Category: General News

Trimming numbers, again, and Mistaken ID #2 of the Spring

Let’s get right to it, shall we?

– The Arizona Diamondbacks have made some more cuts in the roster, sending eight more players to minor-league camp. They include right-handed pitcher Charles Brewer (2009), who will open the season at Double-A Mobile, and infielder RustyRyal (2005), who will head to Triple-A Reno. Interesting part about the story comes at the end, where D-backs manager Kirk Gibson gets the question of why Brewer and top 2011 MLB Draft pick Trevor Bauer, who is also apparently headed to Double-A.

– Former Osprey outfielder Chris Ellison (2011) appeared in a Cactus League game for the D-backs, although it took some sleuthing to find out. Unless you were actually there. (Note from Ben Catley – “I saw he was wearing a D-backs uniform, and it didn’t look like a back field he was playing on, so he must have played in a MLB game … thank goodness for Facebook and Ellie’s wife and her camera skills!”)

– The guys at AZ SnakePit deliver their latest roundtable edition. Mentions include Paul Goldschmidt (2009), Gerardo Parra (2006), Adam Eaton (2010) and Miguel Montero (2002-03).

– The time for Eaton and some of the other youngsters in Major League will be coming to an end soon. Here’s the latest sign as to why that will be happening. Other than the fact that Opening Day is like 10 days away …

– Here’s Miggy’s take on former Osprey pitcher Archie Bradley (2011). Which is pretty spot-on.

That should keep you going for now. Ben’s predictions on the next rising Osprey to make their MLB debuts should be out by the end of the week. From what we understand, it’s the second options he keeps changing his mind about.

 

Mistaken identities, Extended Spring Training and others …

by Ben Catley

You think it would have happened sooner.

While doing plenty of searches during the 2010 MLB Draft, I was reminded quite often about the Adam Eaton (2010, and, yes I am speaking of OUR Adam Eaton at the moment) identity crisis. At least I knew where Eaton was coming from – Miami University of Ohio. Easy to determine the difference between the two, right??

The non-Osprey Adam Eaton is a tall, husky (I think) right-handed pitcher who had his brief run in the Major Leagues. He even won a ring with Philadelphia, in 2008. But he hasn’t thrown a pitch since 2009, for the Colorado Rockies.

Now, he – meaning the pitcher Eaton – is back in the news, because of a case of mistaken identity.

You see, the newer, OUR Eaton, received a bunch of royalty checks for trading cards .. which have apparently been bouncing around for a while .. totaling somewhere in the neighborhood of $120,000. Which is a lot of money. In the words of Kenny Powers, “Dollar, dollar bills y’all.”

(Note: I was shocked to actually find a clean, family-friendly version of this. Also shocked that FX was apparently airing Eastbound and Down, but that’s another story for another day.)

Of course, teammate Cody Ransom helped Eaton figure it out, especially since the address was not OUR Eaton’s. So, for now, at least the other Eaton will be getting paid.

While I was hoping for other OUR Adam Eaton news to show up this spring, well … it was too funny not to pass along.

Back to the news of the week:

– The Arizona Diamondbacks dedicated the Roland Hemond Executive Conference Room at Salt River Fields earlier this week. The D-backs wanted to honor the longtime baseball executive, who is currently a special assistant to D-backs President & CEO Derrick Hall.

– Gerardo Parra, heading into today’s Cactus League action, has a .333 batting average, a couple of steals, plus has scored a team-best 11 runs. If he gets into over 100 games, and gets 300 at-bats, and hits over .300 (yeah, call it a prediction, I think he is capable of doing it) … you think he wouldn’t deserve a starting job somewhere?? Oh, yeah, speaking of that … the whole “Parra could be traded” story still has legs.

– Looks like some of the 2012 Osprey will get some Major League help for at least the beginning of Extended Spring Training, if only for a couple of games. Unless Stephen Drew gets into a simulated game, before the end of camp, he will likely spend at least a week or two in Extended then rehab in Reno before heading to the AZ.

– Former Osprey pitcher Archie Bradley (2011) was pitching in the Class A Advanced game on Thursday for the D-backs against the Giants High-A club. That would be one of those Visalia-San Jose match-ups in the California League during the season. While it’s no guarantee that those players will stay in that classification out of camp, it’s a great sign for Bradley that the D-backs have him on that roster. It will be interesting to see if he stays there, or gets moved around.

– Bloomberg Sports came out recently and says that Paul Goldschmidt (2009) will hit 30 home runs and drive in 92 runs in 2012. Here’s more reasons why that is likely to happen.

– Eaton (as in OUR Eaton), Charles Brewer (2009), Chris Owings (2009) and Bryan Shaw (2008) show up on this prospect list – the most likely to make an impact in the Major Leagues by 2015.

– It’s going to be a wait-and-see thing as well as the debate goes on about whether or not the D-backs will re-up with Miguel Montero (2002-03). Funny how this story was supposed to go away, yet won’t …

– If you had Jarrod Parker (2007) in the starting rotation for the Oakland A’s out of Opening Day … not this year. He will start the season at Triple-A Sacramento.

Update – roster move and survivors from Cut 1

by Ben Catley

OK, first, a couple of updates on non-player stuff …

– Just in case you missed it, the Osprey have a new road cap. Before you say “they didn’t change it all that much”, when you go from all royal to royal and black, even my eyes can tell a difference. I think it looks sharp, and it better matches the road unis.

– Also, an inside scoop … coming soon will be the announcement of the 2012 Promotions Calendar. Oh. My. Goodness. There are some cool things coming up for fans to enjoy, both on the weekly calendar as well as the giveaway side of things. That should be coming before the end of the month – and maybe before my predictions are published for the next Osprey to rise to the Major Leagues.

Now, on to the stuff I know you want …

– The D-backs cut 12 players from Spring Training camp on Thursday, including shortstop Chris Owings (2009), who was reassigned to Class A Advanced Visalia. Doesn’t mean he will start the season there, but it is a good chance the Cal League will feel the wrath if he can get the bat going this spring.

– That leaves nine former Osprey in the MLB Camp – including outfielder Adam Eaton (2010), catcher Rossmel Perez (2008), infielder Rusty Ryal (2005) and pitcher Charles Brewer (2009). The D-backs have liked what they have seen from all four, and it’s likely that any one of the four could either be auditioning for a call-up during the season, or in the case of Eaton, showing enough depth to consider trading one of the four outfielders who look to stick on the 25-man roster, sans Jason Kubel and Justin Upton. Which leaves Chris Young and Gerardo Parra (2006), who was the subject of trade talks earlier in the off-season, but will likely get plenty of time in the outfield as the season progresses. (Of course, I wrote that then found this … and this … so maybe Parra gets traded, maybe not.)

(Side note – there is one good thing about Parra being all over the Bleacher Report blog, on both sides of the trade equation … it shows that he has become quite the baseball commodity.)

– It looks like there will be one less former Osprey pitcher on the free-agent market during this off-season, as it appears Jorge De La Rosa (1999) will exercise his option for 2013. If he does that, then he would also leave a club option on the table for 2014, which could lock him up for two more seasons total, especially if he preforms well post-Tommy John.

– Ugly Stat of the Week: Even with a grand slam for Goldy figured in from Wednesday, Paul Goldschmidt (2009) and Miguel Montero (2002-03) are a combined 5-for-33 entering today’s Cactus League action.

On a brighter note, Parra is hitting .300. So … from Ben’s Numbers Don’t Lie Folder – the kid has hit at every level he has played. And, apparently, he’s also working hard this spring, which is nothing new, either.

(Parra Side Note #2: Hey, Kevin … don’t trade him. You’re better off going with fewer strikeouts and calling up Eaton, and giving your D-backs a true leadoff man. With those three in the outfield … Eaton, Parra and Upton … nothing would hit the ground. OK, dream machine off for now …)

(Side note #3 – Why do they have to show Parra striking out in the MLB 12 The Show demo?)

On a personal note, if you were to tell me that Scott Elarton would last longer in Philadelphia Phillies camp than Dontrelle Willis, I would have not believed you. I had the chance to get to know Elarton a bit – I used to work in Lamar, CO, where he was born and raised, knew his younger brother and dad, still talk to his brother every so often. He’s as down-home as it gets, and to see him give it one more run (right now, pain-free – his arm (namely his shoulder) hasn’t been healthy for years) is cool. He’ll probably start at Triple-A, but it also seems he’s got plenty of fans in Philly. So we shall see … this also reminds me of something else, but we’ll share that one later.

Thanks for reading, and don’t over-celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day. Be safe!

Lineups, trade rumors and Ortega to BayBears

Random news and notes…

So it seems that the whole Miguel Montero (2002-03) story doesn’t want to go away, even if both sides aren’t talking contract extension. Now, those that are talking about it are talking trade, with the ability to fill key needs among the top of the list. Citing the money Montero would get on the open market, some writers feel that a trade would be the best thing for the D-backs.

For now, though, Miggy will bat fourth and possibly Paul Goldschmidt 7th in the latest projected D-backs’ starting lineups. There is another one here, complete with a look at the rotatoin and more.

– Here is an update on the first week of the Diamondbacks’ Spring Training, including the first roster move of the season – which was relief pitcher Yonata Ortega (2007) being optioned to Double-A Mobile. Also, a roundtable discussion on the D-backs, from the AZ Snake Pit crew.

– A follow-up from an earlier post – close to 50 D-back minor-leaguers were invited to come in for early work this spring. Needless to say, farm director Mike Bell was shocked at the actual number that did come in to camp before the official start this past weekend.

One more note … coming up on Friday, Osprey radio voice Ben Catley will reveal his picks for the next former Osprey pitcher and position player to make their MLB debuts. It apparently has been in the works for the past couple of weeks, but he’s now ready to take a shot at it, and you may be surprised at some of the names he throws out to all of you.

Finding the greener (or any) pastures …

by Ben Catley

Ten days before pitchers and catchers report to Diamondbacks Major League Spring Training, and 15 days before the early minor-league arrivals roll into the Salt River complex.

– A handful of former Osprey managed to crack the NL West All-Prospect team, selected by MLB.com. Archie Bradley (2011) was named to the starting pitcher list, while shortstop Chris Owings (2009) earned the nod at shortstop.

– Bradley is No. 2 and Owings is fourth on the D-backs Top 20 Prospect list, also by MLB.com. Also on the list are former Osprey David Holmberg (2010, 7th), Bobby Borchering (2009, 11th), Andrew Chafin (2011, 13th), Anthony Meo (2011, 14th), Charles Brewer (2009, 15th), Adam Eaton (2010, 16th) and Justin Bianco (2011, 19th). Read more about it here.

– Miami Marlins utility player Emilio Bonifacio (2003) became the second player in the organization to win an arbitration hearing earlier this week, and will get quite the raise. The difference between the two sides was, in relative terms of baseball salaries, small … $250,000, to be exact … but the raise for Boni will bump him up from $425,000 to $2.2 million. Stat that did some swaying – Bonifacio led the Marlins with a .296 batting average last season, and stole 40 bases.

– Greg Smith (2005) has found a new home, signing a minor-league contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim this week. Smith is 8-18 in the majors with a 4.51 ERA with Oakland and Colorado. Last season, Smith started out in independent ball before getting picked up by the New York Yankees organization, but did not spend any time with the big club.

So get the suntan lotion ready … it’s nearly time for baseball season.

MLB Spring Training Attendees

Here’s the list of former Missoula Osprey players whom will be in Major League Spring Training camps later this month, by team (non-roster invitees are listed in italics, Osprey seasons in parenthesis) … you can also read the whole story here:

Arizona Diamondbacks (11): RHP Charles Brewer (2009), C Rossmel Perez (2007), IF Chris Owings (2009), IF Rusty Ryal (2005), OF Adam Eaton (2010), C Miguel Montero (2002-03), RHP Yonata Ortega (2007), RHP Bryan Shaw (2008), 1B Paul Goldschmidt (2009), 1B Lyle Overbay (1999), OF Gerardo Parra (2006).

Colorado Rockies (3): LHP Jorge De La Rosa (1999), OF Carlos Gonzalez (2003), C Wilkin Castillo (2002).

Oakland A’s (3): RHP Evan Scribner (2007), LHP Jordan Norberto (2006), RHP Jarrod Parker (2007).

Detroit Tigers (2): RHP Jose Valverde (2000), LHP Daniel Schlereth (2008)

Toronto Blue Jays (2): RHP Sergio Santos (2003), RHP Jerry Gil (2000)

Boston Red Sox (1): IF Pedro Ciriaco (2005)

Cleveland Indians (1): RHP Hector Ambriz (2006)

Cincinnati Reds (1): LHP Clay Zavada (2006)

Minnesota Twins (1): RHP Esmerling Vasquez (2004)

Miami Marlins (1): IF Emilio Bonifacio (2003)

New York Mets (1): OF Scott Hairston (2001)

Signings and Countdowns …

by Ben Catley

First, 17 days until pitchers and catchers report, 24 days before players report. However, there are a number of former Osprey who have reported early to Arizona, for one reason or another, to get ready for Spring Training.

Ahh, the excitement of pitchers and catchers reporting for Spring Training … it’s like, when you were a kid, the buildup to Christmas in a way for baseball fans, where everyone is feeling good about their teams, hoping for the best of successes in the upcoming year.

And, if you’re on the arbitration list, it can get even more, uh, interesting. However, the suspense of it all went away for former Osprey catcher Miguel Montero (2002-03), who agreed to a deal right before his arbitration hearing. Literally, right before the hearing.

It’s been quite a 12-month span for Montero, who made his first All-Star squad while having a big season – leading National League catchers in doubles (36), RBIs (84) and slugging percentage (.471) and was second in home runs (18) and on-base plus slugging (.821).

For the D-backs, they have had just two arbitration hearings in franchise history, and (at the moment) none since 2001. That is an achievement in itself.

– OK, because this blog has been known to have a “Goldy” fix … and, believe me, if you knew Paul Goldschmidt like we do, you would understand why we like talking about him … here is today’s entry. Imagine Upton/Goldy as your slugging ticket for the D-backs this season.

– Don’t know if I posted this before or not, but here’s a feature on former Osprey starting pitcher Robby Rowland.

– The 2011 D-backs first-round pick, and former Osprey pitcher, Archie Bradley, did pretty well for himself during Instructional League this past fall. No wonder he’s high on the prospect lists.

I will also pass along this little nugget on Spring Training – and it’s non-Osprey related. Someone older than yours truly has a non-roster invite to a Major League camp. Omar Visquel, who turns 45 in April (less than a month before me), will head to Florida and try to earn a spot on the Toronto Blue Jays roster. Amazing.

Osprey coaching staff announced …

by Ben Catley

Well, my secret is now out in the open.

Yup, in case you missed it … the Missoula Osprey, in conjunction with the Arizona Diamondbacks, announced the 2012 Osprey Coaching Staff on Tuesday.

While the announcement came down on Tuesday, yours truly has had to sit on this. For a month.

It has been tough to keep quiet – I did tell someone in the front office last week that I knew, but other than that, I have bit my tongue. Ever since someone called to tell me what it was … I have been anxiously awaiting the announcement so that I can post about it.

While I am excited that Andy Green is taking over as manager, and really excited to have Gil Heredia back as pitching coach, as well as having Scott Barringer (Athletic Trainer) and Andrew Slorp (Strength & Conditioning) back in the fold, it’s a bummer to have Hector De La Cruz not coming back and heading somewhere else.

As I have mentioned on here before, I believe that Hector is the best pure coach I have ever been around. And it’s not just the way he can teach the game – which makes him a perfect fit for the Arizona Rookie League team, because those young men will learn so much from him. It’s the way he can figure out who can have their buttons pushed to bring out the best in them.

Heredia will be the most experienced of the coaching staff, not only from his coaching experience – entering his third full season – but from the aspect of his career as well. Heredia will have a manager in Green who is, well, still a little green, entering just his second season as a coach at any level, while hitting coach JR House will be entering his first season as a coach.

All that being said, there is an excitement level to see how this crew will mesh. One thing is for certain, they will be in shape and taken care of … Barringer is the reigning Pioneer League Athletic Trainer of the Year, while Slorp has a season in short-season now under his belt, and knows how to get the most out of his guys who are making the adjustment from the high school or college game to the world of professional baseball.

Next on the off-season calendar … the announcement of the 2012 schedule. That should be coming out soon. I know that the front office has been hard at work getting the best possible schedule for the upcoming season, and hopefully we will get to anounce it sooner rather than later.

Until then – enjoy the holiday shopping season. And get your Griz tickets and gear at the MSO Hub!!

Sad news …

Bob Forsch, who was the pitching coach for the Billings Mustangs for the past two seasons, died suddenly last night at his Florida home. He was 61. While he will be remembered as a starter with the St. Louis Cardinals and Houston Astros, he had spent the past few seasons in the Cincinnati Reds’ system as a pitching coach, including his time in Billings.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Forsch family.

News Flash – Parra Earns Gold Glove

Gerardo Parra, a 2006 member of the Missoula Osprey, has earned his first Rawlings Gold Glove award, announced earlier this evening. We will have more on this tomorrow.