Inside the Dugout

Monday, June 29, 2009 1:19 PM EDT

Kristin Kowaleski-Wolford was counting down the days until June 19, the official opening date of the Auburn Doubledays 2009 season. Once again, Kristin will be covering the ups and downs of an entire season of minor league baseball at Falcon Park, and this blog will be a place to get extra information and analysis beyond what's in the newspaper. Look for fresh postings in the Citizens' Say section below.

The Citizens' Say

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There are 74 comment(s)

InsidetheDugout wrote on Oct 9, 2009 10:37 AM:

" We had a story run in today's paper about how Auburn was ranked last in The Sporting News' 399th best sports cities in the United States.
While I'm glad that Auburn was once again on the list, I don't agree with the ranking.
The magazine didn't explain how they chose and ranked these cities, but it's a good guess that they put Auburn last -- after every other New York-Penn League team -- because the Doubledays finished in last place of the league this year.
So what? Can you honestly tell me that Oneonta and Jamestown have a bigger, and more loyal following than the Doubledays? I've been to Oneonta, when the Tigers were in the playoffs in 2007 -- they don't. And aside from minor league baseball, Oneonta has the Soccer Hall of Fame. But does that building rake in the sports fans like Holland Stadium on a fall Friday night? I doubt it. In fact, I don't recall covering an Auburn sporting event that wasn't stuffed full of rabid fans, and not just parents of the athletes. Ever try finding a seat in the Auburn YMCA during a boys or girls swim meet? I have, and it's not fun.
Granted, I haven't been to a lot of the cities that The Sporting News listed ahead of Auburn. But I don't think we deserve to be last, especially based on NY-P league standings.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Sep 2, 2009 9:39 PM:

" Some fans have stopped me over the last few weeks to chat about this tough Doubledays season. I don't agree with a lot of the sentiment that the team is terrible, or that they don't care and I definitely disagree that manager Dennis Holmber just wants the season to be over -- he manages just as hard and with the same emotion now as he did in June, just like every year. I have spent more time in Falcon Park at these games this summer than anywhere else. I think this team has a lot of talent on it. Don't be surprised if you see Sean Ochinko or Yan Gomes (to name a couple) with the Blue Jays in the next couple of years. With some more work, several others can advance deep into this system. Holmberg has definitely not lost his touch, or his ability to inspire his players.
People tend to forget that, yes, the Doubledays won the New York-Penn League two years ago, but it wasn't this team. Holmberg is the only link to that team, not one player, not the trainer and not his assistant coaches. There were very few high draft picks on this team this year and the ones that joined the team joined it late. Much of the pitching staff was bad, and that was mostly the bullpen. That's not a reflection of Vince Horseman either, who has done a decent job in his first year in Auburn.
Contrary to some public conception, this has not been a tough job for me this summer. It may not have been as much fun at times as the team I followed two seasons ago, but anytime I'm watching baseball at Falcon Park is never time wasted for me. Unfortunately, this is the last time I'll be here this summer, as high school football begins on Friday night when the Doubledays host Batavia again. Hopefully for the team, they end 2009 on a high note.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Aug 31, 2009 7:07 PM:

" As the season winds down, the Doubledays have made a couple of roster moves. They released pitchers David Miller and Austin Armstrong and brought up two others. Also, this is just on rumor, but a fan favorite from this season may be returning to the team. I won't mention any names until and if it is confirmed. Not that it matters a whole lot at this point -- Auburn and Jamestown begin a series tonight to help determine which team winds up in last place in the Pinckney Division. The Doubledays do NOT want it to be them, that I know.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Aug 26, 2009 7:11 PM:

" Sean Ochinko update

Word has it that Ochinko was back from the emergency room before the game ended last night, after being hit in the head with an errant throw. Thankfully, Ochinko's injury wasn't too serious, as he is expected back in the lineup in the next few days. It looks like a familiar face will be joining the lineup in his place.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Aug 25, 2009 8:46 PM:

" It's good to see someone show some fire on this season's Doubledays team, but Kevin Nolan getting booted out of tonight's game was the weirdest way to go about showing it. It was the fourth ejection for the Doubledays this season, but the first PLAYER forced out of a game in a couple of seasons in Auburn. Nolan seemed to be just arguing balls and strikes after a called strike 3, and the home plate umpire wasn't hearing it. And the odds of the nicest player on the team getting booted had to be a million to one. Probably about the same as one player hitting 2 two-run home runs tonight. That has happened too, and I'm told there is NOT a full moon tonight.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Aug 25, 2009 7:41 PM:

" Very scary moment at Falcon Park in the first inning. Standout catcher/first baseman Sean Ochinko belted in the first run, but while he was at first base, Williamsport's pitcher tried to pick him off but the first baseman wasn't paying attention and Ochinko was hit in the head with the throw. He immediately went down and was attended to, finally getting helped off the field and into the clubhouse. He looks groggy, but hopefully he will be OK. Karim Turkamani took his place behind the plate, as Yan Gomes is playing DH tonight.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Aug 24, 2009 8:27 PM:

" As manager Dennis Holmberg would say, it was deja vu all over again. Just 19 days ago, the Doubledays gave up 12 runs in one inning in a loss to Vermont. That was with two outs and Austin Armstrong gave up 6 of those runs.
Tonight, Armstrong came out in relief of Dave Sever and didn't record an outing, but gave up 3 runs as Mahoning Valley got nine hits and 7 runs. The Scrappers have a 10-0 lead after four innings. To make matters worse, Auburn is being no-hit by Brett Bach.
You have to feel for Holmberg and this team, you really do, because believe it or not, there is a lot talent on this team.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Aug 22, 2009 5:17 PM:

" After what seems like 2 weeks away from the ballpark, the Doubledays return to Falcon Park tonight with some disheartening news, though great for the individuals. Shortstop Ryan Goins and right fielder Welinton Ramirez have both been called up to Lansing. As two of the team's top hitters, Auburn will undoubtedly suffer at the plate for the remaining 16 games of the season. The team will also miss Ramirez's ridiculous arm in the outfield, which provided a ton of excitement this season. The two players have a great chance to advance through the Blue Jays' system, so be sure to keep an eye on the both of them.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Aug 15, 2009 10:41 PM:

" In the revelation (to me) that Egan Smith is now out for the season for the Doubledays with a back injury, Steve Turnbull will be starting in his place. Tonight, he did well on a 60 pitch count, making it to 50 in three innings and giving up four runs. The bullpen continues to depress in many spots, as it took five different throwers to pull together the game tonight and it was the shortest outing (Willy Mendez's 1/3 of an inning) that earned the win.
Manager Dennis Holmberg informed me though that Smith will play in the New York-Penn League All-Star game in State College Tuesday if he doesn't have a set back in his sidework, but he is on "Operation Shutdown" for the rest of the season. Not good news in Auburn's quest to finish above .500 -- something very attainable by the way.

-- KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Aug 15, 2009 7:43 PM:

" That was close.
The Toronto Blue Jays have made it official, signing top pick Chad Jenkins, a pitcher, from this year's MLB draft. With the deadline looming to get drafted players signed before Monday night at midnight, Jenkins got under contract just in time.
For the rest of their high-round draft picks, this from milb.com:
"As the deadline to sign Draft picks looms, the Blue Jays have inked 30 of their 51 selections. Following Jenkins, Toronto picked up Canadian-born left-handers James Paxton (a client of agent Scott Boras) and Jake Eliopoulos in the compensation and second rounds, respectively. The Jays also added righty Jake Barrett and outfielder Jake Marisnick in the third round."

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Aug 9, 2009 6:00 PM:

" Manager Dennis Holmberg's number just became the first Doubledays number retired. GM Carl Gutelis, Mayor Quill and Tom Gainey put together a wonderful presentation just before tonight's game. Get more details in tomorrow's The Citizen.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Aug 8, 2009 10:05 PM:

" Tonight's game was well-played and as far as drama goes, it won't be that memorable down the road (unless you count Brian Justice's seven straight strikeouts).
That's fine though, because I have a sneaky feeling that tomorrow WILL be memorable. It's a $1,000 Sunday at Falcon Park and fans should get in their seats early before the 6 p.m. start. That's all I can say tonight. ;)

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Aug 5, 2009 8:33 PM:

" Think of the worst inning in professional baseball that you can and that is just what happened tonight in Auburn.
Starter Evan Crawford and reliever Austin Armstrong just gave up -- combined -- six hits and six walks and 12 runs -- ALL WITH TWO OUTS!!! There was an error and a hit batter on top of it all and I feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone. Karim Turkamani is now in for Sean Ochinko, so you can presume where this game is going.
It's the bottom of the third inning and I've officially never seen anything like this.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Aug 5, 2009 8:07 PM:

" Oh, no. Evan Crawford started off well on the mound for Auburn, but gave up SEVEN walks in 2 2-3 innings and with two outs in the third, gave up THREE RUNS! Doubledays fans are getting restless and angry, but Austin Armstrong is coming in to relieve Crawford, and the fans.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Aug 5, 2009 7:32 PM:

" Is it ironic that Eric Eiland (Island) just stranded two batters? Welinton Ramirez and Yan Gomes belted in the first two runs for Auburn tonight, but were left hanging out on third and second, respectively.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Aug 5, 2009 5:23 PM:

" The Doubledays and Lake Monsters have gotten in some batting practice today and everyone looks pretty sharp. Tonight should be interesting.
Former Doubleday and current Lake Monster Adam Amar doesn't look like a player that has been struggling. Even if I hadn't talked to him before the game, he looks confident -- as well he should after last night's home run in his first at-bat. Tonight, the usual DH will be playing first base for Vermont. Last season, he struggled defensively, so it will be interesting to see if he has improved.
In other news, no word on if or how serious the injury is to Egan Smith, who left the game after just a couple of innings on the mound. Eric Eiland is in at left field tonight as he continues to rotate with Chris Hopkins. Lance Durham is back in the lineup and in at first base, as Sean Ochinko is behind the plate tonight. It must be tough to have such talent at the catcher position, as Yan Gomes is this evening's DH for Auburn. Ryan Schimpf is in the lead-off spot after being with the team for one week, which will be interesting to see. Ryan Goins is back after a night off and is in the No. 2 spot. The shortstop's batting average has taken a hit after going 2-for-14 in August thus far, dipping his average below .400, which is stood at for nearly two weeks.
Let's see if Auburn can continue to make the slow climb back to .500. At least the team hasn't made the vow that some of the New York Mets recently have -- not shaving until the team's record is back to even. It's been too hot recently in Auburn to be that hairy. :)

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Aug 4, 2009 8:41 PM:

" Twice Doubledays' catcher Yan Gomes has cracked a lead-off hit, twice he has made it to second and TWICE the Doubledays have stranded him there.
At least Auburn has more hits (4) than errors so far (2).

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Aug 4, 2009 8:16 PM:

" Newcomer Ryan Schimpf, of LSU College World Series notoriety, is now wearing Jon Fernandez's old number 11. Fernandez struggled in Auburn and is now down in the Gulf Coast League. Schimpf, normally a great hitter, has two strikeouts so far tonight. Coincidence? Let's hope so.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Aug 4, 2009 7:04 PM:

" This could be an interesting series. The Vermont Lake Monsters are in town for the first time in a few years, and its not as if the Stedler Division team is a big rival of the Doubledays -- the two clubs usually play each other once a season. But now there could be a personal agenda.
Adam Amar, of the 2008 Doubledays, is now with the Lake Monsters and now seems like a good time for him to get out of his hitting slump. Amar, you may remember, was the Doubledays' best hitter last season and was prominantly the DH. The Toronto Blue Jays released him during the offseason and the Washington Nationals picked him up.
Amar is currently 1-for-13 with a .139 average. Last season, he went .302 with nine home runs. Oh, and he is the subject of a huge add in Falcon Park's outfield if you don't remember.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 31, 2009 12:10 AM:

" A couple of late hits on tonight's events, as the Doubledays finally snap their four-game losing streak.
Ryan Schimpf is going to do well here. The kid is a hitter and I think he'll do well high in the order. He had one error at second base, but no one is destined to be perfect defensively on this team.
Even though he flew out with the bases loaded late in the game, and missed another opportunity to bring in some runs, I LOVE SS Ryan Goins in the leadoff spot. He joked to me in passing tonight that Schimpf is the "good luck charm now", but I don't know about that. There is a reason the Blue Jays drafted Goins in the fourth round -- he's a heck of a player and he brought a new energy to the team when he joined them a couple of weeks back and his average is still over .400.
Welinton Ramirez is quietly having a ridiculous season. He is easily the best outfielder I've seen in the league over the last few seasons and is solid at the plate. Dennis Holmberg was right on point tonight when he told me that he deserves to be a NY-P all-star.
To make room for the Schimpf, Jon Fernandez was demoted tonight down to the Gulf Coast League Blue Jays. The son of Tony Fernandez, Jon has a lot on his shoulders and has struggled on both sides of the plate. Hopefully he gets the chance to improve down in the GCL.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 30, 2009 7:18 PM:

" Winning or losing out the window, the Auburn Doubledays are just about everything that's right about baseball. Unlike some of the bigger New York-Penn League stadiums (Hudson Valley, Brooklyn, Staten Island), Falcon Park is a very intimate, comfortable stadium. These warm feelings were brought on, and are usually brought on every night, by seeing little Zach Suarini in the dugout with manager Dennis Holmberg. Tonight, Josh Mann was out in the umpires and managers meeting at home plate with Holmberg, as the Doubleday for the day. The Doubledays do a TON of things like this, especially with all of their Make-A-Wish Wednesdays, but Holmberg, the Doubledays staff and the players are never put off by giving back to the community and genuinely seem to enjoy it. I know, its not any real big deal per se, but amidst all of the terrible things that I read about in the news and in the sports world (steroids, shootings, etc.), coming to Falcon Park every night is, literally, a breath of fresh air.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 30, 2009 5:42 PM:

" My bubble was just burst by Doubledays' radio broadcaster Ben Youngerman. On the mound for the Scrappers tonight is Marty Popham, who nearly no-hit Auburn just a few weeks ago.
I say that's fine. This is still the best lineup Dennis Holmberg has put together all season, maybe since 2007.
--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 30, 2009 5:36 PM:

" As I blogged on last night, Ryan Schimpf is here in Auburn. A teammate of Sean Ochinko's on the College World Series champion LSU baseball team, Schimpf -- a fifth round selection in this year's MLB draft -- arrived in Auburn a few hours ago, and to my surprise, he is already in the lineup.
That's what happens during a four-game losing streak this late in the season. On the plus side, the top six batters in the lineup all have tremendous power, and even the bottom three aren't bad. It's a new arrangement tonight, one that Doubledays fans should be VERY excited about. Plus, they've got Egan Smith on the mound tonight. I don't care if Mahoning Valley is in first place of the Pinckney Division. I take this lineup, with Schimpf in at second base, as the Doubledays not messing around, or laying down for the rest of the season, for ANYONE.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 29, 2009 9:29 PM:

" Not a whole lot to blog about tonight, as first-place Mahoning Valley straight up dominated Auburn en route to the Doubledays' fourth-straight loss, but there may be a positive note forthcoming. Toronto Blue Jays fifth round draft pick, Ryan Schimpf (second base) will be joining the team tomorrow, though it is unlikely he will play right away. Schimpf, as you might recall, played with Sean Ochinko on the College World Series champion LSU baseball team this spring. Down the final stretch of the NY-P season, Schimpf could provide a spark at second base that has been lacking. Kevin Nolan did an admirable job tonight, but his bat has been struggling, ala Jon Fernandez. I'm not chalking this season up as a loss just yet.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 28, 2009 10:38 PM:

" This was the kind of game that makes Doubledays fans irate. Three plus hours of baseball when Auburn once had the lead, and the bullpen blows the game, and the offense can't step up at the crucial time to get the win. The D-days had the BASES LOADED in the bottom of the 10th inning with one out and couldn't make it happen. Three errors didn't help the cause as everyone in the infield, but Lance Durham at first and Sean Ochinko at catcher made a miscue. Three straight losses looks as ugly as nine in a row did last week.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 28, 2009 9:27 PM:

" Maybe Kevin Nolan is better suited at second base. The error-plagued player saw a lot of time at shortstop before Ryan Goins arrived, but has played very well tonight at second base, just making a stop and assist that he might have missed at shortstop.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 28, 2009 8:42 PM:

" Auburn's bullpen continues to be an issue this season. Four pitches into the sixth inning -- and Jamie Lehman's outing -- and he's given up a home run and a single. Now the game is tied, but it feels like State College has the lead. There are very few relief guys that invoke a whole lot of confidence here at Falcon Park.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 28, 2009 8:23 PM:

" Auburn just wasted a wonderful opportunity to pick up an insurance run. Yan Gomes cracked a double to lead off the bottom of the fourth and the Doubledays stranded him to end the inning. Wasted opportunities are becoming a theme this series. Auburn is only up 2-1 heading int the fifth inning.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 28, 2009 8:06 PM:

" Not only does Welinton Ramirez have the best arm (my opinion) of any outfielder in the NY-P, he just gave the Doubledays a two-run lead with a hard single to center field. Be sure to check out this Sunday's The Citizen for more information on Ramirez.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 27, 2009 11:59 PM:

" It was a valiant effort, but Auburn couldn't mount one more comeback. Teddy Fallon of the Spikes -- their sixth pitcher -- got the save as he struck out two and got Welinton Ramirez to pop out to end the game. Yan Gomes' two-run shot in the fourth highlighted the game, but Auburn's pitching staff ultimately couldn't get it done. This is not a good way to begin a tough eight game stretch. Three hours and 16 minutes is a long game, even without a nearly two hour delay. We'll see if the team looks fatigued tomorrow.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 27, 2009 11:45 PM:

" Tonight's game will not be over in time to make Tuesday's paper. Headed into the ninth inning, it appears that Auburn will drop its second straight game, giving up 13 hits and making two errors en route to the loss. Scott Gracey had an admirable outing, but gave up three third inning runs and Brian Justice looks like he will get the loss after the Doubledays shored up the score after four innings. I'll update more after the game. Casey Beck is closing it out.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 27, 2009 10:08 PM:

" Just when you'd think Auburn can't be that team that mounts a comeback, they surprise you. State College mounted a 3-0 lead before Auburn scored once in the bottom of the third and three more in the fourth to get the lead. Can they hold on to it after a looooooooong night? The game started an hour and a half late.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 27, 2009 6:42 PM:

" Can the Doubledays pull off the unimaginable? It was a short discussion I had with Doubledays broadcaster Ben Youngerman before the game. Seven games out of first place isn't completely insurmountable, but let's be realistic. The Doubledays, as Ben and I agreed, will probably have to go 6-2 or at the very least 5-3 over the next eight games against State College and Mahoning Valley. There is no clear advantage to them playing at home, though they are at Falcon Park 24 times out of these final 42 games. Considering the offense's potential, the few starting pitchers that dominate and the fact that this IS a Dennis Holmberg-managed team, nothing is impossible.
After three complete summers of covering this team, I've seen them dominate all summer long (2007), come on in August (2006) and just kind of float above water (2008). Now seven games under .500, this will be either fascinating or frustrating to watch. It feels like a new season begins today. Which team will come to play?

-- KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 24, 2009 7:42 PM:

" And so it begins...Auburn racks up four hits and three runs in the second inning. Lets see where this goes!

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 24, 2009 7:22 PM:

" Can the Doubledays pull off the kind off offensive production they had last night, again tonight against the Crosscutters? Probably not, if the first inning is any indication. Williamsport starter Joshua Zeid is not messing around, with two strikeouts in a 1,2,3 inning.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 23, 2009 9:31 PM:

" After the Doubledays put up a 7-spot in the third and two more runs in the fourth, the offense has grinded to a screeching halt. A couple of Matts fanned 10 batters and now Josh Wells is in the game to secure the win.
And Williamsport has the best record in the Pinckney Division.
--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 23, 2009 7:35 PM:

" Maybe the Doubledays' shortstop position is cursed this season -- Goins just made his first throwing error with the team, an overthrow to first base and now the Crosscutters runner is on third base. Here we go.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 23, 2009 7:11 PM:

" Two very cool things of quick note tonight:
1. Matt Wright's entrance music is Styx's 'Renegade'. Very cool.
2. Former Yankees' player and third base coach from last season Bobby Meacham is the hitting coach for Williamsport.

-- KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 23, 2009 6:26 PM:

" It's been a whole week since I've been at my second summer home -- a lot is going on with the Doubledays as of late. Auburn is down one catcher -- Jack Murphy was demoted down to the Gulf Coast League as Ryan Goins was promoted up. Goins is providing some buzz around the park -- the Doubledays have been problematic at the shortstop position and Goins played well there last night in the team's doubleheader sweep of the lowly ValleyCats (and yes, I call Tri-City lowly knowing they have just three fewer wins than Auburn). Also, Goins seems to give Auburn another big bat to work with -- he went 4-for-7 last night, with three runs and an RBI. The fourth round draft pick is now the highest selection on the Doubledays' roster this season.
And it's great that Auburn swept the ValleyCats over its last series, but now they host the first-place Williamsport Crosscutters for a two-game series. We'll see if the last three games gave them enough momentum to beat a better team.
Also of note -- Auburn has committed just ONE error in the last six games combined -- which has to be a season best. Lets see if that can continue as well. Matt Wright gets the start tonight in his attempt to get his second win of the year.

-- KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 15, 2009 10:05 PM:

" Until Auburn's bullpen came into play, Oneonta had no business winning this game, but the Tigers did anyway, 8-4. Last night was ugly, this one was just a heart breaker. Egan Smith pitched more than good enough to win and the bullpen couldn't get it done. Offensively, there were plenty of exciting moments and the defense played great until they had two errors late in the game. This one was sad.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 15, 2009 8:31 PM:

" A nasty collision at the plate ended a wonderful offensive outing for Auburn...Markus Brisker ended up being out on an Eric Eiland single, but Auburn is up 3-0. Nothing to complain about, so far!

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 15, 2009 8:13 PM:

" I can't believe I'm typing this, but this game has been some of the best defensive play I have ever seen from the Auburn Doubledays. Gonzalez just made an AMAZING turn at shortstop. Just one hit in this entire game. Impressive.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 15, 2009 5:40 PM:

" There are some interesting notes in tonight's lineup. Kevin Nolan, who is leading the team in errors with eight, is out tonight. In his place at shortstop is Jimmy Gonzalez, who has also played at third this year. Kyle Gilligan is working at second base instead of Jon Fernandez, but the most interesting thing about tonight's group is that there are THREE catchers playing. Not all behind the plate mind you, and its probably only natural since a lot of the talent this season comes from the catchers (and the outfielders, don't want to slight them).
Sean Ochinko is playing at first base for Lance Durham, who gets the night off. Jack Murphy is the designated hitter (figures, since he's got the second-highest average on the team) and Yan Gomes gets the nod behind the plate. I was wondering how Holmberg was going to get all three guys into a game at the same time. Exciting things happening during '50's night tonight at the ballpark.

-- KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 14, 2009 10:06 PM:

" I wish there was a better way to describe tonight's game, other than it was ugly. Oneonta kept the Doubledays under control at the plate, and Auburn had trouble fielding the ball all over the place. There wasn't any one particular problem -- Auburn has growing pains everywhere. And after they're done playing this home series against the Stedler Division-leading Tigers, it doesn't get much easier. Auburn will travel to play arguably the best team in the NY-P in Brooklyn before they play the "worst" team in the league, Tri-City. I give the ValleyCats quotes because, frankly, they only have three more losses than Auburn. The Doubledays need something to turn things around, and quick, even if its small.

-- KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 14, 2009 9:10 PM:

" Ochinko hits 2 RBIs and the defense is playing better, but the Doubledays are still losing. This is not a good way to begin inter-division play.

-- KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 14, 2009 8:04 PM:

" If you've ever wondered how a talented team can blow so many games in the first half of a minor league baseball season, come to Falcon Park. Every time the Doubledays get something going, a hit, a run -- the errors seem to start. I don't think this will last from a Dennis Holmberg-managed team, but right now, the errors are getting out of hand. Two so far tonight have directly led to Oneonta runs...4-1 Tigers in the third inning.

-- KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 14, 2009 6:40 PM:

" The Doubledays are back in town, and with a slightly padded batch of catchers. Auburn now has four guys that can crouch behind the plate when Sean Ochinko joined the team on the recently unsuccessful road trip. His bat will be just as important as his play behind the plate, however, as Auburn has struggled mightily offensively as of late. Yan Gomes will be DHing tonight and Jack Murphy is always a threat to come into the game at some point. Karim Turkamani has seen limited action this season, but bring experience to the table as this is his second season in Auburn.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 6, 2009 10:18 PM:

" According to Dennis Holmberg, Eiland could be back in the lineup as early as tomorrow -- he had a pulled hamstring. No word on Brad Glenn's face, but he may need stitches. Murphy was dizzy, but is fine now. Also, big news for Doubledays fans -- fresh off the College World Series win for LSU, Blue Jays' 11th round pick Sean Ochinko will join the team tomorrow in Mahoning Valley. He will be a fourth catcher on the roster, unless someone goes back to the GCL. Can't wait to watch this kid in Auburn beginning on Tuesday at home!

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 6, 2009 9:22 PM:

" I'll tell you who's a tough as nails player this season - catcher Jack Murphy. Batavia's D'Marcus Ingram plowed into him like a Mack truck coming across home plate, and Auburn's catcher took a nasty hit. He was down for about a minute and got back up and is STILL in the game. I would have guessed concussion at the very least, but it doesn't appear to be serious. Luckily, because its not a good night for Doubledays players and injuries.

-- KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 6, 2009 8:50 PM:

" A couple of errors had Batavia leading 3-2, but Auburn just tied it up, thanks in part to Chris Hopkins' ridiculous speed. He made it home on a wild pitch as Lance Durham was at bat. Side note -- don't make Durham angry. He busted his bat in two after striking out to end the inning.
--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 6, 2009 6:55 PM:

" Also...former Doubledays player Adam Lind, currently of the Blue Jays of course, is up for the final spot on the MLB All-Star roster. Fans that have a soft spot in their heart for former Auburn players have until Thursday to try and vote Lind in on MLB.com.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 6, 2009 6:48 PM:

" I got some confirmation about Eiland, who is apparently hurt, but no further details on how, or how long he'll be out. I would say that the Doubledays will be hurting without him, but after last night's power scoring session, I'm not so sure. Every player in tonight's lineup has the potential to have a big night at the plate.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 5, 2009 10:34 PM:

" This wild come-from-behind night likely aged several fans and players...11-10 second game win for the Doubledays. I wouldn't be surprised if this turned their season around.

-- KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 5, 2009 9:28 PM:

" Call this team but you want, but the Doubledays can hit. When they're not committing errors, they're amazing to watch. Yan Gomes has already proven to be an adequate replacement for Schwartz, cracking a huge two-run home run in the fourth inning in tonight's second game scorefest. This one could wind up being 100-99. So far, it's 9-8 with one out in the bottom of the inning.
--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 5, 2009 8:10 PM:

" My curiosity has gotten the best of me. I was wondering, before the first game, where outfielder Eric Eiland was. He's got 11 hits in 14 games and usually bats near the top of the order. And now he's not in game two, either. Is he resting for the day, or hurt? I'll try to get some answers before the end of the evening.

-- KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 5, 2009 7:54 PM:

" Batavia is making up for losing by one hit in the first game by scoring six runs in the top of the first inning.
This second game could last all night at this pace, luckily its a beautiful night at Falcon park for the fans.
--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 5, 2009 6:43 PM:

" Before the game, I have to admit that I didn't recognize Markus Brisker's name as it sat atop of the lineup. I was more used to seeing Jon Fernandez's or Chris Hopkins'.
Everyone in Falcon Park this afternoon knows who he is now as he just banged a 3-run shot over the left field wall to give the Doubledays the lead. Way to introduce yourself, I say.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 5, 2009 6:21 PM:

" There was a real questionable play for the game's only run thus far...Batavia singled into right field in the top of the fifth inning with two outs, Welinton Ramirez fired it home as a runner rounded third and it appeared that Jack Murphy tagged the runner for the out. But the home plate ump called pitcher interference when Wells apparently stepped in the baseline. Wells is charged with two of the team's three errors thus far, but manager Dennis Holmberg argued with the ump to no avail. Let's hope the game doesn't end 1-0 or game two could get uncomfortable.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 5, 2009 5:52 PM:

" Last year's starter Josh Wells relieved Smith in the middle of the fourth inning and again, got the Doubledays out of a jam. Batavia has sent a runner in every inning so far. It was weird to see Wells come out of the bullpen during a game. It's his second appearance this season.

-- KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 5, 2009 5:40 PM:

" We've got something going on that we haven't seen all season at Falcon Park -- a pitching dual. Batavia's Chris Corrigan is going up against Auburn's Egan Smith and both are dealing in this scoreless game going into the fourth inning. Batavia has managed four hits to Auburn's two...and no errors thus far in the first game of today's doubleheader.

-- KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jul 5, 2009 3:39 PM:

" Bad news for the Doubledays offense this summer -- third baseman Randy Schwartz is out for at least 6 weeks, if not the season, with a broken right foot. The injury occurred in a game against Jamestown at home last week. That's a huge blow for Auburn, as Schwartz led the New York-Penn League with four home runs.
The Blue Jays called up catcher Yan Gomes to Auburn from the Gulf Coast League to help fill the void on the roster.

-- KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jun 30, 2009 11:38 PM:

" At least the Red Sox blew a nine-run lead to the Orioles tonight, so the Doubledays giving up a four-run lead because of errors isn't the most ridiculous blown game in professional baseball tonight.
Auburn has shown that it is a better team than it put on the field at Falcon Park tonight with a 7-6 loss in 10 innings. There are some gems on the pitching staff this season and the offense has proven it can hit. Luckily its early in the season, so lets see if the Doubledays can further define their identity on the road against State College this week.

-- KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jun 30, 2009 9:46 PM:

" It's become a tight game, but a quick side note -- Auburn's next home game is Sunday, July 5 and it's a doubleheader with Batavia from the Doubledays' home opener rain out. Gates open at 3:30 p.m., first pitch is slated for 4:30 p.m.

-- KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jun 30, 2009 9:11 PM:

" A couple of injury updates for Auburn -- third baseman Randy Schwartz left the game in the fourth after sliding into second on a stolen base and was replaced by Jimmy Gonzalez. Outfielder Eric Eiland was beamed in the hip with a pitch in the sixth and was down on the ground for awhile, but appeared to be fine as he jogged to first base and then stole second. He later scored to make it 5-1 Doubledays.

-- KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jun 30, 2009 8:29 PM:

" Auburn is up 3-1 with a Jammers pitching change coming, but the lead seems like it's a lot wider than that, with bases loaded and no one out in the bottom of the fourth. Curtis Peterson had another really rough outing and will suffer his third loss of the season, if this keeps up.

-- KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jun 30, 2009 6:41 PM:

" Now its an IF the game gets played tonight. The tarp just covered the field again tonight, the game is likely going to be delayed since it was scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Can we get through a night at Falcon Park without the rain this season?

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jun 30, 2009 5:52 PM:

" Three quick hits before the game starts tonight:

1. The field looks sloppy and wet, but tonight's rubber match should go on as scheduled, if you believe the Doppler radar.

2. No word on whether or not the LSU players drafted by the Blue Jays will arrive in Auburn anytime soon if at all. Toronto selected second baseman Ryan Schimpf and catcher Sean Ochinko a few weeks ago and word is that they still have no signed contracts. There is still a possibility that one or both of them, fresh off a College World Series Title, could play in Auburn at some point. We'll see.

3. Matt Wright makes his first start of the season on the mound for Auburn, but its his third appearance overall. I may be jinxing him with this, but he has yet to walk a batter and has a perfect 0.00 ERA. For Jamestown, Curtis Peterson is scheduled to start and is 0-2 with a 15.75 ERA. This one could end up as lopsided as both of last night's contests. We'll see on that as well.

-- KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jun 29, 2009 10:34 PM:

" Talk about a split doubleheader...the Doubledays looked like two totally different teams tonight. Auburn's David Seaver was as lights out in the second game as Jamestown's Matt Montgomery was in the first game and each team exploded offensively for a Twilight Zone effect tonight. Let's see which Doubledays team shows up tomorrow, barring the weather.

-- KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jun 29, 2009 8:03 PM:

" The first one was an ugly one tonight, Jamestown took a 9-0 win and made itself look like a team contending for first place in the New York-Penn League, not tied for last with Auburn. "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jun 29, 2009 6:47 PM:

" Eric Eiland just broke up the Jammers' no-hitter attempt in the fourth, but it made no difference as he was stranded on second.
--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jun 29, 2009 6:28 PM:

" Jammers had a big third inning, scoring four runs on Smith's struggling (one error). Matt Montgomery is throwing lights out, barely throwing 20 pitches through 3 innings. 5-0 Jammers. "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jun 29, 2009 5:56 PM:

" Scratch that...Smith just gave up the first home run hit by an opposing team this season. 1-0 Jammers.

--KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jun 29, 2009 5:49 PM:

" Correction -- Egan Smith is pitching in the first game tonight, and so far, he's dealing. Two strikeouts, one hit allowed in the first inning.

-- KKW "

InsidetheDugout wrote on Jun 29, 2009 5:01 PM:

" Finally, it looks like tonight's game will be played despite the weather forecast...the doubleheader starts in 35 minutes. No big news to report so far, but Joel Carreno, fresh off a fantastic performance last Thursday and a 0.82 ERA, was called up to Class A Lansing, while another pitcher from last year's staff, Josh Wells, was brought back down to Auburn in his place. Wells was struggling in Lansing with a 3-9 record and an 8.22 ERA.
Dave Sever is set to get the ball on the mound in game one for Auburn, while Toronto's seventh round pick, Egan Smith, makes his second start of the season in game two. I'll keep posting throughout the games.

--KKW "

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