tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66781502024-03-07T11:02:23.860-08:00Dirtbags Baseball - Long Beach State 49ersDedicated to fans of Long Beach State Dirtbags baseball (well, okay, officially the 49ers).Jeff Agnewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721814320306332016noreply@blogger.comBlogger1129125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6678150.post-1141236495692491092006-03-01T09:45:00.000-08:002006-03-01T10:08:15.810-08:00It's Deja Vu All Over AgainFormer Dirtbag LHP<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Jason Vargas</span> <a href="http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/content/sports/epaper/2006/02/28/a11c_marlinsnotes_0228.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">will start for the Florida Marlins</span></a> in an exhibition <a href="http://hurricanesports.collegesports.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/022806aaa.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">against the Univ. of Miami Hurricanes today</span></a> at the Marlins' spring training facility in Jupiter, Florida. It won't be the first time Jason has pitched against the 'Canes. On the Dirtbags 3 game trip to Miami ending the 2004 regular season, Jason took the loss on Sunday, May 29, as the Hurricanes swept the Beach. Vargas went 6 innings, allowing 6 ER on 5 hits, while stiking out 6 and walking 4. He did go 4 for 4 at the plate, including a 2 run homer, and scored 2 runs. [<a href="http://hurricanesports.collegesports.com/sports/m-basebl/stats/2003-2004/miami55.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Box Score</span></a>]. <span style="font-style: italic;">I'm sure he's looking for a better result today!<br /><br />P.S. Fortunately, I sure the umpires will be from among the ranks of MLB/MiLB professionals, rather than the local yokels who called that 2004 series.<br /></span>Jeff Agnewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721814320306332016noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6678150.post-1141230318425371882006-03-01T08:23:00.000-08:002006-03-01T08:25:18.443-08:00Carpenter Featured In Hometown PaperThere's a nice feature on junior RHP <span style="font-weight: bold;">Andrew "Drew" Carpenter</span> <a href="http://www.thereporter.com/sports/ci_3554690"><span style="font-weight: bold;">here</span></a> in his hometown Vacaville Reporter.Jeff Agnewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721814320306332016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6678150.post-1141144634816707362006-02-28T08:26:00.000-08:002006-02-28T08:37:14.843-08:00Dirtbags Hold At #15 In NCBWA PollThe Beach remains <a href="http://www.sportswriters.net/ncbwa/news/2006/poll060227.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">15th in the National Collegiate Baseball Writer's Assn. poll</span></a> this week. The Rice Owls, <a href="http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/BOX06/LBSUBB09.HTM"><span style="font-weight: bold;">defeated by Long Beach State 4-1</span></a> in the Coca Cola Classic tournament at Rice in Houston on February 18, moves to #1 in the poll.Jeff Agnewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721814320306332016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6678150.post-1141086619132093662006-02-27T16:29:00.000-08:002006-02-27T16:30:19.156-08:00McAnulty FeaturedFormer Dirtbag <span style="font-weight: bold;">Paul McAnulty</span> is featured <a href="http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060225&content_id=1323206&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=sd"><span style="font-weight: bold;">in this piece</span></a> on the San Diego Padres website at MLB.com.Jeff Agnewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721814320306332016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6678150.post-1141083268786770922006-02-27T15:31:00.000-08:002006-02-27T15:34:28.803-08:00Andrew Carpenter Named Big West Pitcher of the Week AgainJunior RHP <span style="font-weight: bold;">Andrew Carpenter</span> was named the <a href="http://www.bigwest.org//story.asp?story_id=9120"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Big West Conference Co-Pitcher of the Week</span></a> today, after his 1 hitter against Illinois-Chicago. He also earned the honor <a href="http://www.bigwest.org//story.asp?story_id=9089"><span style="font-weight: bold;">last week</span></a>.Jeff Agnewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721814320306332016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6678150.post-1141079270447614382006-02-27T14:24:00.000-08:002006-02-27T14:27:50.463-08:00Beach Is 15th In ESPN/Sports Weekly Coachs' PollThe 1st in season ESPN/Sports Weekly poll of Division I coaches is out, and <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/baseball/usatpoll.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;">the Dirtbags are ranked 15th (up from 20th pre-season)</span></a>.Jeff Agnewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721814320306332016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6678150.post-1141071623867870342006-02-27T11:18:00.000-08:002006-02-27T13:54:56.516-08:00'Bags Douse Flames<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday, February 24, 2006: Dirtbags 5, UIC 3</span><br /><a href="http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/REL06/gamebbc022406.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;">LongBeachState.com story</span></a>. <a href="http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/BOX06/LBSUBB11.HTM"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Box Score</span></a>. <a href="http://uicflames.collegesports.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/022506aac.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">UIC Website</span></a>. <a href="http://presstelegram.com/lbsu/ci_3548032"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Long Beach Press-Telegram</span></a>. <a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/articles/2369921.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Daily Breeze</span></a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, February 25, 2006: Dirtbags 6, </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">UIC 0</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><br /><a href="http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/REL06/gamebbc022506.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> LongBeachState.com story</span></a>. <a href="http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/BOX06/LBSUBB12.HTM"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Box Score</span></a>. <a href="http://uicflames.collegesports.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/022606aaa.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">UIC Website</span></a>. <a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/articles/2371926.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Daily Breeze</span></a>. <a href="http://presstelegram.com/lbsu/ci_3548032"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Long Beach Press-Telegram</span></a>. <a href="http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bb/college/3670122.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday, February 26, 2006: Dirtbags 10, UIC 0</span><br /><a href="http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/REL06/gamebbc022606.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> LongBeachState.com story</span></a>. <a href="http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/BOX06/LBSUBB13.HTM"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Box Score</span></a>. <a href="http://uicflames.collegesports.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/022606aab.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">UIC Website</span></a>. <a href="http://presstelegram.com/lbsu/ci_3550205"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Long Beach Press-Telegram</span></a>. <a href="http://6-4-2.blogspot.com/2006/02/sweep-csulb-dirtbags-10-uic-flames-0.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">6-4-2 Blog post</span></a>, and <a href="http://www.doubledogmusic.com/baseball/2006-02-26_csulb_vs_uic/index.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Photos</span></a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The week/series: </span> <a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/college/060227tracker.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Baseball America's Top 25 Tracker</span></a>.<br /><br />The highlight of the weekend was junior RHP <span style="font-weight: bold;">Andrew Carpenter's</span> 1 hitter on Saturday. I wrote it up <a href="http://dirtbagsbaseball.blogspot.com/2006/02/andrew-carpenter-tosses-complete-game.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">here</span></a>. There was a correction on <a href="http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/REL06/gamebbc022506.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;">the LongBeachState.com story</span></a>...I'll add it to mine here: In the early '90s <span style="font-weight: bold;">Steve Whitaker</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dennis Gray</span> also threw 1 hitters.<br /><br />The box score for the game on Sunday is 1 of the stranger ones I've seen, with the Dirtbags and Flames both having 7 hits, but Long Beach State scoring a 10-0 shutout victory. The difference, in part, was 5 errors for Illinois-Chicago leading to 5 unearned runs, and a 7 run 2nd inning. The Dirtbags played error free, and turned 2 double plays. 2 of their 7 hits went for doubles (by <span style="font-weight: bold;">Edgar Sedano</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jose Hernandez</span>), and they got 3 sac flies (<span style="font-weight: bold;">Evan Longoria</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Brandon Godfrey</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Scott Bradley</span>). The Beach left only 3 on base, while the Flames stranded 6. To state the obvious, good defense, timely hitting, and execution wins games.<br /><br />On the weekend, the Dirtbags made the most of their opportunities, scoring 21 runs on 26 hits. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kip Masuda</span> hit his 1st homerun as a 49er on Saturday, the only 1 hit during the series by either side. He also had a double in the game, and 3 RBI. Three other 49ers had multiple hits Saturday, including Evan Longoria (3 for 4), <span style="font-weight: bold;">Matt Cline</span> (2 for 3), and Brandon Godfrey (2 for 4).<br /><br />Freshman RHP <span style="font-weight: bold;">Vance Worley</span> got his 1st win as a Dirtbag Sunday, going 8 innings and allowing just 6 hits and no runs (striking out 2, and walking 1). He pitched well enough to win a week earlier, making this his 2nd solid start in a row.<br /><br />Senior outfielder <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sean Boatright</span> missed the series with a "tweaked" back.<br /><br />Long Beach State's team batting average now stands at .298, with 6 players hitting over .300 (Evan Longoria at .439 [18-41], Kip Masuda at .412 [7-17], Scott Bradley at .364 [8-22], Matt Cline at .333 [3-9], Brandon Godfrey at .324 [11-34], and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Danny Espinosa</span> at .306 [15-49])<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Update</span>: Andrew Carpenter is featured in <a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/college/060227threestrikes.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">this week's Baseball America Three Strikes column</span></a>.Jeff Agnewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721814320306332016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6678150.post-1141066658553965542006-02-27T10:55:00.000-08:002006-02-27T10:57:38.566-08:00Dirtbags Ranked #16Long Beach State is now ranked 16th in both <a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/college/top25/2006top25.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Baseball America</span></a> (from 18th last week) and <a href="http://www.collegiatebaseball.com/polls/divI/currentpolldivI.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Collegiate Baseball</span></a> (from 17th), after going 3-0 against Illinois-Chicago at Blair Field.Jeff Agnewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721814320306332016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6678150.post-1140918953436535662006-02-25T17:38:00.000-08:002006-02-25T17:55:53.536-08:00Andrew Carpenter Tosses Complete Game 1 HitterI'll do the full recap on the weekend on Monday as usual. But for a school known for great pitching, junior RHP <span style="font-weight: bold;">Andrew Carpenter's</span> performance against the Illinois-Chicago Flames today was truly remarkable. In a 9 inning complete game, won by the Dirtbags 6-0, Andrew gave up 1 hit, struck out 8, and 1 walk. He faced 1 over the minimum. 60 of 94 pitches went for strikes. It's the 1st complete game 1 hitter by a Long Beach State pitcher since <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dan Danielson's</span> in 1979. On the season, Andrew is now 2-0, with a 1.29 ERA over 28 innings and 4 starts. He's struck out 23, and walked just 4, holding opponents to a .167 average. [<a href="http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/BOX06/LBSUBB12.HTM"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Box Score</span></a>][<a href="http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/REL06/gamebbc022506.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;">LongBeachState.com story</span></a>].Jeff Agnewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721814320306332016noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6678150.post-1140917872341906392006-02-25T17:35:00.000-08:002006-02-25T17:37:52.360-08:00San Diego Dirtbags Sign ContractsFormer Dirtbags <span style="font-weight: bold;">Terrmel Sledge</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Paul McAnulty</span> have <a href="http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/team/transactions.jsp?c_id=sd"><span style="font-weight: bold;">signed one year deals with the San Diego Padres</span></a>.Jeff Agnewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721814320306332016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6678150.post-1140822415161731052006-02-24T14:40:00.000-08:002006-02-24T15:07:36.576-08:00Former Dirtbags On John Sickels' Prospects ListsJohn Sickels at <a href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">MinorLeagueBall.com</span></a> picks <span style="font-weight: bold;">Marco Estrada</span> as the <a href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/story/2006/2/21/13857/6261"><span style="font-weight: bold;">#18 prospect in the Washington National's system</span></a>. And <span style="font-weight: bold;">Abe Alvarez</span> as <a href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/story/2006/2/19/145441/614"><span style="font-weight: bold;">#13 with the Boston Red Sox</span></a>. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Steve Hammond</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Adam Heether</span> with the Milwaukee Brewers don't make his top 20, but <a href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/story/2006/2/16/12535/6465"><span style="font-weight: bold;">get a mention</span></a> as legit prospects. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jered Weaver</span> comes in at <a href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/story/2006/2/13/153426/529"><span style="font-weight: bold;">#4 with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim</span></a>. With the Chicago Cubs, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Russ Rohlicek</span> <a href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/story/2006/2/12/114449/224"><span style="font-weight: bold;">is #18</span></a> (unless the Cubs have another Rohlicek named Rick). More to come.Jeff Agnewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721814320306332016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6678150.post-1140819878891680672006-02-24T14:20:00.000-08:002006-02-24T14:24:38.893-08:00Talkin' TuloFrom <a href="http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060223&content_id=43164&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mayo's Mailbag at MinorLeagueBaseball.com</span></a> (hat tip to reader Rhonda):<blockquote>What can we expect from Omar Quintanilla and Luis A. Gonzalez this year? And what is the future of second base for the Rockies? Could Clint Barmes ultimately end up there with <span style="font-weight: bold;">Troy Tulowitzki</span> replacing him as the Rockies long-term shortstop? -- Galen, Minnesota<br /><br />Yes, to the second question. I think <span style="font-weight: bold;">Troy Tulowitzki</span> will be their shortstop <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">before the season's over</span>. At the very least, he'll be there Opening Day 2007. And he's a shortstop. Barmes is probably going to have to move. The Rockies have so much depth there, he's going to be looking over his shoulder a bit. ... You can never have too much help up the middle and they've certainly stockpiled there. I do see a scenario for next year at the latest where Tulowitzki plays short and Barmes plays second. </blockquote>Jeff Agnewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721814320306332016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6678150.post-1140819457891105522006-02-24T14:02:00.000-08:002006-02-24T14:17:37.976-08:00Vargas Loses LocksFormer Dirtbag <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jason Vargas</span> is featured in <a href="http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/baseball/13929678.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;">this piece in the Miami Herald</span></a>. Excerpts:<blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;">Left-hander Jason Vargas -- who started last season at low Class A -- has a 'leg up' on the competition to make the Marlins' rotation.</span><br />BY CLARK SPENCER<br /><br />JUPITER - A.J. Burnett, Paul Lo Duca and Todd Jones pleaded with <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jason Vargas</span> to leave his hair long after he was called up from the minors last season, and the young lefty bowed to their request. But those teammates are gone, and so too is the coif.<br /><br />''It's kind of something a few of the guys told me to keep last year, so I really had no choice,'' Vargas said.<br /><br />"But I didn't want to come into spring training looking shaggy like I did last year, because it's always best to make a good first impression.''<br /><br />Vargas did that Tuesday when he threw his first bullpen session of the spring in front of new Marlins manager Joe Girardi. But it wasn't the do that caught Girardi's eye. It was his steely glare.<br /><br />''He's got that look in his eyes that he's going to get you out,'' Girardi said. "And that's not a look everyone has. I like that look.''...<br /><br />Vargas wasn't invited to the Marlins' major-league camp last spring. There were no openings in the rotation, and the team figured Vargas, their second-round pick out of Long Beach State in 2004, needed more seasoning in the minors even though they didn't think it would take him long to reach the majors.<br /><br />But nobody thought he would make the climb so fast.<br /><br />Vargas started the 2005 season at low A Greensboro (N.C.) and, after just five starts, was promoted to Single A Jupiter. He made nine starts with the Hammerheads before being elevated to Double A Carolina. Then, after making three starts there, the Marlins called Vargas up in mid-July when they lost patience with Al Leiter and released him.<br /><br />Vargas was thrust into the rotation and reeled off five wins in his first six decisions.<br /><br />''I think there was a certain air of confidence that he had and the team had in him, which is a positive,'' Marlins general manager Larry Beinfest said. "He handled himself well, showed a lot of poise and was very competitive.''...</blockquote>When he was with the Dirtbags, the way that Jason always battled impressed me the most. Apparently his employers agree.Jeff Agnewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721814320306332016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6678150.post-1140631274344431752006-02-24T13:00:00.000-08:002006-02-24T15:14:50.420-08:00Flames Blow In From The Windy CityThe Dirtbags are home against Illinois-Chicago this weekend. Friday will be the 1st meeting ever between them. The Flames won the Horizon League championship tournament last season, securing an automatic berth in the Regional field. UIC went 0-2 in the Lincoln Regional, losing 2 close games against tough competition - 8-6 against Nebraska, and 9-7 against North Carolina. They finished the season 38-21-1. They play 'Ole Miss next weekend, and 2007 non-conference opponents include Georgia Tech and Tennessee.<br /><br />The matchup tonight could be interesting. The Flames start junior RHP Zach Peterson (0-0, 0.00) against junior RHP <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jared Hughes</span> (2-0, 3.86). Peterson was named to the College Baseball Foundation National Honor Roll for the week of February 21 [<a href="http://collegebaseballfoundation.org/files/2006/honorroll/pdf/02-21-06.pdf"><span style="font-weight: bold;">pdf</span></a>], with these comments:<blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;">Zach Peterson, Illinois-Chicago, P</span> - Peterson, who went 10-1 in 2005, held the Creighton Bluejays hitless until Chris Gradoville hit a solid single up the middle with two down in the fourth. That would be all the Jays would get, as Peterson finished with a no-decision after seven scoreless frames, allowing just four hits. Creighton was held scoreless through eight innings, but tied Illinois-Chicago in the ninth, 2-2, only to fall in the 10th inning on Jake Carr's single at Hohokam Park in Mesa, Arizona.</blockquote>The Dirtbags' junior RHP <span style="font-weight: bold;">Andrew Carpenter</span> was named to the same list with this:<blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;">Andrew Carpenter, Long Beach State, P</span> - Went seven strong innings, striking out a career-best eight and giving up only one run on three hits, as the 49ers topped Rice in their own Coca-Cola Classic Tournament in Houston. Carpenter walked two and used just 103 pitches in topping Owl's All American Joe Savery, leaving with a 4-1 cushion.</blockquote><a href="http://www.presstelegram.com/sports/ci_3536560"><span style="font-weight: bold;">There's a nice piece in the Long Beach Press-Telegram</span></a> featuring Andrew, with a little history on Dirtbags Saturday starters.<br /><br />The LongBeachState.com weekly release is <a href="http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/REL06/wrelbbc022106.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;">here in html</span></a>, and <a href="http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/REL06/relbbc06-4.pdf"><span style="font-weight: bold;">here as a pdf file</span></a>. The Illinois-Chicago release is <a href="http://uicflames.collegesports.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/022306aaa.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">here in html</span></a>, and <a href="http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/ilch/sports/m-basebl/auto_pdf/longbeachstatenotes06.pdf"><span style="font-weight: bold;">here as a pdf</span></a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Update</span>: The Long Beach Press-Telegram <a href="http://www.presstelegram.com/sports/ci_3540388"><span style="font-weight: bold;">has a piece today</span></a> on the Dirtbags' progress 10 games into the season.Jeff Agnewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721814320306332016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6678150.post-1140731981873394762006-02-23T13:46:00.000-08:002006-02-24T12:16:37.113-08:00Former Dirtbag Shortstop ReportFormer Dirtbag, and current Oakland A, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Bobby Crosby</span> has been <a href="http://msnbc.msn.com/id/11510276/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">sidelined with a sore shoulder</span></a>.<br /><br />Former Dirtbag <span style="font-weight: bold;">Troy Tulowitzki</span>, the Rockies 1st round pick in '05, comes in at <a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/features/060223top100c.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">#25 on Baseball America's Top 100 Prospects list</span></a>, with the comment (from an anonymous scout) that "<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">He's better than Bobby Crosby</span>". True, or not, it says alot for the shortstops coming out of the Beach lately. Hat tip to reader NinerDave.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Update</span>: Be sure to take a look at <a href="http://dirtbagsbaseball.blogspot.com/2006/02/former-dirtbag-shortstop-report.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">the comment</span></a> left by reader Chris Jackson concerning <span style="font-weight: bold;">Evan Longoria's</span> draft status.Jeff Agnewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721814320306332016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6678150.post-1140644584777098612006-02-22T13:38:00.000-08:002006-02-22T13:43:04.793-08:00Hometown Paper Features John BowkerFormer Dirtbag <span style="font-weight: bold;">John Bowker</span> is featured in <a href="http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/story/14217730p-15043671c.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">this Sacramento Bee piece</span></a>:<blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;">Giants notes: For now, Rio grad must wait out things</span><br />By Nick Peters -- Bee Staff Writer<br /><br />SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Tony Torcato's career with the Giants has ended as the unsigned free-agent outfielder continues to search for baseball work, and the former first-round draft choice has been replaced by another valley boy in camp.<br /><br />He's outfielder <span style="font-weight: bold;">John Bowker</span>, 22, who has batted .295 with 19 home runs and 94 RBIs in 162 games in the lower minors the past two seasons after starring at Rio Americano High School and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Long Beach State</span>.<br /><br />A three-sport athlete as a prep, Bowker went to Long Beach after setting season records at Rio Americano with a .463 average, 41 hits, eight home runs and 41 RBIs. <span style="font-style: italic;">He batted .323 in three college seasons and was a third-round draft choice of the Giants.</span><br /><br />"I have no timetable for reaching the bigs," said Bowker, whose 27 doubles, 13 homers and 67 RBIs helped Class-A San Jose win the California League title last season. "This is my second big-league camp, and we'll just see what happens."<br /><br />Bowker, whose father, Brite, was a tennis player at Lewis & Clark College in Oregon, spent the winter working out in Sacramento and with college buddies in Long Beach. He's hopeful of starting the season at Double-A Norwich, Conn.<br /><br />A left-handed hitter, Bowker is more or less lost in the shuffle now, but with veteran Giants outfielders close to drawing Social Security, there's always hope he'll reach the bigs with the team he followed as a youngster.<br /><br />"I was a Giants fan, and my favorite player was Barry Bonds," he said. "I played with (pitcher) Jered Weaver at Long Beach, so I was the other guy. <span style="font-style: italic;">My best memory was beating Stanford to reach the NCAA [Super Regional].</span><br /><br />"I had a couple of hits, including a homer, but we missed going to Omaha (the College World Series) when Arizona beat us. Of course, winning the Cal League title was a lot of fun, too."</blockquote>Jeff Agnewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721814320306332016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6678150.post-1140632100311850012006-02-22T10:13:00.000-08:002006-02-22T13:58:21.106-08:00Former Dirtbag Jered Weaver......is ranked as the #57 prospect <a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/features/060222top100b.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">by Baseball America</span></a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Update</span>: Jered comes in at <a href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=4774"><span style="font-weight: bold;">#35 on the Baseball Prospectus list</span></a> (I picked this up at <a href="http://6-4-2.blogspot.com/2006/02/pickoff-moves_21.html#comments"><span style="font-weight: bold;">6-2-4 Blog</span></a>).Jeff Agnewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721814320306332016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6678150.post-1140628851648338162006-02-22T08:47:00.000-08:002006-02-22T09:20:51.750-08:00Odds and EndsFormer Dirtbag <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jeremy Reed</span> comes in at 81st on Tim Dierkes Top 100 Outfielders for 2006 list <a href="http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/fantasy-top-100-outfielders-for-2006-part-2/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">at the Hardball Times</span></a>, with these comments:<blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jeremy Reed</span>: Reed garnered accolades mainly for his defense in his rookie season, as he wasn't the .300 hitter many forecasts called for. He'll improve across the board in '06, and could become David DeJesus with more SBs eventually. For now I predict .270-10-55 with 78 runs and 17 steals. He's certainly capable of beating my runs and batting average projections and vaulting up this list in '06.</blockquote>Former Dirtbag <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jason Vargas</span> is featured in <a href="http://www.tcpalm.com/tcp/pro_baseball/article/0,2820,TCP_24442_4478604,00.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">this piece</span></a> at TCPalm.com (free registration required):<blockquote>JUPITER - Florida Marlins pitcher <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jason Vargas</span> barely pitched enough innings last year to eliminate his status as a rookie. Yet Vargas is one of the few left on the Marlins roster after an offseason overhaul.<br /><br />Vargas finished 5-5 with a 4.03 earned-run average in 2005.<br /><br />"I don't know if I'd call myself a veteran," Vargas said Saturday, the day the Marlins' pitchers and catchers reported.<br /><br />The 23-year-old would not even guarantee himself a spot in the starting rotation in 2006, noting that the Marlins have talent, though they don't have much experience. That doesn't mean he will shy away from the spotlight this year.<br /><br />"I always have high expectations for myself," he said. "But I'm not going to try to do anything different out there."<br /><br />Vargas also has high expectations for his team, even if several pundits have picked the Marlins to finish toward the bottom of the league. The Marlins' second-round pick in 2004 won't have any part of the negativity.<br /><br />"If you're thinking that way, you shouldn't be here," Vargas said.<br /><br />Vargas could help the Marlins rebuild quickly. He had a productive season and won two of his last three starts last year.</blockquote><a href="http://www.southeasttexaslive.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16151305&BRD=2287&PAG=461&dept_id=512556&rfi=6"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Here's a piece</span></a> I missed before on the Dirtbags victory over Lamar in the Beaumont Enterprise, entitled "Long Beach Pummels Lamar Pitching".Jeff Agnewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721814320306332016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6678150.post-1140564874694460672006-02-21T15:27:00.000-08:002006-02-21T18:17:40.756-08:00Boat TalksHat tip to reader Dave for passing along this piece from <a href="http://rosenblattreport.rivals.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">RosenblattReport.com</span></a>:<blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;">Boatright knows the way</span><br /><br />Kendall Rogers<br /><br />Long Beach State outfielder <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sean Boatright</span> has seen his role as a leader increase this season, thanks to the exit of several key players from last year's club.<br /><br />It's a challenge that he has welcomed with open arms during the first two weeks of the season.<br /><br />Boatright got his 2006 campaign started on the right foot in week one, as he lead the Dirtbags back to beat Southern California in three straight contests.<br /><br />For the year, Boatright is hitting .308 with two homers and 7 RBI in 26 at bats.<br /><br />While the Dirtbags hit the ball well in their opening series with the Trojans, they have cooled off in their last three games against California and Pepperdine.<br /><br />The Dirtbags' competition doesn't get any easier this weekend, as they hit the road to compete in the Coca-Cola Classic in Houston. Among others, Coach Mike Weathers' club will face top-ranked Rice and an Oklahoma team that hopes to continue their winning ways.<br /><br />The Beach is expected to throw staff ace <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jared Hughes</span> in their first game against Lamar, while opting to send <span style="font-weight: bold;">Andrew Carpenter</span> to the hill to face the top-ranked Owls. The Dirtbags will wrap up the tournament with Oklahoma, where they are expected to throw <span style="font-weight: bold;">Vance Worley</span>.<br /><br />We talked to one of Long Beach State's key players about this weekend, the season to-date and beyond.<br /><br />After two weekends of play, what are your thoughts on the team heading into the tournament at Rice?<br /><br />Sean Boatright: The first weekend of our season was outstanding, as we played flawless baseball for the most part against Southern California. But in our series with California and single game against Pepperdine, the offense took a step back. We just need to go out there and turn it up a notch offensively. Our situational hitting must also improve to be successful. Overall, we have a few things that are worth worrying about right now, but overall, we know we can do it as a team, and are committed to doing just that.<br /><br />Talk about your role on the team and how it has increased with the departure of a few players from last year's squad?<br /><br />SB: One thing I set out to do this spring is to become a more influential leader to the other players on the team. I really enjoy having that role and it is something that I take great pride in. I think that knowing the system here is very important to being a leader and it's also critical to keep everyone on the same regiment during each week of the season. Overall, it's nice being a guy that a lot of younger players on the team ask questions to.<br /><br />Long Beach State has long been known for their tremendous pitching. What are your thoughts on the weekend rotation and staff thus far?<br /><br />SB: I thought they did an outstanding job of keeping us in the series against California. It was mainly our hitting that let us down in that three-game set. If the weekend starters go out there and throw like they are capable and we as an offense do what we are supposed to do, the future of this club should be very bright. Overall, I see our weekend rotation and pitching staff as one that doesn't make too many mistakes. That's not a bad attribute to have as a pitching staff.<br /><br />What is the most impressive attribute of this year's team?<br /><br />SB: The unity of this club is simply amazing. I've never seen a team this close together, but what might be most impressive is the fact that everyone is doing their part to bring more success to the program. During the past few seasons, we have relied on individuals to get things done. This year's club is not like that, as each player on the team is looking to take on an important role. It's definitely something that makes us feel good inside.<br /><br />You have talked a lot about the offense. Is that a particular area that should be a cause for concern after the last three games?<br /><br />SB: At this point, I really don't think so. It is all about us going out there and playing our game on a consistent basis. We showed against Southern California that we can hit the baseball, so we just need to go out there and do it. Personally, I think it all boils down to doing the little things right. If we do that, we will be fine this weekend and beyond. My advice for the guys this weekend is to have fun and do the little things right.</blockquote>Jeff Agnewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721814320306332016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6678150.post-1140564227085353122006-02-21T15:15:00.000-08:002006-02-21T15:23:47.090-08:00Former Dirtbag Neil Jamison...is featured in <a href="http://story.scout.com/a.z?s=316&p=2&c=500250"><span style="font-weight: bold;">this piece at SFDugout.com</span></a> (originally published at MadFriars.com):<blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;">Scouting Padres Prospect: Neil Jamison</span><br /><br />By Denis Savage<br />Date: Feb 17, 2006<br /><br />It is not often that a first-year setup man gets clumped into top prospect status. But <span style="font-weight: bold;">Neil Jamison</span> showed the poise of a major league veteran in his professional debut and is headed for San Diego as quick as a fish taco.<br /><br />A year after going in the eighth round to the Mets, the Padres snatched Neil Jamison in round six from <span style="font-weight: bold;">Long Beach State</span>. His selection was preceded by an impressive run with the 49ers during his senior season - posting an ERA of 0.00 in 29.1 innings.<br /><br />His success, therefore, wasn't a surprise in the Padres' system.<br /><br />In his first 16 relief appearances for the Eugene Emeralds, the right-hander yielded just one earned run. And he ended his Northwest League stint with four earned runs allowed over 25 appearances that spanned 27.1 innings.<br /><br />With runners in scoring position he gave up just two hits in 26 at bats and of the 23 hits he allowed just three went for extra bases.<br /><br />It was simply tough to put good wood on the pitches he was throwing and he wound up striking out 31 while walking eight before his promotion for Fort Wayne.<br /><br />Jamison has a three-quarters delivery and sports a fastball, slider and changeup. His fastball rides in the high eighties but it has a lot of sink and his slider has enough tilt to make a poker player jealous.<br /><br />"He has a fastball that sinks and a slider that he locates," Bill Gayton, the Padres director of scouting, said. "He has the makeup to continue advancing. He does not have real big velocity but has good tilt to his slider and a fastball with movement."<br /><br />The San Diego native didn't run into trouble until he reached Fort Wayne and that was one outing. Five of the 11 hits and two of the three runs he surrendered in ten innings of work came in one appearance. His very next outing produced five outs all by way of the strikeout.<br /><br />The 22-year old prospect did have some troubles against left-handed hitters through the year - he limited righties to a .207 average but lefties batted .288.<br /><br />Jamison brings a measure of poise to the mound and is not afraid to attack and challenge hitters. Given his closing mentality, he comes in firing on all cylinders.<br /><br />When we asked a prospect to name a sleeper on his team - the answer was easy:<br /><br />"Neil Jamison, but I don't know if he's really a sleeper," fellow pitcher John Madden said.<br /><br />After dominating the Instructional League - posting a 0.00 ERA and allowing four hits, no walks, while striking out eight, sleeper is not really the right term for the right-hander. And when he checked in at 19 on our top 60 it took a few by surprise - but not the Padres.<br /><br />"Makeup is outstanding," added Gayton. "He did what he did at Long Beach State. A fastball/slider combo that gets people out."<br /><br />Two more levels in 2006 will be what the Padres push for. Jamison has the pedigree to thrive under such conditions and <span style="font-style: italic;">could be the second player from this draft class - behind Cesar Carrillo - to make it to the majors</span>.<br /><br />"He is a guy who could move quickly through the system," Grady Fuson, the Padres vice president of scouting and player development, said. "He understands how to pitch and throws strikes."<br /><br />Staying focused and continuing to be aggressive within the edges of the strike zone is on the agenda for Jamison. If he can do that with regularity, it won't be long before he is pitching in front of his hometown fans.<br /><br /></blockquote>Jeff Agnewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721814320306332016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6678150.post-1140560671761008622006-02-21T13:47:00.000-08:002006-02-21T15:11:28.630-08:00Dirtbags Enjoy Coca-Cola Classic<span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, February 14, 2006: Pepperdine 3, Dirtbags 2</span><br /><a href="http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/REL06/gamebbc021406.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;">LongBeachState.com story</span></a>. <a href="http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/BOX06/LBSUBB07.HTM"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Box Score</span></a>. <a href="http://pepperdinesports.collegesports.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/021406aaa.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pepperdine Website</span></a>. <a href="http://www.presstelegram.com/lbsu/ci_3497579"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday, February 17, 2006: Dirtbags 11, Lamar 6</span><br /><a href="http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/REL06/gamebbc021706.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;">LongBeachState.com story</span></a>. <a href="http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/BOX06/LBSUBB08.HTM"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Box Score</span></a>. <a href="http://lamarcardinals.collegesports.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/021706aaa.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lamar Website</span></a>. <a href="http://www.presstelegram.com/lbsu/ci_3521801"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Long Beach Press-Telegram</span></a>. <a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/articles/2333476.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Daily Breeze</span></a>.<a href="http://www.napavalleyregister.com/articles/2006/02/13/sports/local/doc43f01da2537a0939245241.txt"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, February 18, 2006: Dirtbags 4, Rice 1 </span><br /><a href="http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/REL06/gamebbc021806.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> LongBeachState.com story</span></a>. <a href="http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/BOX06/LBSUBB09.HTM"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Box Score</span></a>. <a href="http://riceowls.collegesports.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/021806aaa.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rice Website</span></a>. <a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/articles/2299961.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Daily Breeze</span></a>. <a href="http://www.presstelegram.com/lbsu/ci_3525200"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Long Beach Press-Telegram</span></a>. <a href="http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bb/college/3670122.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Houston Chronicle</span></a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday, February 19, 2006: Oklahoma 2, Dirtbags 1</span><br /><a href="http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/REL06/gamebbc021906.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> LongBeachState.com story</span></a>. <a href="http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/BOX06/LBSUBB10.HTM"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Box Score</span></a>. <a href="http://www.soonersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=2710&SPID=201&SPORT_TAB_SEL=01&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=300&ATCLID=239423"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Oklahoma Website</span></a>. <a href="http://www.normantranscript.com/sports/local_story_051011214.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Norman Transcript</span></a>. <a href="http://www.presstelegram.com/lbsu/ci_3527271"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Long Beach Press-Telegram</span></a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The week/series: </span> <a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/college/060220tracker.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Baseball America's Top 25 Tracker</span></a>.<br /><br />Things go better with Coke! At least at Rice's Reckling Park. On the week, the Dirtbags were 2-2. After losing last Tuesday to Pepperdine, they traveled to Houston for the Coca-Cola Classis Tournament where they went 2-1 with victories over Lamar and #5 Rice (Baseball America rankings). They lost the finale to Oklahoma. On the week, pitching was excellent, hitting was inconsistent, and defense was...well, not so good.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pitching</span>: Over 33 innings, the staff allowed just 9 earned runs, for a 2.45 ERA. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Andrew Carpenter's</span> effort against Rice on Saturday (3 hits, 8 Ks, 2 BB, 1 run [earned]) merited BWC Pitcher of the Week honors (see below). <span style="font-weight: bold;">Donnie Hume</span> notched his 3rd save in the game, going 2.0 innings (2 hits, 1 K, 1 BB) while holding the Owls scoreless. Freshman <span style="font-weight: bold;">Vance Worley</span> had his best outing on Sunday, going 6.0 innings and allowing just 2 runs (both earned; 6 hits, 3 Ks, 2 BB). He took the loss when the Beach could muster only 1 run on 7 hits.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hitting</span>: Hot and cold. Against Pepperdine, the 49ers had 2 runs on 5 hits (5 for 28). On Sunday, it was 7 for 32, and just 1 runs, against Oklahoma. In the game against Rice, the Beach was just 6 for 28 but timely hitting was the key as LBSU scored 4 runs. But it was 11 runs on 16 hits (16 for 37) off Lamar pitching. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Evan Longoria</span> hit .538 (7 for 13) on the week, with 6 walks (a 1.000 on base percentage). He earned Player of the Week honors in the Big West (see below). Against Lamar, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Scott Bradley</span> went 4 for 5, with 3 RBI.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fielding</span>: Uncharacteristically, the Dirtbags committed at least 1 error in each of the 4 games, and a total of 7. They were spread around, with errors by 4 different players. Against Lamar, they had 4, leading to 3 unearned runs. On the plus side, no error led to a loss.<br /><br />Finally, from the <a href="http://www.presstelegram.com/sports/ci_3530363"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Long Beach Press-Telegram</span></a>:<blockquote> The Long Beach State baseball team claimed both the Big West Conference Player and Pitcher of the Week awards.<br /><br />Third baseman <span style="font-weight: bold;">Evan Longoria </span>was named Player of the Week. He hit .538 in the 49ers' wins over Lamar and Rice in the Coca Cola Classic in Houston. He went 7 for 11 in the three games LBSU played in the tournament and had four walks.<br /><br />Right-hander <span style="font-weight: bold;">Andrew Carpenter</span> was named Pitcher of the Week. He allowed one run and three hits in seven innings Saturday to help the Dirtbags beat fifth-ranked Rice on its own field. He struck out eight and walked two.</blockquote>Jeff Agnewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721814320306332016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6678150.post-1140543001030304702006-02-21T09:20:00.000-08:002006-02-21T09:30:01.036-08:00Former Dirtbag Brad Davis......is featured in <a href="http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060220&content_id=1316651&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=fla"><span style="font-weight: bold;">this piece at MLB.com</span></a>. Here's some excerpts:<blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;">Davis caught by early catching bug</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Florida prospect hopes lifelong love will trump size issues</span><br />By Kevin T. Czerwinski / MLB.com<br /> <br />JUPITER, Fla. -- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Brad Davis</span> was only 5 or 6 years old -- he can't remember which -- growing up on the southern California coast, when his parents took him to the local Toys 'R Us to pick out a birthday present. What Davis chose surprised his parents, but they still bought it for him, setting the stage for what has become a lifelong obsession.<br /><br />It wasn't a Hot Wheels car or a Power Ranger or a G.I. Joe that Davis snagged that day in the toy store. Rather, he grabbed a catcher's mask, surely not knowing as a child that he would someday be sitting in the clubhouse at Roger Dean Stadium, adjusting the catching equipment he hopes will someday provide his ticket to the Major Leagues.<br /><br />"My parents tell that story all the time," said Davis, 23, whom the Marlins selected out of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Long Beach State</span> in the fifth round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft. "They told me I could get one thing, just one thing and I got a catcher's mask. I guess catching was just in my blood."<br /><br />Having catching in one's blood is a good trait to have, especially since Davis is part of an organization that isn't exactly rife with catching prospects. Miguel Olivo and Josh Willingham are battling for the top spot behind the plate with the parent club this spring. But a strong showing over the next few weeks could put Davis in a favorable position for the future, especially if he can impress Florida's new manager, former catcher Joe Girardi....<br /><br />For many of the pitchers with whom he's worked, Davis' size doesn't seem to matter, either. He caught <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jered Weaver</span> (first round, Angels, 2004), <span style="font-weight: bold;">Abe Alvarez</span> (second round, Boston, 2003) and<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Jason Vargas</span> (second round, Marlins, 2004) while at Long Beach State, helping the Dirtbags staff post a 3.11 ERA, which was fourth best in the nation. He's also caught Taylor Tankersley (first round, Marlins, 2004) since being drafted and was behind the plate for <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cesar Ramos</span> (first round, Padres, 2005) when he was at LBS.<br /><br />"He's a great guy to throw to," Vargas said. "I've thrown to him a couple of years now between college and the Minors, and he's a great guy behind the plate. I trust throwing to him. His size hasn't been an issue for me. He just might not have grown into his body yet. He's still young, like all of us here. But he's learned how to call and catch from a great pitching coach [<span style="font-weight: bold;">Troy Buckley</span> at LBS]. And for me, personally, he calls a good game."... </blockquote>Jeff Agnewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721814320306332016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6678150.post-1140542346403193632006-02-21T09:10:00.000-08:002006-02-21T09:19:06.406-08:00Dirtbags Move Up And Down In RankingsAfter a 2-2 week, with a midweek loss against #16 Pepperdine, and a win Saturday against #5 Rice (both <a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/college/top25/2006top25.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Baseball America rankings</span></a>) in their yard at the Coca-Cola Classic tourny, the Dirtbags moved down in 2 rankings, and up in 1. The Beach went from 19th to <a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/college/top25/2006top25.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">18th in the Baseball America</span></a> rankings, while falling from 15th to <a href="http://www.collegiatebaseball.com/polls/divI/currentpolldivI.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;">17th in Collegiate Baseball</span></a>, and 11th to <a href="http://www.sportswriters.net/ncbwa/news/2006/poll060220.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">15th in National Collegiate Baseball Writer's Assn.</span></a>Jeff Agnewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721814320306332016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6678150.post-1139937434699784202006-02-14T09:01:00.000-08:002006-02-14T09:17:14.833-08:00Surf's UpHere's the LongBeachState.com weekly release in <a href="http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/REL06/relbbc06-3.pdf"><span style="font-weight: bold;">pdf</span></a> and <a href="http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/REL06/wrelbbc021306.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;">html</span></a>.<br /><br />The Dirtbags travel to Malibu to take on Pepperdine this afternoon at 2:00 p.m. The Waves are 14th in Collegiate Baseball and 16th in the Baseball America rankings. Southpaw <span style="font-weight: bold;">Donnie Hume</span> (0-0, 1.50, 2 saves) will start for the Beach. Sophomore RHP Barry Enright (0-1, 11.42) will go for hosts. Pepperdine's release is <a href="http://pepperdinesports.collegesports.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/021406aab.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">here in html</span></a>, and <a href="http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/pepp/sports/m-basebl/auto_pdf/baserelease021306.pdf"><span style="font-weight: bold;">here as a pdf</span></a> file.<br /><br />The Dirtbags remain at #11 in the <a href="http://www.sportswriters.net/ncbwa/news/2006/poll060213.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">National Collegiate Baseball Writer's Assn. poll this week</span></a>.Jeff Agnewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721814320306332016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6678150.post-1139852495266539262006-02-13T08:33:00.000-08:002006-02-13T11:58:37.046-08:00Dirtbags Drop Series Against Cal, 2-1<span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday, February 10, 2006: Dirtbags 7, Cal 6</span><br /><a href="http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/REL06/gamebbc021006.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;">LongBeachState.com story</span></a>. <a href="http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/BOX06/LBSUBB04.HTM"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Box Score</span></a>. <a href="http://calbears.collegesports.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/021006aab.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cal Website</span></a>. <a href="http://www.presstelegram.com/lbsu/ci_3497579"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Long Beach Press-Telegram</span></a>. <a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/articles/2297811.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Daily Breeze</span></a>. <a href="http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/sports/atoz/article_983401.php"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></a> <a href="http://www.napavalleyregister.com/articles/2006/02/13/sports/local/doc43f01da2537a0939245241.txt"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Napa Valley Register</span></a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, February 11, 2006: Cal 3,Dirtbags 2 </span><br /><a href="http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/REL06/gamebbc021106.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> LongBeachState.com story</span></a>. <a href="http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/BOX06/LBSUBB05.HTM"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Box Score</span></a>. <a href="http://calbears.collegesports.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/021106aaa.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cal Website</span></a>. <a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/articles/2299961.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Daily Breeze</span></a>. <a href="http://www.presstelegram.com/sports/ci_3500580"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Long Beach Press-Telegram</span></a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday, February 12, 2006: Cal 4, Dirtbags 1</span><br /><a href="http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/REL06/gamebbc021206.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> LongBeachState.com story</span></a>. <a href="http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/BOX06/LBSUBB06.HTM"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Box Score</span></a>. <a href="http://calbears.collegesports.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/021206aaa.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cal Website</span></a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The series: </span> <a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/college/060213tracker.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Baseball America's Top 25 Tracker</span></a>.<br /><br />After sweeping USC, the Dirtbags lost their 1st series of the season at Cal, 2-1, and now stand at 4-2 on the year. The opening contest saw the Beach jump out to a 3-1 lead in the 2nd. After Cal tied the game at 4 in the 5th, the 49ers put 3 across in the top of the 6th. Final score, 7-6 Dirtbags. Centerfielder <span style="font-weight: bold;">Robert Perry</span> was the offensive star, going 4 for 5, with 2 RBI and a run scored. Three other Dirtbags collected 2 hits each: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sean Boatright, Brandon Godfrey</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tito Cruz</span>. Sean and Tito both had doubles. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Scott Turmail</span> got the win, going 1.2 innings, giving up no runs, no walks and a single hit, after <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jared Hughes'</span> early departure (4.1 IP, 7 hits, 4 runs, 3 earned, 3 walks, 1 K, 1 HBP). <span style="font-weight: bold;">Donnie Hume</span> got his 2nd save (1.2 IP, no hits, 1 walk, no runs).<br /><br />The story Saturday and Sunday, for the most part, was that the Dirtbags cooled at the plate. Against USC, the Beach had 21 runs on 34 hits. Friday against Cal, it was 7 runs on 13 hits. Over those 4 games, the average was 7 runs on 11.75 hits. For Saturday and Sunday against the Bears, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">combined</span>, the Dirtbags scored just 3 runs on 13 hits. The frustration peaked on Sunday, as Long Beach State collected 8 hits, and 4 walks, yet scored only a single run while leaving 9 runners stranded.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Andrew Carpenter's</span> effort on Saturday was wasted, as he went 7.0 innings, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits. He struck out 2, while walking 1. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Brett Andrade</span> came on in relief in the 8th, facing the minimum. But in the 9th, the Bears hit back to back homeruns for the 3-2 victory.<br /><br />Coming into the season, the bullpen was one of the biggest question marks. Despite the blown save on Saturday, the relievers have performed well thus far. In the loss on Sunday, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Shane Peterson</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Bryan Shaw</span> both came on for an inning and held Cal in check to give the 'Bags a chance to come back. Neither allowed a run or hit. Six games into the season, the bullpen as a group is 3-1, with a 2.21 ERA, allowing 5 earned runs over 20.1 innings (and 4 saves against 1 blown save).<br /><br />The Dirtbags fall back to <a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/college/top25/2006top25.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">19th in the Baseball America rankings</span></a> (from 17th), and to <a href="http://www.collegiatebaseball.com/polls/divI/currentpolldivI.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;">15th in the Collegiate Baseball</span></a> poll (from 12th). National Collegiate Baseball Writer's is not yet updated, and ESPN/Sports Weekly (the coaches poll) is not yet updating to in season polling from its pre-season poll.Jeff Agnewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721814320306332016noreply@blogger.com0