Tonight's Lineup - June 30th

Keon Broxton - CF
Victor Estevez - SS
Bobby Borchering - DH
Matt Davidson - 3B
Ramon Castillo - 1B
Alberto Diaz - RF
Matt Helm - LF
Errol Hollinger - C
David Narodowski - 2B

Randy Rodriguez - SP

Tonight's pregame show is to be determined. There is an on-field ceremony that I will spend some time talking about. If time permits, I'll also play my interview with West Michigan broadcaster Ben Chiswick from yesterday since we had some technical issues and didn't play it yesterday.

Pregame coverage starts at 7:10 PM Eastern Time. First pitch is scheduled for 7:30 PM Eastern Time.

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.

Former Hawk Enright Promoted to Arizona

Former Silver Hawk pitcher Barry Enright will make his Major League debut tonight for the Arizona Diamondbacks at Busch Stadium against the St. Louis Cardinals. Enright pitched one game in relief for South Bend in 2007, earning the save while throwing 2.0 scoreless innings on August 17th at West Michigan.

Enright, a 2007 2nd round draft pick, is being promoted from Double-A Mobile where he was 4-1 with a 2.88 ERA in 14 starts this season. Enright takes the roster spot of Carlos Rosa, who was optioned to Triple-A Reno and was acquired by the Diamondbacks in the trade that sent 2009 Silver Hawk Reynaldo Navarro to Kansas City.

Former Silver Hawks with Arizona (MLB)

In our weekly examination of former Silver Hawks, we'll take a look at those who are playing for the parent club Arizona Diamondbacks.

Position Players

C Miguel Montero - .375, 2 HR, 10 RBI - '04 Silver Hawk

OF Gerardo Parra - .259, 2 HR, 14 RBI - '07 Silver Hawk

INF Mark Reynolds - .212, 18 HR (T-1st in NL), 50 RBI - '04 and '05 Silver Hawk

OF Justin Upton - .268, 14 HR, 39 RBI, 11 SB - '06 Silver Hawk

Pitchers

RP Esmerling Vasquez - 1-2, 5.54 ERA in 24 appearances - '05 Silver Hawk

The Last Two Games

What I don't like about the last two games: They were ugly games and the Silver Hawks managed to score just three runs.

What I love about the last two games: They were both wins!

I know that three runs in 18 innings against the Whitecaps doesn't scream revolution, but finding a way to win those games is huge for this club. For the first time this season, the Silver Hawks are two games over .500 in a half and have allowed for some wiggle room early on.

Hopefully it continues tomorrow.

Pregame Show Delayed

Our pregame show will be a little bit delayed today due to a technical issue at the station. We should have no problem getting the game on by 1 PM.

Sorry for the inconvenience and thanks for being patient.

Today's Lineup - June 29th

Keon Broxton - CF
David Nick - 2B
Bobby Borchering - DH
Matt Davidson - 3B
Ramon Castillo - 1B
Alberto Diaz - RF
Matt Helm - LF
Tyson Van Winkle - C
Victor Estevez - SS

Eric Smith - SP

Pregame interview will be with West Michigan broadcaster Ben Chiswick. Pregame show begins at 12:40 PM. First pitch is at 1:00 PM.

Tonight's Lineup - June 28th

David Nick - 2B
Victor Estevez - SS
Bobby Borchering - 3B
Matt Davidson - DH
Ramon Castillo - 1B
Alberto Diaz - CF
Matt Helm - LF
Andrew Fie - RF
Tyson Van Winkle - C

Diogenes Rosario - SP

Tonight's pre-game interview will be with catcher Errol Hollinger. Pre-game show starts at 6:40 with the first pitch at 7:00 PM Eastern.

Woodall Earns Victory in All-Star Game

Former South Bend Silver Hawk reliever Bryan Woodall picked up the victory in the California-Carolina League All-Star Game last Tuesday in Myrtle Beach. Woodall, a 2009 Silver Hawk, has been outstanding for the Visalia Rawhide this season, sporting a 5-2 record with a 0.28 ERA in 23 appearances.

A full recap and pictures from the game can be found by clicking the link.

Huge Week Ahead

The next 6 days at the Cove are going to be wild and fun-filled. Look at what all is going on:

Start your week off with Dollar Monday at the Cove tonight with $1 bleacher seat tickets, hot dogs and Pepsi Products.

Alligator Blackbird will perform a free concert outside the stadium at 5:30. Gates open at 6:00 and the Silver Hawks take on the West Michigan Whitecaps at 7:00.

Tuesday, June 29th vs West Michigan Whitecaps, 1:00 p.m.
Spend the afternoon at the Cove with this special afternoon game (gates open at noon). It's Kraft Singles Tuesday Tickets - Buy 1 Ticket, Get 1 Free from KRAFT Singles with purchase. Bring your package wrapper to a Silver Hawks game on Tuesdays for a steal of a deal! Visit kraftsingles.com for more info! Exclusions apply.
It's also WAOR Twofer Tuesday with two tickets for the price of one available online at WAOR.com.

Wednesday, June 30 vs. West Michigan, 7:30 PM
Casting at the Cove and Fireworks after the game

Thursday, July 1 vs. Lansing Lugnuts, 7:30 PM
Thirsty Thursday with $1 draft beers and soft drinks and Fireworks

Friday, July 2 vs. Lansing Lugnuts, 7:30 PM
FRITOS Family Friday and Fireworks

Saturday, July 3 vs. Lansing Lugnuts, 7:30 PM
Team Picture Giveaway, sponsored by Bob's 19th Hole - 1st 1,000 fans and Fireworks

Rained Out

Sunday's game has officially been rained out. Full story will be on www.silverhawks.com in a matter of minutes.

MVP Vote Follow Up

Since I got absolutely ripped by a commenter in an earlier post, I want to clarify something.

There is no question that Matt Davidson was the first half MVP for the Silver Hawks. Chris Owings probably should have been second, although if you are a bigger fan of power numbers, then I have no problem with Bobby Borchering being second (Owings had a much higher batting average, Borchering had more homers and RBIs).

My problem with the vote was that I had never received more than 60 votes for any poll question, and that question got over 500 responses. There was some serious ballot box stuffing going on, which is why I called the vote a "joke".

Anyhow, I just wanted to clear that up so that everyone knows that I think the fans ultimately got it right in that Matt Davidson was voted the first half MVP.

Today's Lineup - June 27th

It's raining in Midland and it might for a while. There is no way this game is going to start on time at 3:05 PM. However, they are expecting to play today. We'll do the pregame show as normal at 2:45 PM and then send it back to ESPN Radio national programming at 3:05 or so until the start of the game.

Now, here is today's lineup:

David Nick - 2B
Victor Estevez - SS
Bobby Borchering - 3B
Matt Davidson - DH
Ramon Castillo - 1B
Alberto Diaz - CF
Matt Helm - LF
Andrew Fie - RF
Tyson Van Winkle - C

Diogenes Rosario - SP

No pregame interview today since it is Sunday. Instead, we'll do a full scoreboard update.

Pregame show at 2:45 PM. First pitch to be determined because of the rain.

Casting at the Cove

Wednesday night at Coveleski Stadium has been dubbed "Casting at the Cove" and is sponsored by Indiana Outdoor News. The night will feature a tribute to outdoor activities outside of baseball.

Louie Stout wrote a nice article about the event for the South Bend Tribune, which you can read by clicking here.

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.

Tonight's Lineup - June 26th

Keon Broxton - CF
David Nick - 2B
Bobby Borchering - 3B
Matt Davidson - DH
Alberto Diaz - RF
Ramon Castillo - 1B
Matt Helm - LF
Errol Hollinger - C
Victor Estevez - SS

Brad Gemberling - SP

The pregame interview tonight will be with shortstop Chris Owings about his all-star game experience.

Pregame show begins at 6:45 PM tonight. First pitch is at 7:05 PM.

Happy Birthday Mark Haley!

South Bend manager Mark Haley is celebrating his birthday today. I think the best gift would be the Silver Hawks finally beating the Loons.

Game time will be 7:05 PM tonight.

Tonight's Lineup - June 25th

Keon Broxton - CF
David Nick - 2B
Bobby Borchering - DH
Matt Davidson - 3B
Alberto Diaz - RF
Ramon Castillo - 1B
Andrew Fie - LF
Tyson Van Winkle - C
David Narodowski - SS

Scottie Allen - SP

Pregame interview will be with manager Mark Haley. Pregame show is at 6:55 PM Eastern Time. First pitch is pushed back to 7:15 PM.

Featured Silver Hawk - Errol Hollinger

This week's featured Silver Hawk is catcher Errol Hollinger. In the article, Hollinger talks about what it was like to not be drafted and his plans for a career after baseball.

Today's Roster Move - June 25th

Infielder/Outfielder Victor Estevez has been activated for tonight's game. This brings the Silver Hawks roster back to 25 active players. He had been on the DL with a sore ankle since the middle of last week.

Game Time Change

Tonight's game will start at 7:15 PM instead of 7:05 PM. Pregame show will start at 6:55 PM.

Back To It...

After 4 days off, I'm ready to get this second half started.

The last poll question was ridiculous with some vote flooding, but according to the "fan vote", Matt Davidson edges out Bobby Borchering for first half MVP. Again, there was nothing official about this poll, and unfortunately it turned into a joke instead of a legitimate "who do you think has been the most valuable player" fan vote.

Anyhow, a new poll is up on the right.

All-Star Game Recap

Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my camera with me to Fort Wayne, so I don't have any pictures of my own to share with you all. Instead, I will provide links to some other photos taken from the game and share my thoughts on the experience in general.

I did take one picture with my phone. This was the view from our seats just to the third base side of home plate. The picture is of Matt Davidson batting in the first inning against West starter Trey McNutt.

Here are some photo galleries online. This one is from the Midwest League and focuses mostly on the Day One festivities, such as the Home Run Derby and Skills Challenge. Davidson hit eight homers in the first round before being eliminated in the second round of the Derby. Chris Owings participated in the Infield Throwing competition and Tyson Van Winkle finished in a three-way tie for first in the Catcher's Throwing competition.

This gallery is from the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette and has action shots from the game, including one of Chris, while the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel has more game shots and photos from the pre-game festivities. Finally, here are the photos that Owen took of Parkview Field last season.

Obviously the game was the main highlight, but the between-inning entertainment was also very fun. There was a dancing bat boy, Myron Noodleman, and the Zooperstars (my personal favorite). Each act brought many laughs throughout the crowd and Chris Owings even busted a move on the field.

All in all, the All-Star game was a great experience. Sorry again for the lack of original photos, but I hope these links are enough to help you get a picture of what it was like.

South Bend Notes from the All-Star Game

Here's more information on why Charles Brewer didn't start, Matt Davidson's home run derby appearance, and other tidbits from the All-Star game, courtest of Curt Rallo at the South Bend Tribuine.

Today's Roster Move

Starting pitcher Charles Brewer has been promoted to Visalia.

Read the full story at www.silverhawks.com in the news section.

Anytime you lose a player who ranks second in the league in ERA, it's going to hurt. Hopefully the rest of the rotation and pitching staff will step up. Unfortunately, I think we all knew this move was coming, we just hoped it wouldn't happen.

Good luck to Charles as he moves on. He certainly proved that he could dominate this league.

It appears as if Diogenes Rosario is going to be moved into the rotation to fill the void.

All Star Game Results

I know I haven't posted much over the last few days, but just like everyone else, I sometimes need a break. I also have two nieces and a nephew that I'm seeing for the first time in months, and they get a lot more of my attention than baseball does right now.

As far as the all-star game goes, the East won 6-2.

Unfortunately, no Silver Hawks player had a hit (Chris Owings walked), and surprisingly, neither Charles Brewer nor Eric Smith pitched. I thought both were available and I'm pretty sure the Silver Hawks told the Fort Wayne staff that they could both go an inning, but neither one was called upon.

Casey went to the game and hopefully will have some pictures to post in the next day or two. I might not be back on the blog until Friday from Great Lakes, so I can enjoy the rest of the time with my family.

More on Van Winkle to All Star Game

I received an email question tonight asking why Tyson Van Winkle went to the all-star game instead of Errol Hollinger.

The short answer: I don't know.

The long answer: When an opening happens on Sunday afternoon when the game is on Tuesday, there is a scramble to find somebody to fill the spot. Sometimes they take someone who is geographically close, sometimes they take the best available player, sometimes they take a player who has nothing else to do for the next couple of days.

Remember, they have to find a replacement in less than 24 hours and many other players have already booked flights or other plans.

I'm not saying Tyson Van Winkle doesn't deserve to go, but Errol Hollinger clearly had better offensive number. Van Winkle is a great defensive catcher and has good at-bats, but he's been slumpling lately.

I have no idea if Hollinger was asked first. I have no idea if another catcher from another team was asked first. All I know is that Tyson Van Winkle will be in Fort Wayne on Tuesday playing for the Eastern Division All-Stars.

I hope this helps.

Van Winkle Added as All-Star

Catcher Tyson Van Winkle has been added to the Eastern Division All-Star team. I don't know if someone got hurt or promoted, but Van Winkle will fill an open spot on the roster.

Congrats to Tyson.

That now makes five all-stars from the Silver Hawks (Matt Davidson, Chris Owings, Charles Brewer, and Eric Smith were named back when the teams were originally selected).

Today's Lineup - June 20th

Keon Broxton - CF
Chris Owings - SS
Bobby Borchering - DH
Matt Davidson - 3B
David Nick - 2B
Ramon Castillo - 1B
Alberto Diaz - RF
Tyson Van Winkle - C
Andrew Fie - LF

Diogenes Rosario - SP

Today's game starts at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. Instead of an interview, we'll take an in-depth look at the Midwest League scoreboard and standings. Pre-game coverage starts at 1:40 PM Eastern Time.

Playoff Scenarios

On the final day of the season, here's what can happen around the league:

Eastern Division:
-Lake County leads Great Lakes by one game.
-Both teams have clinched a playoff spot.
-If Lake County wins, they are the first half champion.
-If both teams lose, Lake County is the first half champion.
-If Lake County loses but Great Lakes wins, Great Lakes is the first half champion.

Western Division
-Cedar Rapids is the first half champion.
-Quad Cities is the first half wild card.