Welcome to Dirtbags Baseball Blog! The blog is interactive. At the end of each article is a link that says "Click here to read comments posted by others or to post your comments." Please feel free to click this link and add your own comments. This link also takes you to comments that have been left by others. You need to register with Blogger to leave comments, which is free (there is a link on the comments page to do this).
RSS Feed

Web dirtbagsbaseball.blogspot.com

From FortWayne.com:

Ex-college teammates reunited as Wizards
Cesar Ramos and Neil Jamison also pitched for Long Beach State.

By Maria Burns

Pitchers Cesar Ramos and Neil Jamison aren't the first Dirtbags to play for the Wizards, and the way things are going for the Long Beach State baseball program, they likely won't be the last.

Don't worry, in baseball being a Dirtbag, or a former one, is considered a pretty good thing. The Long Beach State baseball team, officially known as the 49ers but affectionately referred to as the Dirtbags throughout college baseball, has been producing professional ballplayers faster than "American Idol" stars are putting out hits.

Former Wizard Paul McAnulty (2003), who was called up to San Diego for the first time earlier this year, is one of 25 Dirtbags to make it to the Show and one of four to get the call this year.

Ramos and Jamison are two of the latest in a long line of players from Long Beach State plowing their ways through the minor leagues.

This past June, the school saw six players go in the first 10 rounds of the draft, including two to the Padres. Ramos was a first-round supplement pick (35th overall), and Jamison was selected in the sixth round.

Ramos could have gone straight to the minors after being drafted by Tampa Bay in the sixth round out of high school but felt he could benefit from playing collegiate ball.

"I knew if I went (to Long Beach State) I'd get a lot better," the left-hander said. "And I did."

He didn't even mind it took a little time for people to realize just how much better. After two years of being somewhat overshadowed by teammate Jered Weaver, Ramos, a left-handed pitcher from Pico Rivera, Calif., took top billing for the Dirtbags this season after Weaver was drafted 12th overall in the 2004 draft.

Ramos went 10-7 with a 2.64 ERA en route to being named a first-team All-American. Jamison set a school record with a perfect 0.00 ERA and 11 saves as the team’s go-to closer.

Now, teammates again in Fort Wayne, the two are picking up where they left off - on and off the field.

Through six starts since joining the team July 25, Ramos has the lowest ERA of any Wizard starting pitcher with a 3.48. Jamison, who came to the Wizards on Aug. 18, has given up just one run in four relief outings.

"They've done great," Wizards pitching coach Steve Webber said. "Cesar had a couple rough outings, probably not up to his standards, but lately he's been pitching very well and Neil has settled right it."

Having a former teammate already here made that a little bit easier.

"It's definitely good to come to a new place where you don't know a lot of people and to have somebody that you've spent three years (with)," Jamison said. "You can ask questions and they fill you in on stuff."

Having former teammates at the next level can be helpful as well, serving to motivate and help put into perspective what it takes to progress.

"It's definitely motivation," Jamison said. "You get done with a game and you go back to the hotel and you're sitting there watching someone you played with for a couple years pitching in the big leagues. It's definitely something to look forward to if we're fortunate enough to get to that point."

"(Marlins starter) Jason Vargas made it in like a year and he was our third pitcher (in 2004)," Ramos said. "That's a motivation to push me to get there as soon as I can. Watching those guys and being with them and playing with them at the same level kind of pushes you and you believe in yourself that you can actually go forth."

If the successes of Weaver and Vargas are any indication of what their former teammates can expect, the pitchers best keep their bags packed.

Weaver was promoted this summer to the Angels' Class AA Arkansas affiliate, while Vargas spent just about a year in the minor leagues before being called up to the Marlins.

Preparing its players to succeed at that next level is the goal of the Long Beach State baseball program.

"It's one of those things that you're sitting there saying that you hope that it's a little further along (than other players)," Dirtbag pitching coach Troy Buckley said. "My goal would be from the pitching standpoint is for them to say, you know what I've done all this. ... I hope that they've experienced most things already here, through our games but more through our communication and the situations we put them through so the first time we don't experience it is out when they’re trying to make it to the big leagues."

With the way Ramos and Jamison are pitching for the Wizards, it looks like Buckley's been successful.

The origin of the Dirtbags

- The nickname refers to the all-out style of play Long Beach State has become known for, but was born out of the days when the team lacked its own facilities and practiced on an all-dirt field. After practice, the team's infielders would be covered in dirt and, from that, the nickname came to be.

...has been named the righthanded relief pitcher All-Star in the Northwest League. Brian is 3-1 with a 2.22 ERA, in 24.1 IP over 24 appearances. His 16 saves is tops in the Northwest League.

This from Newsday on former Dirtbag Steve Trachsel trade rumors:

A new role for Trach: gone?

BY KEN DAVIDOFF
STAFF WRITER

August 30, 2005

With two days remaining for teams to shape their potential postseason rosters, the Mets are exploring a trade of Steve Trachsel.

A National League official said that of contending teams, the Boston Red Sox and San Diego Padres have expressed the most interest in the righthander.

Neither club possesses many intriguing players who have cleared waivers, though, making it quite possible that Trachsel will remain a Met for the duration of the season.

Trachsel, 34, has become the odd man out in the Mets' starting rotation, as manager Willie Randolph relegated him to the bullpen Sunday.

The news came as a mild surprise, given that Trachsel excelled in his first start of the season Friday night, allowing two hits in eight innings in a 1-0 victory over the Giants.

After surgery to repair a herniated disc in his lower back, Trachsel had been on the disabled list since the beginning of the season.

Given the Mets' needs for more offense (particularly at first base and second base) and bullpen depth, the team is gauging the market to see whether it can deal Trachsel to fill a hole. If there isn't a suitable match, however, the Mets can simply keep Trachsel and either deploy him as a reliever or use him to replace an injured or ineffective starter.

It wouldn't behoove the Mets, currently involved in their first playoff race in four years, to swap Trachsel for prospects.

Trachsel cleared waivers last week, meaning he can be dealt to any club. He has a reasonable $2.5-million team option for 2006, making him more attractive to suitors.

Teams have until midnight tomorrow to acquire players who will be eligible for their playoff rosters.

...led off the game for the San Jose Giants (Advanced Class A California League) with his 10th homerun of the season last night, and went 2 for 5. [Box Score][Play-by-Play].

Earlier this season, the Red Sox called up former Dirtbag Abe Alvarez...then sent him back to AAA Pawtucket the next day without having pitched. Sunday they called him up again, pitched him 1.0 inning on Sunday, and last night for 1.1 innings (in which he got roughed up a bit)...now, today, they are sending him back down. 2 callups...2.1 innings...what was the point!?

Last night, in his first 2nd game back in the majors, Abe went 1.1 innings for the Red Sox, giving up 4 runs on 6 hits (including an HR to Tampa Bay 1st baseman Eduardo Perez), while striking out 1. The Red Sox 10-6 won nonetheless.

Reverse Update: Abe pitched 1.0 inning on Sunday, the 9th inning of an 11-3 Boston blowout of Detroit, retiring all 3 batters faced.

...is back on track. Here's the story from FoxSports.com:

This week, we'll continue focusing on division races of another kind - the top 10 prospects in each of MLB's six divisions. This time up, it's the top 10 AL West prospects. Just a reminder: Prospects who have already exhausted or figure to exhaust their major league rookie status aren't being considered for inclusion (e.g. no Felix Hernandez, Ervin Santana, Casey Kotchman or Dan Johnson this time around)...

5. Jered Weaver, RHP, Angels Age: 22 Acquired: 1st round, 2004, Long Beach State

Weaver, the 12th overall pick of the '04 draft, had top-three talent, but holdout concerns caused him to fall to the Angels. Indeed, his holdout was a lengthy one, but the Angels were able to sign him before the deadline. Weaver has command of a full arsenal, and he blew away the Cal League this season in his first action as a pro. He's been less impressive since being promoted to AA-Arkansas, but considering the rapid promotion schedule he's entitled to some fits and starts. His ceiling is probably as a No. 2 starter in the majors, and his risk - considering his repertoire and college-trained status - is limited. Weaver isn't the next Mark Prior, but he'll still have a strong major league career. ...

Hat tip to reader Kurt for emailing the link on this one.

It's early. As this is written, classes are just beginning for the Fall 2005 semester at Long Beach State. The 2006 Dirtbags roster is far from set. But one thing is certain. There will be a lot of new faces on that roster, as 8 of 9 Dirtbags selected in the 2005 MLB draft are now in professional baseball, 4 non-drafted seniors are no longer eligible, and at least (4) 6 others on the 2005 roster are transferring to other schools (or quiting baseball). Here's the players who won't be back for 2006, the new players, and those returning for 2005-2006 academic year:

Outgoing Players

Drafted and in professional baseball:

Position Players:

Chris Jones, catcher.
Troy Tulowitzki, shortstop.

Pitchers:

Brian Anderson, RH reliever.
Marco Estrada, starting RHP.
Cody Evans, RHP, started and relieved.
Steve Hammond, LH reliever.
Neil Jamison, RH reliever.
Cesar Ramos, starting LHP.

Non-drafted seniors:

Position Players:

Kyle Bradburry, infielder.
Cole Jacobsen, infielder.
Danny Mocny, 3rd base/outfielder.
Steve Velazco, outfielder.

Pitchers:

None.

Players transferring out:

Position Players:

Zach Barger, outfielder.
Donnie Ecker, shortstop/infielder, (transferring to Santa Clara Univ.)

Pitchers:

Romeo Newman, RH reliever.
Scott Juneau, RH reliever.
Ryan Shopshire, RHP.
Brandon Villalobos, LHP, started and relieved.

New Incoming Players

Freshmen:

Position Players:

Danny Espinosa, Mater Dei High School (Santa Ana), 6'0", 185, shortstop. 2005 stats: .288, 20 RBI, 18 stolen bases. Good glove.

Kip Masuda, Mid-Pacific Institute (Honolulu, Hawaii), 5'10", 185, catcher/1st base. 2005 stats: .389, 5 HR, 38 RBI, threw out 17 of 20 attempting stolen base. MLB: Drafted in the 47th round (1,394th overall). Masuda was Hawaii's position player of the year, as selected by the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, which had this:

Masuda was among several players nominated for top position player honors. He got the nod over a posse that included Moanalua's Andrew Blomberg and Saint Louis' Chester Wilson.

The 5-10 1/2, 185-pound senior impressed at the plate, hitting a league-high five home runs. He also had 14 doubles and 38 RBIs while hitting .389.

It was defense, however, that separated Masuda from the pack. The Owl threw out 17 of 20 baserunners. Much of the time, opposing coaches refused to run on Masuda.

"Hands down, he's the best catcher in the state," Saint Louis coach Scot Paiva said. "Automatically, you don't want to run on him."

Masuda credited his coaches with fine-tuning his accuracy behind the plate.

"It's just repetition in practice. Our coaches emphasized the release point, being compact and throwing to the same spot every time," he said. "That made a lot of difference."

Getting serious about conditioning also was a plus.

"The honor is kinda important to me because all the offseason workouts by myself, going to the weight room extra paid off," Masuda said. He reps in the bench press anywhere from five to 10 times at 225 pounds. On the squat, he does five to 10 reps at 315.

"When you're stronger, to me, it's a boost to everything, a lot easier to compete. You can swing the bat a little faster, come around on the inside pitch a little more," said Masuda, who accepted an early offer from Long Beach State.

Brandon Decker, Granite Hills High School (El Cajon), 5'9", 140, infielder. 2005 stats: .360, 14 stolen bases (5th in east San Diego County). 2004 stats: .430 (49 hits, 114 AB), .649 slugging percentage (9 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR), 41 runs scored, 16 stolen bases. Played shortstop senior year, and 2nd base junior year.

Pitchers:

Kyle Bredenkamp, Millikan High School (Long Beach), 6'5", 225, RHP. 2005 stats: 4-4, 1.23 ERA, 57 IP, 59 strikeouts, 18 BB. MLB: Drafted in the 37th round (1,117th overall). MaxPreps stats here.

Hunter Hewitt, Trinity High School (Louisville, Kentucky), 6'0", 187, LHP. 2005 stats: 7-0, 1.01 ERA.

Andre Lamontagne, Righetti High School (Santa Maria), 6'4", 180, RHP. 2005 stats: 9-0, 1.56 ERA, 81 IP, 81 strikeouts, 39 BB. 2005 hitting stats: .367 (11 for 30). MLB: Drafted in the 45th round (1,346th overall). MaxPreps stats here. He was the only high school player on the 2005 summer league Santa Maria Indians, and was one of 3 starting pitchers to anchor the rotation.

Russ Lowell, La Costa Canyon High School (Encincitas), 6'0", 155, LHP. 2004 stats: 6-0, 1.66 ERA. 2005 stats: 4-6, 3.85 ERA, 60 IP, 78 strikeouts, 44 walks. The La Costa Canyon High School baseball page has this:

If you asked CIF Champion Rancho Bernardo who the toughest pitcher they faced this year they might say it was the Mavericks' Russell Lowell. On April 21st Russ pitched a complete game, 7 inning shut out win over the Broncos, 1-0. On May 5th Russ limited the Broncos to only one run through 8 innings before loosing 2-1 in the bottom of the 9th inning. On April 8th Russ held Fallbrook to only 3 runs in an 8-3 win for the Mavericks over the Avocado League Champs. In 2005 Russ pitched 60 innings, allowing 46 hits and striking out 78, while posting a tough luck record of only 4-6.

Shane Peterson, Chaparral High School (Temecula), 6'1", 195, LHP. 2005 pitching stats: 5-4, 2.287 ERA, 67.1 IP, 90 strikeouts, 31 BB. 4 complete games. 2nd Team All-CIF. Batting stats: .414, 7 HR, .814 slugging percentage. 10 strikeouts and 21 walks in 70 AB. Can play 1st base. MaxPreps stats here. Pitched a no hitter in 2002.

Bryan Shaw, Livermore High School, 6'0", 190, RHP. 2005 stats: 5-0, 0.25 ERA over 28 IP, 14 hits allowed, 29 strikeouts, 9 BB (season shortened by injury). MaxPreps stats here. He also played wide receiver for Livermore.

Scott Turmail, Hazelwood Central High School (Florissant, Missouri), 6'4", 190, RHP. 2004 stats: 8-1, 1.41 ERA. 2005 stats: 7-1, 1.63 ERA, 53 strikeouts, 3 walks. 2005 1st Team All-State (Missouri) pitcher.

Vance Worley, McClatchy High School (Sacramento), 6'3", 210, RHP. 2004 stats: 6-1, 1.71 ERA. 2005 stats: 4-3, 1.79 ERA, 51.1 IP, 102 strikeouts. MLB: Drafted in the 20th round, (607th overall). Baseball America had this pre-draft scouting report:

Worley hails from the same Sacramento high school that produced big leaguers Larry Bowa, Dion James and Nick Johnson. The premier pitching prospect in northern California, he was a third- to fifth-round projection at the start of the year, but his stock has been on the rise this spring. He had one string of 23 straight scoreless innings. Worley has the potential for four legitimate pitches and works with an easy, efficient and fluid delivery. He rates a slight edge over Monte Vista High righthander Jeff Lyman, the No. 2 arm in the area, because his delivery is a little cleaner. Worley's fastball was 87-88 mph in 2004 but has been consistently 91-93 mph this spring, while touching 95. The ball explodes out of his hand and has good riding action, and he works the pitch to both sides of the plate. He also has good command of a slider, which ranges from 77-81 mph. His team's shortstop when he doesn't pitch, Worley is more athletic and displays better baseball actions than most pitchers when he takes the mound. He is considered more signable than most of the elite high school prospects in northern California, but scouts are split on his worth, ranging from a sandwich pick to the third or fourth rounds.

Transfers:

Position Players:

Bobby McMurray, junior, transferring from Mesa City College (Mesa, Arizona), 6'0", 195, outfielder/3rd base. 2004 stats: .354, 62 RBI. 2005: suffered rotator cuff injury in the middle of the season. He was selected to the 2004 NJCAA 1st Team Division II All Regional for Region 1.

Ted Pattock, sophomore, transferring from Chandler-Gilbert City College (Chandler, Arizona), 6'0", 180, outfielder. .319, .418 OB%, 21 stolen bases. 2nd Team All-Conference. Perfect Game had this scouting report from the summer of 2002 on Pattock from a showcase during his days at Seton Catholic High School in Tempe, Arizona:

Showed a good hitting approach with quiet hands and good hitting ability. Runs well and showed a quick first step out of the box. His left-handed bat and athleticism give him a bright future at the next level.

Robert Perry, junior, transferring from Santa Clara University, 5'9", 175, outfielder. 2004 stats: .305, 8 HR. 2005 stats: .324, 4 HR, season shortened by finger injury. The Los Gatos Weekly Times had this on Perry in December, 2004:

Sophomore Robert Perry (Mitty), a teammate of [Troy] Tulowitzki over the years on several successful Sunnyvale National Little League all-star teams, will be the starting centerfielder for Santa Clara University. Perry, who last year was the first freshman in 22 years to start for the Broncos, earned second-team All-West Coast Conference honors last spring. He played in all but one of SCU's 56 games, batting .300 with eight home runs and 27 RBIs.

Edgar Sedano, transferring from East L.A. College, junior, 5'11", 175, infielder. 2005 stats: .405, 40 runs scored, 6 HR, 19 RBI. All-Southern California.

Allen Wood, transferring from Golden West College (Huntington Beach), junior, outfielder. 2004 stats: .366. 2005 stats: .326, 28 RBI, 2nd Team All-League.

Pitchers:

Andrew Carpenter, junior, transferring from Sacramento City College (played freshman year at Chico State University), RHP. I had this on Andrew:

Andrew, a right handed pitcher, played his freshman year at Chico State University, and last season at Sac City. The 6'3", 220#, righthander is from Vacaville, CA. In 2004 at Chico State, he pitched 74.1 innings in 17 games (11 starts, 4 complete games), posting a 4.12 ERA and 7-2 W-L record. Last season at Sac City, he led the team with an 8-2 record, posting a 3.15 ERA. He also led the team in innings pitched at 85.2, starting 12 of the 15 games he appeared in, and striking out 84 while walking just 20.

Andrew originally signed to play on scholarship at Oklahoma before the turmoil at OU over the resignation of head coach Larry Cochell forced by racially insentitive remarks, the hiring of Wichita State's long time head coach Gene Stephenson, and Stephenson's subsequent resignation a few hours later because of ""unresolvable scholarship issues" at Oklahoma." Andrew asked for, and was granted, a release from his committment to OU.

Returning Players

Position Players:

Sean Boatright, senior, outfielder. Dirtbags stats:

YEAR  AVG GP-GS  AB  R  H 2B 3B HR RBI SLG% BB SO  OB% SB-ATT  E  FLD%
2003 .259 19-16  58 12 15  4  0  3   9 .483  7 12 .353    1-1  0 1.000
2004 .330 30-23 100 10 33  5  0  3  23 .470  4 18 .352    0-1  0 1.000
2005 .299 49-48 197 26 59 17  0  3  30 .431 14  1 .347    5-8  1  .990

Scott Bradley, senior, utility. Dirtbags stats:

YEAR  AVG GP-GS  AB  R  H 2B 3B HR RBI SLG% BB SO  OB% SB-ATT  E  FLD%
2004 .308 10-3   13  1  4  1  0  0   2 .385  2  1 .400    1-1  0 1.000
2005 .282 28-19  71 14 20  2  0  0   6 .310  8 18 .386    4-4  2  .976

Tito Cruz, senior, catcher/3rd base. Dirtbags stats:

YEAR  AVG GP-GS  AB  R  H 2B 3B HR RBI SLG% BB SO  OB% SB-ATT  E  FLD%
2003 .217 11-5   23  3  5  0  0  0   1 .217  2  8 .280    0-0  1  .889
2004 .271 22-12  48  6 13  3  0  0   2 .333  1 10 .327    0-0  5  .872
2005 .231 33-26 108  8 25  5  0  0   8 .278  5 23 .278    3-4  5  .972

Donnie Ecker, sophomore, infielder. Dirtbags stats:

YEAR  AVG GP-GS  AB  R  H 2B 3B HR RBI SLG% BB SO  OB% SB-ATT  E  FLD%
2005 ........No plate appearances......

Brandon Godfrey, sophomore, 1st base/utility. Dirtbags stats:

YEAR  AVG GP-GS  AB  R  H 2B 3B HR RBI SLG% BB SO  OB% SB-ATT  E  FLD%
2005 .305 47-46 177 19 54  9  2  1  24 .395  9 27 .349    2-4  3  .993

Jose Hernandez, sophomore, outfielder. Dirtbags stats:

YEAR  AVG GP-GS  AB  R  H 2B 3B HR RBI SLG% BB SO  OB% SB-ATT  E  FLD%
2005 .224 31-18  67  9 15  4  0  1   7 .328  1 17 .2573   3-4  2  .955

Evan Longoria, junior, infielder. Dirtbags stats:

YEAR  AVG GP-GS  AB  R  H 2B 3B HR RBI SLG% BB SO  OB% SB-ATT  E  FLD%
2005 .320 58-56 228 34 73  8  0  5  30 .421 14 41 .368  10-11  8  .952

Tom Sarti, senior, catcher/outfielder. Dirtbags stats:

YEAR  AVG GP-GS  AB  R  H 2B 3B HR RBI SLG% BB SO  OB% SB-ATT  E  FLD%
2005 .139  17-9  36  6  5  0  0  1   5 .222  2  9 .220    1-1  0 1.000

Chuck Sindlinger, senior, 2nd base. Dirtbags stats:

YEAR  AVG GP-GS  AB  R  H 2B 3B HR RBI SLG% BB SO  OB% SB-ATT  E  FLD%
2003 .288 41-38 125 13 36  7  2  0  21 .376  9 27 .350   8-10  4  .976
2004 .257 38-36 113 12 29  2  2  1   7 .336  5 24 .317    1-2  9  .937
2005 .264 56-55 193 19 51  5  0  3  23 .337 12 30 .324   6-11  8  .964

Jordan Struble, senior, catcher/outfielder. Dirtbags stats:

YEAR  AVG GP-GS  AB  R  H 2B 3B HR RBI SLG% BB SO  OB% SB-ATT  E  FLD%
2005 .277 30-21  83 12 23  7  0  0  14 .361  9 14 .344    2-3  0 1.000

Tom Wolf, senior, outfielder. Dirtbags stats:

YEAR  AVG GP-GS  AB  R  H 2B 3B HR RBI SLG% BB SO  OB% SB-ATT  E  FLD%
2003 .259 19-16  58 12 15  4  0  3   9 .483  7 12 .353    1-1  0 1.000
2004 .330 30-23 100 10 33  5  0  3  23 .470  4 18 .352    0-1  0 1.000
2005 .229 14-8   35  0  8  1  0  0   2 .257  1  3 .270    0-1  0 1.000

Pitchers:

Brett Andrade, senior, RH reliever. Dirtbags stats:

YEAR   ERA W-L APP GS CG SV   IP  H  R ER BB SO 2B 3B HR  AB B/Avg WP HBP BK
2003 10.22 1-0  11  0  0  0 12.1 22 14 14  5  6  6  0  3  55  .400  2   0  0
2004  4.95 1-0  17  0  0  0 20.0 20 12 11  1 19  6  0  2  79  .253  1   1  0
2005  4.66 1-0  10  0  0  0  9.2 13  9  5  3  3  4  0  0  41  .317  0   3  1

Matt Fitts, sophomore, RH reliever. Dirtbags stats:

YEAR   ERA W-L APP GS CG SV   IP  H  R ER BB SO 2B 3B HR  AB B/Avg WP HBP BK
2005  2.20 0-1  16  0  0  0 16.1 16  7  4  4 11  1  0  1  61  .262  0   0  0

Update: Matt Fitts has left the program.

Jared Hughes, junior, RH starter. Dirtbags stats:

YEAR   ERA W-L APP GS CG SV   IP  H  R ER BB SO 2B 3B HR  AB B/Avg WP HBP BK
2005  2.83 8-3  15 14  2  0 89.0 67 29 28 23 87 10  4  3 316  .212  9  19  1

Donnie Hume, sophomore, LH starter and reliever. Dirtbags stats:

YEAR   ERA W-L APP GS CG SV   IP  H  R ER BB SO 2B 3B HR  AB B/Avg WP HBP BK
2005  2.37 1-1  11  2  0  0 19.0 20  8  5  5 13  3  3  1  72  .278  0   1  0

Scott Juneau, senior, RH reliever. Dirtbags stats:

YEAR   ERA W-L APP GS CG SV   IP  H  R ER BB SO 2B 3B HR  AB B/Avg WP HBP BK
2004  6.00 1-1   8  0  0  0 12.0 12  8  8  2  7  5  0  2  46  .261  0   1  0
2005  9.00 0-0   1  0  0  0  1.0  1  1  1  0  0  0  0  1   3  .333  0   0  0

Andrew Liebel, sophomore, RH reliever. Dirtbags stats:

YEAR   ERA W-L APP GS CG SV   IP  H  R ER BB SO 2B 3B HR  AB B/Avg WP HBP BK
2005  5.11 0-2  11  0  0  0 12.1 15  9  7  6  4  4  1  0  51  .294  1   2  1

Josh Tamba, redshirt sophomore, RHP. Josh redshirted 2004, and did not pitch in 2005.

Former Dirtbag Steve Trachsel had a great start Friday after spending the entire year on the DL. Now this from SI.com (originally in the New York Times):

Steve Trachsel's reward for pitching eight scoreless innings Friday in his first start in 11 months was a spot in the Mets' bullpen. Trachsel said he was shocked when manager Willie Randolph and pitching coach Rick Peterson told him before Sunday's game that he would not make another start until further notice. He added that he "understood things are being worked out" between his agents and General Manager Omar Minaya, although he would not elaborate.

But, apparently, the Boston Red Sox have contacted the Mets about acquiring Steve. They must do so by midnight tomorrow for him to be eligible for post-season play. We'll see.

...in this piece at Inside Pitch (originally published at InsideTheIvy.com):

All is Not a Wash for Rohlicek
Rohlicek adjusts to Triple-A

By Steve Holley
Date: Aug 29, 2005

It started off the way Russ Rohlicek would have liked. The left-hander threw 10.1 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run to open the year and finish the month of April with a zero ERA. As the weeks and months slowly progressed, however, Rohlicek began finding himself in more and more tight situations as his ERA shot above four. There are still some positives to take from the year 2005, he says.

For starters, there is getting that all-important rookie season at Triple-A out of the way. At age 25, Rohlicek is somewhat of a late bloomer. He was drafted in 2001 by the Houston Astros at age 22 out of Long Beach State University.

After just over a year in the Houston farm system, Rohlicek was sent to the Cubs as the key prospect in the trade that brought "Flash" Gordon to the Astros. Rohlicek finished up 2002 at Class-A Lansing of the Midwest League and has moved up a level each year afterward.... [read the rest here].

...from the Huntsville Times:

Nine questions with Star's Adam Heether
Sunday, August 28, 2005

Adam Heether was promoted to the Stars last week from Class A Brevard County in the Florida State League, where he batted .305 with 54 RBIs in 93 games. After this brief time in the Southern League, Heether fielded 9 Questions before Saturday's game.

1 First week in Double-A, what do you think?

Glad to be here. I like the group of guys. I like the coaches. Everyone's (on the field) a little bit better since it's a higher level. I'm enjoying myself, trying to finish strong the last couple of weeks.

2 Any nervousness?

You get those butterflies going again. At the lower level, after 100 games or so, it gets to be an every day thing. But in a new environment you get the butterflies the first couple of games. Then after a while it's back to baseball again. When I got my first at-bat, I had some butterflies.

3 How did you find out you were being promoted?

After a game, they called me and told me to pack up. John Tamargo called me in his office and said, "You're going up. Go get 'em."

I packed up all my stuff 'til about 2:30, 3:30 in the morning, left at 6:30. We drove here in about 11 1/2 hours and got here right before game time. (I) got to pinch-hit later that game (and got a hit in his first Double-A at-bat). Long day. My wife (Jennifer) was with me, and that made it easier. She let me sleep.

4 Was it tough leaving a pennant race?

We were a game and a half or two games back, so we had a great chance of getting there. The ultimate goal is to make to the big leagues. It's rewarding to be called up. Obviously, you're playing to get to the next level.

5 How was your own season going there?

I only got to play about 35-40 games. I broke my hand in the first half. I got hit by a pitch and it sidelined me for about a month, so I had to deal with that. It took me a couple of weeks to get adjusted, and I got on track.

6 Most everybody here is ready for this season to be over. You come here this late, does it feel like it's ending too quickly?

It gives you a second wind. You get tired at the end of the season. To get called up it's almost a new season, to be in a new environment.

7 You've played other seasons with manager Don Money, and you're playing his old position. Did you have any idea about his playing career?

I know he was a solid third baseman. When I got drafted by the Brewers I saw Don Money was the manager at low-A. I knew I'd have the chance to work with him.

It's nice having him around, being around somebody who knows the position. He helps you out on a daily basis. He was a solid, quality third baseman.

8 How many different ways does your name get botched?

I'd say "heather" is the biggest mistake. It's "heath-er,'' like the Heath bar. But I don't make a big deal about it.

9 Tony Gwynn Jr.'s father was a great player. Enrique Cruz's sister dates Pedro Martinez. What's your brush with fame? Do you have anything like that?

Nope. I'm trying to start my own (bit of fame). Oh, wait. I'll tell you one you can say. My second cousin. His name is Tim Stewart. He plays the drums and bass for Jessica Simpson's band.

...has a great piece on life in the low minors, and hopes and dreams. In my opinion, Will is the best non-baseball baseball writer around.

Baseball America has named it's 2005 College Summer All-America team, and 2 Dirtbags made the list. Evan Longoria was named 1st team 2nd baseman, and Jared Hughes was selected 2nd team starting pitcher. Both played for the Chatham A's in the Cape Cod League, and both made that league's in season and post season All-Star teams. Evan was selected the Cape's MVP. Hat tip to reader Rhonda for pointing me to this story.

Photo caption from Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "Marlins rookie Jason Vargas wipes away the residue of a shaving cream pie last Sunday -- a veteran form of congratulations after he threw his first major-league complete game in a 7-1 win vs. the Dodgers at Dolphins Stadium."

Former Dirtbag Paul McAnulty had a productive 10 game run with the Padres earlier this season. Yesterday at AAA Portland, he went 4 for 5, raising his AAA average to .340...and .372 in his last 10 game, .400 in his last 5. He has 6 homeruns in 150 ABs, and he's slugging at .560, with a .401 OB%. Paul's made a heck of a case for a return to San Diego when rosters expand September 1.

Former Dirtbag Jason Giambi reached 2 milestones during a big game yesterday. Here's the Reuters piece:

Jason Giambi belted two home runs in a day of milestones as the New York Yankees pounded the Kansas City Royals 10-3 to complete a three-game series sweep at Yankee Stadium on Sunday.

The win moved New York a half-game clear of the Los Angeles Angels for the top spot in the American League wildcard race with Cleveland one game behind.

Giambi picked up his 1,000th career RBI with his three-run shot in the third inning and then notched his 1,500th career hit with a two-run blast in the fifth.

The New York slugger, who broke out of a 4-for-38 slump, completed his big day at the plate with a two-run single in the sixth to tie a career high with seven RBIs.

His efforts helped the streaking Yankees to their fourth straight win and sixth in seven games.

"Even when I was struggling up there, I felt pretty good," said Giambi. "I was getting good swings but I just wasn't getting any hits."

Former Dirtbag Abe Alvarez was called up again yesterday to the Boston Red Sox. Since he was called up before the end of August, he is eligible for post season play.

Boyd Nation (Boyd's World) did an interesting analysis of the average duration of Division I games last season. Turns out that the average for all Division I games is 2 hours, 42 minutes...well under the MLB average of just over 3 hours (which Boyd, probably correctly, attributes to TV time considerations).

It also turns out that Long Beach State games averaged 3 hours, 7 minutes...the 11th longest average time in D-I. In fact, every Big West school (except Pacific) made the list of the 25 highest average length (all over 3 hours). The Big West Conference had the longest average games for conference matchups in all Division I, at 3 hours, 11 minutes. Boyd theorizes that "[t]here's probably a weather factor at work here, since it's easier to take your time when you're not freezing." While he may be right (though night games at Blair Field in February and March aren't exactly sweltering), I have another theory. When listening to internet play by play originating from Baylor, Wichita State, and others, I have often heard commentary that west coast pitchers work "deliberately." They are being polite. They work slow! The way I see it, this comes in 2 forms. Many times, pitchers will throw over to first base 7 or 8 times. During the same at bat. It's too bad there are no stats kept on the number of times pitchers throw over to hold runners during games. The 2nd factor is the time between pitches.

This is not limited to Long Beach or the Big West. 19 of the 25 teams on the longest average game list hail from 4 states: California, Oregon, Nevada and Arizona. And the 4 conferences with the longest league games are, in order: Big West, Pac10, West Coast and Mountain West. Clearly the length of the games has more to do with the style of play out west than it does with our fabulous weather.

Former Dirtbag Steve Trachsel made his first Major League appearance this season for the NY Mets last night, after spending the entire season on a DL following surgery to repair a herniated disc. Result: He shuts down the San Francisco Giants for 8.0 innings in route to a 1-0 win, allowing just 2 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 6. Here's the story from MLB.com:

Trachsel dominates in first 2005 start
Eight scoreless innings help extend Mets' winning streak
By Marty Noble / MLB.com

SAN FRANCISCO -- He held his right hand at chest height, palm down, and moved it slowly from side to side to demonstrate the moderate manner he maintains on days he pitches. He is Even Stephen Trachsel on those days. Extremes are prohibited. He may be pleased, but he won't permit delighted. He may be irritated or disappointed, but never anguished.

"It works for me," Trachsel said following the Mets' handsome 1-0 victory against the Giants on Friday, as he stood in front of his locker and, at the same instant, in the middle of the road.

"I don't want to make this a big thing, then go back to New York, give up an eight-spot, and I'm a turd again. So I keep it down."

Trachsel's temperance was challenged Friday night when he finally finished the transformation from patient to pitcher, from "his back" to "he's back." But even in the afterglow of an uplifting and rewarding performance in his first Major League endeavor since last season, Trachsel was content to beat the Giants and not his chest.

"Maybe tomorrow night when we go to dinner in Napa," he said. Maybe that's when he'll pop his cork and celebrate the brilliant return he executed. And he may open a bottle then as well.

Trachsel, the Mets' sommelier, had given a performance worthy of a toast and maybe even another turn in the Mets' unspecified rotation. He surrendered two hits and two walks and struck out six in eight innings as the Mets gained their fifth straight victory. He threw as if he had made 20 starts against big-league hitters, not six against hitters without resumes, with midseason precision even though he hasn't had a season.

Some five months after back surgery, he provided no-hit drama for most of six innings and pitched into and out of trouble in the eighth inning, protecting the lead David Wright's rocket home run had produced six innings earlier.

"I did all right, I think," Trachsel said, keeping his key as low as he had kept his pitches in beating the Giants for the ninth time in 13 career decisions. "I pitched my normal game."

Normal in the sense of how he attacked the opponent. The results were better than normal.

"But I almost expected him to do what he did because I know how he prepares," manager Willie Randolph said.

Not that the Mets needed more encouraging developments on this stunningly successful trip to the West, but Trachsel provided another reason for them to believe the season doesn't have to end at Game 162.

Randolph didn't allow his postgame remarks to reach that far into the future. He wouldn't even hint at how his rotation would turn in New York and Miami next week. But he clearly was happy to have more information with which to make his determination.

"You have to love what he showed," the manager said.

Trachsel showed almost everything a manager could ask to see in the Mets' fourth 1-0 victory this season. He kept his pitches down and his pitch count relatively low, 108. And when the Giants resisted, he put them away, leaving only three outs for Braden Looper to achieve.

Trachsel, who has pitched three one-hitters in the big leagues, held the Giants hitless until two out in the sixth inning. Randy Winn singled through the middle at that point. The second of the Giants' three hits -- the third came off Looper -- didn't come until the eighth when Edgardo Alfonzo reached base on a leadoff ground-ball single that didn't reach the outfield but led to trouble. A sacrifice bunt and an infield out advanced pinch-runner Todd Linden to third base before Michael Tucker worked an eight-pitch walk and gave Winn a chance to do more damage.

On another night, perhaps, Randolph might have summoned Roberto Hernandez. On this night, the manager felt strongly that "this was Trachs' game to win." Hernandez still was in the bullpen when Winn flied out to short center. [more].

ESPN says so! (The pic is on the main ESPN MLB page, and is likely to be replaced soon. So a screen capture is below).

From the Long Beach Press-Telegram:

Dirtbag returns

Jon Strauss, a member of LBSU's 1993 College World Series team, has returned to the program as a volunteer assistant. Strauss, who spent the previous three seasons at Loyola Marymount as an assistant, began his coaching career under Dave Snow and served on the Dirtbags coaching staff from 1995 to 2000. Strauss spent two seasons as the head coach at Glendale Community College prior to LMU.

Jon played for the Dirtbags in 1993 and 1994, after which he signed a free agent contract with the New York Yankees.

...is featured here.

There's a nice feature, with a new angle, on former Dirtbag Jason Vargas in the Sun Sentinel:

Jason Vargas has only been in the big leagues for six weeks, but already the rookie left-hander has a signature feature.

His hair.

Long, black, stringy hair. Hair that spills out from the back and sides of his Marlins cap in true Eckersleyan fashion.

Hair that nearly reaches his shoulders when left unchecked and falls into his eyes after almost every pitch.

It's great hair, really. Probably the best in franchise history and far closer to Video Music Awards hair than traditional baseball hair. At the very least it's reality-show hair. [more]

Long Beach State has landed an unexpected prize in Sacramento City College transfer Andrew Carpenter. Andrew, a right handed pitcher, played his freshman year at Chico State University, and last season at Sac City. The 6'3", 220#, righthander is from Vacaville, CA. In 2004 at Chico State, he pitched 74.1 innings in 17 games (11 starts, 4 complete games), posting a 4.12 ERA and 7-2 W-L record. Last season at Sac City, he led the team with an 8-2 record, posting a 3.15 ERA. He also led the team in innings pitched at 85.2, starting 12 of the 15 games he appeared in, and striking out 84 while walking just 20.

Andrew originally signed to play on scholarship at Oklahoma before the turmoil at OU over the resignation of head coach Larry Cochell forced by racially insentitive remarks, the hiring of Wichita State's long time head coach Gene Stephenson, and Stephenson's subsequent resignation a few hours later because of ""unresolvable scholarship issues" at Oklahoma." Andrew asked for, and was granted, a release from his committment to OU.

The Sac City website has this bio on Andrew Carpenter:

Andrew James Carpenter, son of Sandy and Larry Carpenter, was born in Fairfield, California on May 18, 1985. He played baseball for coach Trini Ruiz at Vacaville High School. He was selected to play in the Optimist All-Star game, Pitcher of the Year, an All League Selection, and a 3-time MVP. He also played basketball in high school. Carp came to Sac City because of the tradition, the reputation, great coaches, and they know how to win and produce good ballplayers. His goal for the season is to win a state championship. He lists his favorite movies as "Happy Gilmore" and "The Sandlot." Andrew's favorite athlete is Curt Schilling because he is a great competitor and a team guy. In his freetime he enjoys restoring cars, hanging out with friends, and reading the bible. The biggest influence in his life is his family because they taught him everything and mean everything to him.

...A story I'm happy to report. From Baseball America:

Three months after testicular cancer surgery and the subsequent chemotherapy, Chris Malec made his professional debut [July 26] with the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League affiliate. The second baseman, a 16th-round pick out of UC Santa Barbara, went 2-for-2.

He's now played in 21 games, and is batting .384. At least he won't be batting against the Dirtbags again!

As Baseball America puts it, the Arizona Fall League "is a stomping ground for budding prospects, and the circuit has earned its reputation as a steppingstone for future standouts." While there are still roster spots to be filled on the 6 teams in the League, 2 former Dirtbags - Jered Weaver (Angels) and Chris DeMaria (Royals) - have made the roster of the Surprise Scorpions. Former Dirtbag Paul McAnulty played in the AFL last year.

...had a strong outing for the AA Arkansas Travelers (Texas League) last night, going 6.0 innings for the win. He did not allow an earned run, struck out 6, and gave up just 4 hits and a walk. [Box Score]. Over his last 2 starts, he's gone 2-0, with a 1.42 ERA (12.2 IP, 2 ER, 9 H, 8 K, 5 BB). His AA season record has improved to 3-1, 3.98.

Yesterday I updated you on former Dirtbag Brad Davis' hot hitting. It just got hotter. Last night he went 3 for 5 with 2 RBI and scored 3 runs...increasing his season batting average another 10 points to .253. [Box Score]. That extends his hitting streak to 8 games, over which he has gone 16 for 37 (.432). Incredibly, over his last 4 games, Brad is hitting .474 (9 for 19). Not to give anyone any ideas, but can you say "intentional pass."

From TownOnline.com:

Evan Longoria selected Pat Sorenti Cape League MVP

Although many Chatham Athletic players posted mind-boggling numbers this summer, Evan Longoria - a legitimate triple-crown candidate for much of the year - was the player that stood out the most.

Thus, it is only fitting that he was the recipient of the Pat Sorenti Award for Most Valuable Player.

To win the triple crown, a player must finish the season as the league leader in the three major batting categories: average, home runs and RBIs. Needless to say, only the very best hitters are able to accomplish such a feat; the last MLB player to turn the trick was Carl Yastrzemski of the Boston Red Sox way back in 1967 when he hit .326 with 44 home runs and 121 RBIs.

Although Longoria (Long Beach State) led the Cape League in both home runs (8) and RBIs (35), he fell out of contention in the batting avera