhide

Played for South Bend in 2009 and 2010. In 19 starts on the mound this season, Smith has a 3-10 record. The righty has a 6.95 ERA and has given up 144 hits and 50 walks in 101 innings.

Brad Wilson (Pitcher) – Short-Season A Yakima Bears

Played for South Bend in 2009 and 2010. Wilson pitched in 3 games for the BayBears, but was assigned to Short-Season Yakima on June 16^th. In seven starts on the mound for the Yakima Bears, the righty is 2-2 with a 4.10 ERA. He has thrown 37.1 innings, striking out 34 and walking 19.

Bryan Woodall (Pitcher) – AA Mobile BayBears

Played for South Bend in 2009. Woodall is 3-2 with a 3.09 ERA as a reliever for AA Mobile. He has picked up 3 saves and struck out 47 batters in 46.2 innings.

Bobby Borchering (Infielder) – High-A Visalia Rawhide

Played for South Bend in 2010. Borchering is hitting .266 in 90 games for the Rawhide. The infielder has doubled 17 times and blasted 18 home runs, while also picking up 58 RBI’s.

Keon Broxton (Outfielder) – High-A Visalia Rawhide

Played for South Bend in 2010 and 2011. Broxton began the season with the Silver Hawks and was promoted to High-A Visalia on April 30^th. Since then, Broxton has hit .242, walking 36 times and swiping 19 bases.

Matthew Davidson (Infielder) – High-A Visalia Rawhide

Played for South Bend in 2010. Davidson is batting .281 at High-A Visalia. The first baseman has 10 home runs, 28 doubles, and 71 RBI’s.

Jae Yun Kim (Catcher) – Short-Season A Yakima Bears

Played for South Bend in 2010. Jae Yun Kim has a .200 batting average in 55 at-bats through 19 games with the Bears.

David Nick (Infielder) – High-A Visalia Rawhide

Played for South Bend in 2010. Nick is hitting .292 with 9 homers, 23 doubles, and 39 RBI’s this season at High-A Visalia.

Chris Owings (Infielder) – High-A Visalia Rawhide

Played for South Bend in 2010. Owings has 7 home runs, 19 doubles, and 31 RBI’s while hitting .249 in 79 games for the Rawhide.

Chase Anderson (Pitcher) – High-A Visalia Rawhide

Played for South Bend in 2010. The righty has a 1-1 record and 5.40 ERA in three starts on the mound at High-Visalia. He has struck out 20 in 13.1 innings.

Mike Belfiore (Pitcher) – High-A Visalia Rawhide

Played for South Bend in 2010. Belfiore has started 8 of his 20 appearances on the hill. The left-hander is 1-2 with a 5.83 ERA in 54 innings.

Charles Brewer (Pitcher) – AA Mobile BayBears

Played for South Bend in 2010. In 8 starts, Brewer is 4-1 with a 3.03 earned run average. He is currently on the DL, not having pitched since June 2^nd for the BayBears.

Brian Budrow (Pitcher) – High-A Visalia Rawhide

Played for South Bend in 2010 and 2011. Since being promoted to High-A Visalia on May 9^th from South Bend, Budrow has gone 3-2 with a 5.88 ERA in 17 relief appearances.

Derek Eitel (Pitcher) – High-A Visalia Rawhide

Played for South Bend in 2010. Eitel is 5-6 with a 5.48 ERA in 18 total appearances (15 starts) for the Rawhide. Eitel was called up to AAA Reno on July 3^rd and re-assigned to High-A Visalia on July 4^th. He pitched three innings for the Aces, giving up 3 hits, 3 runs, and 3 walks.

Kevin Munson (Pitcher) – High-A Visalia Rawhide

Played for South Bend in 2010. The right-hander has posted a 2-3 mark and 4.89 ERA in 29 relief appearances for the Rawhide. Munson has 44 strikeouts and 32 walks in 35 innings.

Diogenes Rosario (Pitcher) – High-A Visalia Rawhide

Played for South Bend in 2010. Rosario has 9 starts in 23 total appearances on the hill for the Rawhide. The righty has posted 5-3 record and 4.42 ERA in 73.1 innings.

Tyler Skaggs (Pitcher) – AA Mobile BayBears

Played for South Bend in 2010. Skaggs was promoted to AA Mobile from High-A Visalia on July 11^th. The lefty lost his debut start with the BayBears on July 15^th. Skaggs gave up 5 runs (4 earned) in 4 innings, while striking out 6 and walking 2. He was 5-5 with a 3.22 ERA in 17 starts for the Rawhide before being promoted.

Dan Taylor (Pitcher) – High-A Visalia

Played for South Bend in 2010 and 2011. The left-hander has appeared in 3 games out of the bullpen for the Rawhide since being called up from South Bend on July 11^th. In those 3 games, Taylor has given up 5 runs (3 earned) on 6 hits and 2 walks in 4.1 innings. He posted a 3-2 mark and 1.97 ERA in 21 games for the Silver Hawks in 2011.

Adam Worthington (Pitcher) – High-A Visalia Rawhide

Played for South Bend in 2010. Worthington is 2-3 with a 4.20 ERA and 2 saves as a reliever for High-A Visalia. The righty has tossed 45 innings in 29 appearances, striking out 51 and walking 18.

Raul Navarro (Infielder) – Short-Season A Yakima Bears

Played for South Bend in 2011. Navarro is hitting .183 for Short-Season Yakima through 22 games. He has doubled once, tripled twice, and picked up 6 RBI’s. With South Bend this season, Navarro hit .205 in 45 games.

David Holmberg (Pitcher) – High-A Visalia Rawhide

Played for South Bend in 2011. Holmberg is 1-1 with a 4.03 ERA in 4 starts since being called up to High-A Visalia on June 30^th. Holmberg was 8-3 with a 2.39 ERA in 14 starts for the Silver Hawks this season.

Greg Robinson (Pitcher) – Short-Season A Yakima Bears

Played for South Bend 2011. Robinson has an 0-2 record and 5.54 ERA in 13 innings for the Yakima Bears this season. The right-handed reliever pitched in 3 games for the Silver Hawks in 2011, going 0-1 in 4.1 innings (6 hits, 2 runs, 4 strikeouts).

Today's Lineup - July 18th at Wisconsin

Ender Inciarte - CF
Gerson Montilla - 2B
Zach Walters - SS
Yazy Arbelo - 1B
Matt Helm - 3B
Roberto Rodriguez - DH
Roberto Ortiz - RF
Chris Jarrett - LF
Jhoan Pimentel - C

Tyler Green - SP

We will have an early scoreboard look in the pregame show rather than an interview. Pregame coverage at 12:45 PM Eastern Time. First pitch at 1:05 PM Eastern.

Longest Broadcast of My Career

It's official.  The four hours and 49 minutes of game time is the longest that I've ever been on the microphone.

I went back and looked at all the games played by Dayton (2006-2008) and South Bend (2009-2011) and that's the longest by four minutes.  It was not the longest in terms of innings, as I've been a part of a couple of 15 inning games.

Either way, it was long and hot, but I'm very happy it ended in a win.

Today's Lineup - July 17th at Wisconsin

Ender Inciarte - CF
Niko Gallego - 2B
Zach Walters - SS
Yazy Arbelo - 1B
Raywilly Gomez - C
Matt Helm - 3B
Roberto Rodriguez - LF
Gerson Montilla - DH
Roberto Ortiz - RF

J.R. Bradley - SP

We will have an early scoreboard look in the pregame show rather than an interview.  Pregame coverage at 1:45 PM Eastern Time.  First pitch at 2:05 PM Eastern.

Tonight's Lineup - July 16th at Wisconsin

Ender Inciarte - CF
Niko Gallego - DH
Zach Walters - SS
Yazy Arbelo - 1B
Raywilly Gomez - C
Matt Helm - 3B
Roberto Rodriguez - LF
Gerson Montilla - 2B
Roberto Ortiz - RF

Bradin Hagens - SP

The pregame interview tonight is with manager Mark Haley.  First pitch tonight at 7:35 PM Eastern Time.  Pregame show at 7:15 PM Eastern Time.

From the Notes - July 16th

South Bend Silver Hawks (7-14 Second Half, 41-49 Overall)
@ Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (9-12 Second Half, 47-44 Overall)
 
Fox Cities Stadium, Appleton, Wisconsin – 7:35 PM Eastern Time
                                                                                   
Season Series: 0-0 Tie
@ Coveleski Stadium: 0-0 Tie
@ Fox Cities Stadium: 0-0 Tie

Silver Hawks Team Hitting: .243 – 12th                              
Silver Hawks Team Pitching: 3.63 ERA – 5th

Timber Rattlers Team Hitting: .254 – 6th                            
Timber Rattlers Team Pitching: 3.92 ERA – 12th

LAST GAME:  The offense finally woke up on Friday as the Silver Hawks scored 10 runs on 12 hits in a 10-2 rout of the Beloit Snappers.  Matt Helm and Gerson Montilla both had two hits and two RBIs, including solo homers for both.  Yazy Arbelo also drove in two runs while Niko Gallego collected three hits and Ender Inciarte scored three runs.  Jeff Shields (WP, 5-9) benefitted from all the runs, earning the win in his fifth straight quality start.  Ryan O’Rourke (LP, 2-2) suffered the defeat, allowing four runs over 4.0 innings in the starting role for Beloit.

TEAM NOTES:

·          The Silver Hawks went 3-6 on a nine game road trip in first half.  They are 2-4 on this nine game road trip.

·          South Bend is just 3-12 in the Central Time Zone this season (1-5 @ BG, 0-3 @ PEO, 1-2 @ BUR, 1-2 @ BEL)

·          The 10 runs and 12 hits last night are the biggest offensive explosion since July 2nd when the Hawks scored 15 runs at Lake County.

INDIVIDUAL NOTES:

·          Yazy Arbelo ranks 1st with 22 home runs, 71 RBIs, and 45 XBH.  He is second in total bases and fourth in slugging and walks.

·          Zach Walters ranks 9th with a .302 average.  He’s also second in runs, third in hits and fourth in total bases.

·          Second half averages: Arbelo (.135); Castillo (.154); Gallego (.214), Gomez (.268); Helm (.212); Inciarte (.182); Jarrett (.184); Montilla (.250); Ortiz (.143); Pimentel (.200); Rodriguez (.204); Walters (.256);

The Joys of Travel

Typically, the travel in this league is not that bad because the hotels are used to the team arriving at odd hours.  Unfortunately, this trip has not been one of those easy trips.

Let me start by saying that it really hasn't been that bad, but I'm just trying to give you insight into the life of a Minor Leaguer. 

First of all, I noted that the Rodeway Inn in Beloit was fairly miserable.  Don't believe, check out the picture below and draw your own conclusions (not shown is the rest of the store front that the hotel is attached to with the big PUB letters shining brightly).

Earlier this week, our trainer called the hotel in Appleton to confirm our reservations for Friday - Sunday night.  As it turns out, the hotel messed up our reservation and gave away our rooms for Friday (this is more common than you think, since we were technically arriving at 2 AM on Saturday morning, but we actually needed the rooms for "Friday night"). 

The good news is that we found this out a few days in advance, and were able to set up reservations at another hotel in Appleton.  So we arrived at the Best Western at about 2 AM Saturday morning, stayed there 12 noon, and then we got on the bus and drove a mile down the road to the Microtel Inn and Suites (and the term suite is used loosely).  Unfortunately, despite the fact that they knew we were coming at noon, all the rooms weren't ready yet.  Thankfully, we only had to hang out in the lobby for 10 minutes or so before they let us all go to our rooms -- despite the fact that some of them were missing sheets, etc.

Fun times on the road, huh?

Tonight's Lineup - July 15th

Ender Inciarte - CF
Niko Gallego - 3B
Zach Walters - SS
Yazy Arbelo - 1B
Raywilly Gomez - C
Matt Helm - DH
Roberto Rodriguez - RF
Gerson Montilla - 2B
Chris Jarrett - LF

Jeff Shields - SP

The pregame interview tonight is part two with Paul Molitor.  Pregame show begins at 7:40 PM. First pitch at 8:00 PM Eastern Time.

Roster Move - Sort Of

LHP Patrick Schuster has been placed on the suspended list.  This is for throwing at Chris Jacobs during that incident on July 7th.  This really isn't a big deal because it's a three game suspension (Friday-Sunday) and he's not scheduled to pitch again until Monday night in relief of Tyler Green.

Anyhow, there you have it.