Today was graduation day for the Latin players who have been taking English classes all season. Many people don't realize that they take classes in the morning all summer long, well before the rest of the players arrive to the ballpark. The dedication from these players is remarkable, not only towards baseball but in becoming engrained in the American culture that they are very much a part of.
Congratulations to the guys who have done an excellent job learning the English language and culture, and well done on their presentation today.
Those that were part of the ceremony today include:
Victor Capellan
Eury De La Rosa
Raywilly Gomez
Jhoan Pimentel
Ramon Castillo
Gerson Montilla
Ender Inciarte
Roberto Rodriguez
Showing posts with label Ramon Castillo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ramon Castillo. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
Let's Talk About Last Night
Okay, so an interesting game last night at Coveleski Stadium. Let's pick things up in the top of the fifth...
Chris Jacobs plowed Ramon Castillo at the plate to score the 7th run of the night for the Loons. Castillo was airborne to catch a high throw and defenseless and it appeared that Jacobs went out of his way to run him over when a simple slide would have easily scored the run.
I said last night that I felt it was a dirty play, but the intent was not to hurt Castillo. It's a play that should not have happened, but Jacobs certainly did not want to injure Castillo or give him a concussion (which after the game I found out Castillo went to the hospital with concussion symptoms).
Fast forward to the seventh inning, and Chris Jacobs comes back to the plate. Basically, everyone in the stadium knew that he was going to get hit. I am not a big fan of intentionally hitting a batter, but in baseball, the players basically police themselves and Patrick Schuster had to stand up for his teammate. Schuster hit Jacobs in the legs (and I applaud him for not going head hunting) and home plate umpire Mike Patterson immediately tossed Schuster.
Two things happened next that I felt escalated the situation. First of all, Jacobs reacted like he couldn't believe they threw out him. I think that he should have expected it because of his dirty play, dropped the bat, and run to first base. Instead, he reacted aggessively which resulted in the benches emptying.
The next thing that happened is something I found out after the game. Manager Mark Haley asked umpire Mike Patterson why Schuster was ejected (benches had not been warned). Apparently, the umpire told Haley that Schuster mouthed-off after hitting Jacobs and that's why he got tossed. However, that simply cannot be true because everyone saw Patterson eject Schuster immediately. That's why Mark Haley argued to the point of being tossed -- he felt the umpire lied to him.
Here's hoping cooler heads prevail today. I would imagine that Jacobs might get a day off. By the way, I applaud Loons manager John Shoemaker for the way he handled everything. I thought he showed a lot of class in showing concern for the injured Castillo and for the way he tried to calm Jacobs down.
Just my thoughts...your mileage may vary.
Chris Jacobs plowed Ramon Castillo at the plate to score the 7th run of the night for the Loons. Castillo was airborne to catch a high throw and defenseless and it appeared that Jacobs went out of his way to run him over when a simple slide would have easily scored the run.
I said last night that I felt it was a dirty play, but the intent was not to hurt Castillo. It's a play that should not have happened, but Jacobs certainly did not want to injure Castillo or give him a concussion (which after the game I found out Castillo went to the hospital with concussion symptoms).
Fast forward to the seventh inning, and Chris Jacobs comes back to the plate. Basically, everyone in the stadium knew that he was going to get hit. I am not a big fan of intentionally hitting a batter, but in baseball, the players basically police themselves and Patrick Schuster had to stand up for his teammate. Schuster hit Jacobs in the legs (and I applaud him for not going head hunting) and home plate umpire Mike Patterson immediately tossed Schuster.
Two things happened next that I felt escalated the situation. First of all, Jacobs reacted like he couldn't believe they threw out him. I think that he should have expected it because of his dirty play, dropped the bat, and run to first base. Instead, he reacted aggessively which resulted in the benches emptying.
The next thing that happened is something I found out after the game. Manager Mark Haley asked umpire Mike Patterson why Schuster was ejected (benches had not been warned). Apparently, the umpire told Haley that Schuster mouthed-off after hitting Jacobs and that's why he got tossed. However, that simply cannot be true because everyone saw Patterson eject Schuster immediately. That's why Mark Haley argued to the point of being tossed -- he felt the umpire lied to him.
Here's hoping cooler heads prevail today. I would imagine that Jacobs might get a day off. By the way, I applaud Loons manager John Shoemaker for the way he handled everything. I thought he showed a lot of class in showing concern for the injured Castillo and for the way he tried to calm Jacobs down.
Just my thoughts...your mileage may vary.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Today's Roster Move - June 24th
So I'll have a few more posts later today, but I figured I should get back to blogging by letting you know about today's roster move.
INF Ramon Castillo returns to South Bend from AAA Reno.
INF Raul Navarro sent to short-season A Yakima.
Analysis: Not a big surprise here. Castillo moved up to fill-in with Reno due to an injury. Navarro has been struggling, and as one of the younger players on the team, he's better suited in a lower level now that they have started up. Expect Navarro back with South Bend to start next season and hopefully with better numbers in 2012.
INF Ramon Castillo returns to South Bend from AAA Reno.
INF Raul Navarro sent to short-season A Yakima.
Analysis: Not a big surprise here. Castillo moved up to fill-in with Reno due to an injury. Navarro has been struggling, and as one of the younger players on the team, he's better suited in a lower level now that they have started up. Expect Navarro back with South Bend to start next season and hopefully with better numbers in 2012.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Monday's Roster Move
INF/C Ramon Castillo promoted to AAA Reno.
INF Gerson Montilla joins team from extended spring training.
Analysis: When a player jumps from South Bend to Reno, it's because they need someone to fill in for a few days (or a week, or two weeks). Castillo was most likely selected because he can play multiple positions (first, third, catcher) and also serve as the bullpen catcher. At the same time, he has an opportunity to showcase his skills for higher-ups in the organization.
Montilla played in double-A and high-A Visalia last season, but struggled in the advanced levels. You can read the full press release here.
INF Gerson Montilla joins team from extended spring training.
Analysis: When a player jumps from South Bend to Reno, it's because they need someone to fill in for a few days (or a week, or two weeks). Castillo was most likely selected because he can play multiple positions (first, third, catcher) and also serve as the bullpen catcher. At the same time, he has an opportunity to showcase his skills for higher-ups in the organization.
Montilla played in double-A and high-A Visalia last season, but struggled in the advanced levels. You can read the full press release here.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Tonight's Lineup - April 29th at Lake County
Keon Broxton - CF
Mike Freeman - 2B
Zach Walters - DH
Matt Helm - 3B
Ramon Castillo - 1B
Raywilly Gomez - C
Chris Jarrett - RF
Bobby Stone - LF
Raul Navarro - SS
Bradin Hagens - P
Tonight's pregame interview is with Ramon Castillo. English is a second language for Ramon, and if you listen to the interview, you'll know immediately that it's his second language. At the same time, despite the accent, you can understand what he is saying and I feel that it's very important for me to talk to all the players throughout the year. I don't use a translator often, and I felt that we could get by without one for this interview.
Pregame show starts at 6:40 PM. First pitch at 7:00 PM Eastern Time.
Mike Freeman - 2B
Zach Walters - DH
Matt Helm - 3B
Ramon Castillo - 1B
Raywilly Gomez - C
Chris Jarrett - RF
Bobby Stone - LF
Raul Navarro - SS
Bradin Hagens - P
Tonight's pregame interview is with Ramon Castillo. English is a second language for Ramon, and if you listen to the interview, you'll know immediately that it's his second language. At the same time, despite the accent, you can understand what he is saying and I feel that it's very important for me to talk to all the players throughout the year. I don't use a translator often, and I felt that we could get by without one for this interview.
Pregame show starts at 6:40 PM. First pitch at 7:00 PM Eastern Time.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Owen's Spring Training Report - Thursday Morning
Hello from the press box at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Arizona. I am here with 3 other staff members from the Silver Hawks for a couple of days to check out the new Diamondbacks complex and report on what I seet.
This morning, we were fortunate enough to get a tour of the new facilities (photos below) from Susan Webner, who is Arizona's Minor League Administration Manager. She basically handles all the details of player movement (travel, etc.) and keeps the affiliates and the various managers up to date on who is going where.
After that, we watched a couple of scrimmage games between the various Minor League teams. It seemed as if Reno was playing Mobile and Visalia was playing South Bend (and rookie clubs).
A few notes on former Silver Hawks:
-Ramon Castillo is catching now since there is a logjam at first base in the system. He also has a full head of flowing hair.
-Bradin Hagens is being moved to a starting role, and we could possibly see him back in South Bend this season if he doesn't make Visalia.
-I had a chance to talk briefly with Charles Brewer, who is slated for double-A Mobile (along with Wade Miley, who I saw pitch an inning). I also said hello to Tyler Skaggs, who is impressing a lot of people this spring.
-Matt Helm took a minute to make fun of how pasty white my legs are (I've been in South Bend for 2 years and I have red hair -- what does he expect?), but he also mentioned that he's likely going to be back with the Silver Hawks to play third base (his natural position).
-I also saw Rossmel Perez walking around with a big cast/wrap on his hand. It appeared to be a thumb injury as best I can tell.
I'll have a lot more later, but for now, enjoy some photos of the facilities.
This morning, we were fortunate enough to get a tour of the new facilities (photos below) from Susan Webner, who is Arizona's Minor League Administration Manager. She basically handles all the details of player movement (travel, etc.) and keeps the affiliates and the various managers up to date on who is going where.
After that, we watched a couple of scrimmage games between the various Minor League teams. It seemed as if Reno was playing Mobile and Visalia was playing South Bend (and rookie clubs).
A few notes on former Silver Hawks:
-Ramon Castillo is catching now since there is a logjam at first base in the system. He also has a full head of flowing hair.
-Bradin Hagens is being moved to a starting role, and we could possibly see him back in South Bend this season if he doesn't make Visalia.
-I had a chance to talk briefly with Charles Brewer, who is slated for double-A Mobile (along with Wade Miley, who I saw pitch an inning). I also said hello to Tyler Skaggs, who is impressing a lot of people this spring.
-Matt Helm took a minute to make fun of how pasty white my legs are (I've been in South Bend for 2 years and I have red hair -- what does he expect?), but he also mentioned that he's likely going to be back with the Silver Hawks to play third base (his natural position).
-I also saw Rossmel Perez walking around with a big cast/wrap on his hand. It appeared to be a thumb injury as best I can tell.
I'll have a lot more later, but for now, enjoy some photos of the facilities.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Tonight's Lineup - August 6th
South Bend wraps up an important series with Bowling Green tonight. The Silver Hawks won the first two games but Bowling Green took game three last night. South Bend can clinch a series victory with a W tonight.
Keon Broxton - CF
Victor Estevez - SS
Bobby Borchering - 3B
Matt Davidson - DH
Ramon Castillo - 1B
Andrew Fie - LF
David Narodowski - 2B
Tyson Van Winkle - C
Ender Inciarte - RF
Mike Belfiore - SP
Tonight's pregame interview will be with Silver Hawks first baseman Ramon Castillo about his strong season and being from Panama.
Pre-game coverage starts at 7:45 PM Eastern Time with first pitch at 8:05 PM.
Keon Broxton - CF
Victor Estevez - SS
Bobby Borchering - 3B
Matt Davidson - DH
Ramon Castillo - 1B
Andrew Fie - LF
David Narodowski - 2B
Tyson Van Winkle - C
Ender Inciarte - RF
Mike Belfiore - SP
Tonight's pregame interview will be with Silver Hawks first baseman Ramon Castillo about his strong season and being from Panama.
Pre-game coverage starts at 7:45 PM Eastern Time with first pitch at 8:05 PM.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
WSBT Story on Ramon Castillo
WSBT TV did a story on Silver Hawks infielder Ramon Castillo.
If you missed it, you can catch the video (or text) at their website.
And speaking of WSBT...manager Mark Haley will be on WSBT Radio tonight, just after 6 PM on Weekday Sportsbeat.
If you missed it, you can catch the video (or text) at their website.
And speaking of WSBT...manager Mark Haley will be on WSBT Radio tonight, just after 6 PM on Weekday Sportsbeat.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
From the Notes - Offense Edition
Here are some tidbits from today's media notes, sticking strictly with the offense today:
• Keon Broxton tripled again Wednesday and now has a franchise record 14 on the season (previous record was 12 by Victor Hall in 2001). He leads all of MiLB with the 14 triples.
• Matt Davidson ranks 1st in the league with 61 RBIs and is on an 11 game hitting streak (15 RBIs in the 11 games).
• Bobby Borchering has hit in nine straight games – his longest hitting streak of the season.
• Ramon Castillo has hits in 20 of his first 21 games with South Bend, including four homers and 17 RBIs.
• Keon Broxton tripled again Wednesday and now has a franchise record 14 on the season (previous record was 12 by Victor Hall in 2001). He leads all of MiLB with the 14 triples.
• Matt Davidson ranks 1st in the league with 61 RBIs and is on an 11 game hitting streak (15 RBIs in the 11 games).
• Bobby Borchering has hit in nine straight games – his longest hitting streak of the season.
• Ramon Castillo has hits in 20 of his first 21 games with South Bend, including four homers and 17 RBIs.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
From the Notes - July 11th
Here are a few tidbits from today's media notes:
• With 54 games remaining in the second half, the Silver Hawks are one game out of a playoff spot.
• The South Bend bullpen has allowed just nine earned runs in 38.0 innings over the last ten games (2.13 ERA).
• Matt Davidson ranks 1st in the league with 57 RBIs and is on an eight game hitting streak.
• Bobby Borchering has hit in six straight games and has driven in seven runs during the streak.
• Keon Broxton is tied for the Minor League lead with 11 triples. He is one shy of tying the South Bend franchise record.
• Reliever Brian Budrow has not allowed a run in his last 13.2 innings.
• Ramon Castillo has hits in 17 of his first 18 games with the Silver Hawks. He had a 16-game streak snapped on Friday.
• With 54 games remaining in the second half, the Silver Hawks are one game out of a playoff spot.
• The South Bend bullpen has allowed just nine earned runs in 38.0 innings over the last ten games (2.13 ERA).
• Matt Davidson ranks 1st in the league with 57 RBIs and is on an eight game hitting streak.
• Bobby Borchering has hit in six straight games and has driven in seven runs during the streak.
• Keon Broxton is tied for the Minor League lead with 11 triples. He is one shy of tying the South Bend franchise record.
• Reliever Brian Budrow has not allowed a run in his last 13.2 innings.
• Ramon Castillo has hits in 17 of his first 18 games with the Silver Hawks. He had a 16-game streak snapped on Friday.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
English Graduation and The Ketchup Remix
Seven current Silver Hawks players recently graduated from an English class taught by Higher Standards Academy, LLC. As part of their graduation ceremony, the players performed a song called "The Ketchup Remix" that helped them practice their English skills. From right to left in the video, the players are: Victor Estevez, Yonata Ortega, Ender Inciarte, Ramon Castillo, Rafael Quezada, Diogenes Rosario, and Randy Rodriguez.
Monday, July 5, 2010
From the Notes - July 5th
• The Silver Hawks are now just 1-14 against the Loons in 2010 and 3-28 against them in the last two seasons.
• The South Bend bullpen has allowed just one earned run in 14.2 innings over the last four games.
• First baseman Ramon Castillo has hits in each of his first 11 games for South Bend, tying Matt Davidson for the longest hitting streak this season.
• Chris Owings has not yet played in the second half due to plantar fasciitis.
• Keon Broxton recorded his 10th triple yesterday, tying for the league lead and he is now just two shy of the franchise record.
• Pitchers Andrew Wolcott and Brad Wilson have been added to the roster over the last two days.
• The South Bend bullpen has allowed just one earned run in 14.2 innings over the last four games.
• First baseman Ramon Castillo has hits in each of his first 11 games for South Bend, tying Matt Davidson for the longest hitting streak this season.
• Chris Owings has not yet played in the second half due to plantar fasciitis.
• Keon Broxton recorded his 10th triple yesterday, tying for the league lead and he is now just two shy of the franchise record.
• Pitchers Andrew Wolcott and Brad Wilson have been added to the roster over the last two days.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
From the Notes - June 30th
• The Silver Hawks are two games over .500 in a half for the first time in 2010.
• West Michigan has been shut out in three games and has scored just two runs in five games this half.
• The Silver Hawks have won three straight one-run games and improved to 13-12 in games decided by a single tally.
• South Bend goes for the sweep tonight. They have not swept a series since taking three from Dayton May 8th (DH) and 9th.
• First baseman Ramon Castillo has one hit in each of his first six games for South Bend.
• Randy Rodriguez is making a spot start today, replacing Mike Belfiore who is being skipped with general soreness.
• Chris Owings missed his fourth straight game Tuesday with plantar fasciitis. He is not in tonight's starting lineup.
• West Michigan has been shut out in three games and has scored just two runs in five games this half.
• The Silver Hawks have won three straight one-run games and improved to 13-12 in games decided by a single tally.
• South Bend goes for the sweep tonight. They have not swept a series since taking three from Dayton May 8th (DH) and 9th.
• First baseman Ramon Castillo has one hit in each of his first six games for South Bend.
• Randy Rodriguez is making a spot start today, replacing Mike Belfiore who is being skipped with general soreness.
• Chris Owings missed his fourth straight game Tuesday with plantar fasciitis. He is not in tonight's starting lineup.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
From The Notes - June 27th
• The Silver Hawks struck out 17 times yesterday – a new season high – but still won the game.
• South Bend hit two home runs in a game for the seventh time this season.
• South Bend is just 3 and 27 against the Loons over the last two seasons (2-14 last year, 1-13 this season).
• First baseman Ramon Castillo has one hit in each of his first four games for South Bend.
• Matt Davidson ranks T-4th with 10 homers, T-2nd with 46 RBIs, and T-2nd with 32 extra base hits.
• Keon Broxton struck out five times yesterday, the second time this season he had 5 K’s in a game against the Loons.
• Chris Owings missed his second straight game yesterday with a sore foot.
• South Bend hit two home runs in a game for the seventh time this season.
• South Bend is just 3 and 27 against the Loons over the last two seasons (2-14 last year, 1-13 this season).
• First baseman Ramon Castillo has one hit in each of his first four games for South Bend.
• Matt Davidson ranks T-4th with 10 homers, T-2nd with 46 RBIs, and T-2nd with 32 extra base hits.
• Keon Broxton struck out five times yesterday, the second time this season he had 5 K’s in a game against the Loons.
• Chris Owings missed his second straight game yesterday with a sore foot.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Today's Roster Move - June 18th
First baseman Ramon Castillo was added to the roster from extended spring training. He takes the place that was opened up yesterday when Victor Estevez was put on the disabled list.
The full story can be read here.
The full story can be read here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)