According to Stacy Long in Montgomery, Chris Nowak is coming back to the Bulls from the Biscuits. Chris played third and first for the Bulls earlier in the season, so expect he will do the same in the playoffs, as needed. He fills the hole left by Chris Richard.
By the way, Richard did get into last night’s Rays game in the 7th inning, playing first base. In his only at-bat he drew a walk.
Showing posts with label Nowak. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nowak. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Arrivals and Departures
Here’s the bare bones of it: Chris Nowak to Montgomery and Calvin Medlock to Hudson Valley (wonder if he’ll be there in time for the “Ball-less Baseball game”?). Elliott Johnson is off the disabled list and reliever John Meloan has apparently joined the team.
Looks like Adam Sobsey over at Triangle Offense/Indy Week called the Nowak move correctly, and it makes sense to me.
Moving Medlock makes much less baseball sense, so has to be more about the business of baseball than the playing of baseball. Something we have to live with, I suppose. But even with his limited appearances he was clearly a better pitcher than at least two of the other relievers on the squad. Hope we see him back before too long. As Adam points out, the guy in the grey sweatshirt on the Bulls bench just might be Calvin.
Don’t know if Elliot will be in the lineup tonight. We’ll have to wait for Neil Solondz or Gameday to tell us.
Looks like Adam Sobsey over at Triangle Offense/Indy Week called the Nowak move correctly, and it makes sense to me.
Moving Medlock makes much less baseball sense, so has to be more about the business of baseball than the playing of baseball. Something we have to live with, I suppose. But even with his limited appearances he was clearly a better pitcher than at least two of the other relievers on the squad. Hope we see him back before too long. As Adam points out, the guy in the grey sweatshirt on the Bulls bench just might be Calvin.
Don’t know if Elliot will be in the lineup tonight. We’ll have to wait for Neil Solondz or Gameday to tell us.
Jason Cromer Fan Club Thanks Bulls
Game 81: Bulls 3, Knights 2
Season: 47-34
Wrap, Box, Herald-Sun, Indy Week
Durham Bulls Baseball Club
℅ Farfaleaux, Foghart, & Bloviate, L.L.C*
Attorneys-at-Law & Media Relations Consultants
ATTN: Armstrong Farfaleaux
Diamond View II Bldg
Durham, NC
Dear Mr. Farfaleaux:
Our congratulations to the entire team for their extraordinary seven game run, their 47-34 won-loss record, and leadership of the entire International League. Well done!
On behalf of the entire Jason Cromer Fan Club (which has tripled in size since our last letter ) we wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to Reid Brignac. Without his timely breakout of his mild slump with those two home runs and three RBIs yet another of Jason’s efforts would have gone unremarked — except by us, of course. A stalwart six innings on his part (we’d rather not discuss the seventh).
In addition to Reid’s heroics we want to thank Jason Childers (3 up, 3 down), Joe Bateman (3 up, 3 down), and Dale Thayer (3 up, 3 down) who kept the Knights runnerless and scoreless. Particularly notable was Jason Childer’s 7th inning. But we have to point out that with a more thoughtful management it might not have been necessary. As good a pitcher as Cromer is, he usually tops out at about 100 pitches or 24 batters, as a cursory review of his record would reveal. So perhaps next time warm up a reliever before Jason needs to be bailed out.
In addition to Jason’s superb performance, I am sure you would agree that it was a superb night for baseball: colorful uniforms, perfect weather, and a full stadium. I’m sure that we all were stunned at Henry Mateo’s giving the phrase “shelling the pitcher” reality when he literally knocked Charlotte pitcher Jack Egbert out of the box in 3rd. By the way, we noted that a Rays blog, DRaysBay has noticed Henry and done an interesting write up on his performance this year.
In your response to our last letter you mention that you had had a discussion with Jon Weber regarding his errant bats. Since that time he has loosed two more in our direction. As several members of the JCFC are seated near us, we are requesting additional counseling of that hirsute young man. But not, as last night, benching him. That is simply too extreme a measure.
Assuming that you will be conveying the substance of this note to the Bulls and Bulls management, here are a few other items we would like you to pass on.
Lastly, we had to find out from Stacy Long in Montgomery, Alabama that a Durham Bull, Chris Nowak, is leaving us for the Biscuits. How is it we have to keep checking Stacy’s blog to find out what’s happening in Durham?
* WDBB has received an email claiming that an extensive search of the World Wide Web has failed to reveal the existence of FF&B. Instead, all that was found was a link to WDBB. To which WDBB responded, “We couldn’t be happier.”
Season: 47-34
Wrap, Box, Herald-Sun, Indy Week
The Jason Cromer Fan Club
℅ Watching Durham Bulls Baseball
℅ Watching Durham Bulls Baseball
Durham Bulls Baseball Club
℅ Farfaleaux, Foghart, & Bloviate, L.L.C*
Attorneys-at-Law & Media Relations Consultants
ATTN: Armstrong Farfaleaux
Diamond View II Bldg
Durham, NC
Dear Mr. Farfaleaux:
Our congratulations to the entire team for their extraordinary seven game run, their 47-34 won-loss record, and leadership of the entire International League. Well done!
On behalf of the entire Jason Cromer Fan Club (which has tripled in size since our last letter ) we wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to Reid Brignac. Without his timely breakout of his mild slump with those two home runs and three RBIs yet another of Jason’s efforts would have gone unremarked — except by us, of course. A stalwart six innings on his part (we’d rather not discuss the seventh).
In addition to Reid’s heroics we want to thank Jason Childers (3 up, 3 down), Joe Bateman (3 up, 3 down), and Dale Thayer (3 up, 3 down) who kept the Knights runnerless and scoreless. Particularly notable was Jason Childer’s 7th inning. But we have to point out that with a more thoughtful management it might not have been necessary. As good a pitcher as Cromer is, he usually tops out at about 100 pitches or 24 batters, as a cursory review of his record would reveal. So perhaps next time warm up a reliever before Jason needs to be bailed out.
In addition to Jason’s superb performance, I am sure you would agree that it was a superb night for baseball: colorful uniforms, perfect weather, and a full stadium. I’m sure that we all were stunned at Henry Mateo’s giving the phrase “shelling the pitcher” reality when he literally knocked Charlotte pitcher Jack Egbert out of the box in 3rd. By the way, we noted that a Rays blog, DRaysBay has noticed Henry and done an interesting write up on his performance this year.
In your response to our last letter you mention that you had had a discussion with Jon Weber regarding his errant bats. Since that time he has loosed two more in our direction. As several members of the JCFC are seated near us, we are requesting additional counseling of that hirsute young man. But not, as last night, benching him. That is simply too extreme a measure.
Assuming that you will be conveying the substance of this note to the Bulls and Bulls management, here are a few other items we would like you to pass on.
- To Matt Joyce. We are of the opinion that he may have had the longest at-bat in Bulls history on the evening of July 2nd when his at-bat was interrupted by a 23 minute rain delay.
- They might like to know that their former colleague Chad Orvella has been signed by the Kansas City Royals and is pitching for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. [Thanks, DRR]
- A Rays farm team, the Hudson Valley Renegades is achieving national fame with their “Ball-Less Baseball” promotion. Since at least half of the JCFC are of the male gender, we request that you not emulate the Renegades.
Lastly, we had to find out from Stacy Long in Montgomery, Alabama that a Durham Bull, Chris Nowak, is leaving us for the Biscuits. How is it we have to keep checking Stacy’s blog to find out what’s happening in Durham?
* WDBB has received an email claiming that an extensive search of the World Wide Web has failed to reveal the existence of FF&B. Instead, all that was found was a link to WDBB. To which WDBB responded, “We couldn’t be happier.”
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Deeefense!
Game 50: Bulls 5, Bisons 2
Season: 32-18
Wrap, Box
Superb defense made a very shaky 5 innings by James Houser look better than it was. A perfect strike from Jon Weber in left field to Craig Albernaz to tag out Jesus Feliciano in the 1st inning was bookended by a fine play by Chris Nowak at first base to close out the 9th inning. In between were a very nice running catch by Ruggiano in the 3rd, and double plays in the 4th and 5th. I’m impressed by our new crew at shortstop (Chaves) and second base (Mateo).
Of course, we got five runs batting around in the 5th and won yet another game without a home run. I like that we’re able to win games without the homer. Hate to depend on that.
Player moves
Season: 32-18
Wrap, Box
Superb defense made a very shaky 5 innings by James Houser look better than it was. A perfect strike from Jon Weber in left field to Craig Albernaz to tag out Jesus Feliciano in the 1st inning was bookended by a fine play by Chris Nowak at first base to close out the 9th inning. In between were a very nice running catch by Ruggiano in the 3rd, and double plays in the 4th and 5th. I’m impressed by our new crew at shortstop (Chaves) and second base (Mateo).
Of course, we got five runs batting around in the 5th and won yet another game without a home run. I like that we’re able to win games without the homer. Hate to depend on that.
Player moves
- We got a new outfielder, Rashad Eldridge, up from Montgomery. He was 0-4, but got on base on an error and scored a run. He was started in right field, which is a tough place to play when the sun’s still up. He did OK out there.
- The wrap above says that Chris Mason is starting tomorrow. I don’t understand that. It was Mitch Talbot’s turn, so wonder if something is going on there. Guess we might find out tomorrow. Mason was relieving in Montgomery. We saw a lot of him last year. Here’s hoping a year’s more experience has made a difference.
- Reliever Dewon Day is officially on the DL.
- Chris Richard should be coming off the DL in a day or so.
- Alex Jamieson has disappeared from the roster again. Guess he’s back to “Hudson Valley”.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Bisons Bash Bulls
Game 48: Bulls 3, Bisons 9
Season: 30-18
Wrap, Box
I’m trying to find something good to say about last night, and not having much luck. How about this? Chris Nowak did a terrific job at third base. He really did, making several very nice plays.
How about the pitching? Well, not much there, in fact one of the worst individual and collective performances this year. The Bison’s team OPS was 1.015, something they can be proud of, I suppose.
How about the hitting? Well, Matt Joyce did have a home run.
I was wondering why Alex Jamieson was playing first base, Nowak on third, and Matt Hall on the bench. Then I saw the method behind it all. Montoyo was saving Hall to pitch the 9th inning. Very crafty, Charlie.
Couple of interesting quotes in today’s Herald-Sun story.
Let it go, guys. Today’s a new day.
Season: 30-18
Wrap, Box
I’m trying to find something good to say about last night, and not having much luck. How about this? Chris Nowak did a terrific job at third base. He really did, making several very nice plays.
How about the pitching? Well, not much there, in fact one of the worst individual and collective performances this year. The Bison’s team OPS was 1.015, something they can be proud of, I suppose.
How about the hitting? Well, Matt Joyce did have a home run.
I was wondering why Alex Jamieson was playing first base, Nowak on third, and Matt Hall on the bench. Then I saw the method behind it all. Montoyo was saving Hall to pitch the 9th inning. Very crafty, Charlie.
Couple of interesting quotes in today’s Herald-Sun story.
Let it go, guys. Today’s a new day.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Doubles, Doubles, Doubles
Game 46: Bulls 13, Redwings 2
Season: 29-17
Wrap, Box
Common sense did not prevail at Frontier Field last night. Top of the 9th. The Bulls were ahead 13 to 2, lightning was flashing out in the distance and the rain started pouring down. Kevin Oklabzija, a Rochester sportswriter captured the moment, “If no one sees the final outs of a blowout defeat, did the loss really happen?” After one out they pulled the tarp and there was an hour plus delay. According to Oklabzija, less than two dozen fans watched the final five outs. Game over at 11:35 PM, today’s game at 11:05 AM. Dumb, dumb, dumb. I’m going to have to start keeping an eye on umpire Damien Beal. He’s not dealing with a full deck.
The game story is Mitch Talbot pitching his way out of trouble in the second and doubles, doubles, doubles.
The Bulls hit eight doubles last night. Matt Joyce hit three. Henry Mateo, Chris Nowak, Jon Weber, Ray Sadler, and Matt Hall each had one. Then there was a triple (Albernaz), and eight singles for the Bulls best hitting performance this year. If you’re into quirky stuff, and I am, the box score reveals that our ghost catcher Alex Jamieson (guess he’s back from Hudson Valley) came in to pinch hit for Justin Ruggiano in the 9th (after the rain delay) and then in the bottom of the 9th stayed in to play first base. Nowak (at first) went to left field, Joyce (in left) went to right, Sadler (in right) went to center.
New guy shortstop Brandon Chaves went 4 for 4. Very nice.
Webworld
Season: 29-17
Wrap, Box
Common sense did not prevail at Frontier Field last night. Top of the 9th. The Bulls were ahead 13 to 2, lightning was flashing out in the distance and the rain started pouring down. Kevin Oklabzija, a Rochester sportswriter captured the moment, “If no one sees the final outs of a blowout defeat, did the loss really happen?” After one out they pulled the tarp and there was an hour plus delay. According to Oklabzija, less than two dozen fans watched the final five outs. Game over at 11:35 PM, today’s game at 11:05 AM. Dumb, dumb, dumb. I’m going to have to start keeping an eye on umpire Damien Beal. He’s not dealing with a full deck.
The game story is Mitch Talbot pitching his way out of trouble in the second and doubles, doubles, doubles.
The Bulls hit eight doubles last night. Matt Joyce hit three. Henry Mateo, Chris Nowak, Jon Weber, Ray Sadler, and Matt Hall each had one. Then there was a triple (Albernaz), and eight singles for the Bulls best hitting performance this year. If you’re into quirky stuff, and I am, the box score reveals that our ghost catcher Alex Jamieson (guess he’s back from Hudson Valley) came in to pinch hit for Justin Ruggiano in the 9th (after the rain delay) and then in the bottom of the 9th stayed in to play first base. Nowak (at first) went to left field, Joyce (in left) went to right, Sadler (in right) went to center.
New guy shortstop Brandon Chaves went 4 for 4. Very nice.
Webworld
- Neil Solondz interviews Winston Abreu, and Matt Hall. Guess I now know why Matt Hall doesn't have much of a record. He just signed last year. A couple of interesting comments about coming to AAA.
- Fernando Perez writes about his songs [Thanks, Adam].
- Sixty Feet, Six Inches rhapsodizes about baseball.
- The Rays Party takes what seems to me to be an unkind shot at Joe Dillon.
- Adam Sobsey writes about the Bulls press box in the print edition of Indy Week (and online).
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Let’s Change the Rules
Game 32: Bulls 6, Bats 7
Season: 18-14
Wrap, Box
Why not have baseball games last 8 innings instead of 9? If that were true, then this story would read something like this:
Last night was the story of two Chris’s, Chris Nowak and Chris Richard. David Price did get his first decent start of the year, going all the way into the 5th inning with 5 hits, no walks, and 5 strikeouts. But the big story was Chris Nowak with a homer, double and a single in four at-bats and Chris Richard with a homer, double, single and walk. At the end of the 8th the Bulls had it well in hand leading the Bats 6-2. Game over.
Unfortunately baseball goes for 9 innings, Chris Richard couldn’t start the double play, Reid Brignac playing 2nd base couldn’t get the ball out of his glove, Dale Thayer couldn’t shut them down, and Jonny Gomes (why was I ever interested in seeing him back in the DBAP?) picked up 3 RBIs including a game-winning double.
But, hey, it’s baseball, new day, new game.
Webworld
Season: 18-14
Wrap, Box
Why not have baseball games last 8 innings instead of 9? If that were true, then this story would read something like this:
Last night was the story of two Chris’s, Chris Nowak and Chris Richard. David Price did get his first decent start of the year, going all the way into the 5th inning with 5 hits, no walks, and 5 strikeouts. But the big story was Chris Nowak with a homer, double and a single in four at-bats and Chris Richard with a homer, double, single and walk. At the end of the 8th the Bulls had it well in hand leading the Bats 6-2. Game over.
Unfortunately baseball goes for 9 innings, Chris Richard couldn’t start the double play, Reid Brignac playing 2nd base couldn’t get the ball out of his glove, Dale Thayer couldn’t shut them down, and Jonny Gomes (why was I ever interested in seeing him back in the DBAP?) picked up 3 RBIs including a game-winning double.
But, hey, it’s baseball, new day, new game.
Webworld
- A Bulls Blog I hadn’t seen before, Notes to Self
- Rays Prospects puts up some defensive and pitching stats.
- Montoyo talks about the road trip
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Matt Takes One For The Team
Game 20: Bulls 6, Clippers 3
Season: 13-7
Wrap, Box
Matt Joyce took one for the team and scored the winning run in the 7th.
Not that he had much choice in the matter. Clippers’s reliever Zach Jackson hit him in the back. Ruggiano then singled him to second. He went to third on a Chris Richard walk. He came home on a Chris Nowak sacrifice fly, and the Bulls went ahead 4-3.
The Bulls then scored two more runs when John Jaso singled.
I was once again impressed with our relievers Randy Choate and Winston Abreu.
Worried about Jon Weber leaving the game in the 8th. Could not see exactly what happened from where I sat, but radio reported he fouled the ball into his foot. In obvious pain.
Other notes:
Season: 13-7
Wrap, Box
Matt Joyce took one for the team and scored the winning run in the 7th.
Not that he had much choice in the matter. Clippers’s reliever Zach Jackson hit him in the back. Ruggiano then singled him to second. He went to third on a Chris Richard walk. He came home on a Chris Nowak sacrifice fly, and the Bulls went ahead 4-3.
The Bulls then scored two more runs when John Jaso singled.
I was once again impressed with our relievers Randy Choate and Winston Abreu.
Worried about Jon Weber leaving the game in the 8th. Could not see exactly what happened from where I sat, but radio reported he fouled the ball into his foot. In obvious pain.
Other notes:
- Listening to Neil Solondz on the radio during the game I heard him say that pitcher Jeremy Cummings will be coming back to the Bulls later in May. That’s really good news.
- Rays reliever, rehabbing right-hander Jason Isringhausen did not make an appearance.
- Looks like the Tampa Bay took Her Rays’ admonishment to heart. They beat the Boston 13-0 tonight. Catcher Michel Hernandez went 4-5 with a double and his first major league home run!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Let’s Go Home
Game 17: Bulls 0, Tides 7
Season: 11-6
Wrap, Box
One the hottest topics in the Rays Webworld is: When is David Price going to get called down to Tampa? As a Bulls fan I’ve got to respond: How about tomorrow? And give us Jason Cromer back.
I know all the experts are sure he’s the next big thing. And they’re probably right. But for whom? Not for the Bulls, it seems. He’s only managed to get through a total of 17 innings in 4 games for us, leads our starters in ERA, and his OBA isn’t anything to shout about. Today he gave up 4 hits and 4 walks facing only 16 batters. Half the batters he faced got on base. Actually that’s not quite right since I’m not sure “getting on base” adequately describes the two guys who just trotted around them. He’s wearing our bullpen out.
Price trivia: He’s pitched 8 games for the Bulls, 4 of them against Norfolk, according to Neil’s broadcast today.
Gee, I hate to harp on the hitting, but we’ve got 4 players below the “Mendoza Line” (.200): Jamieson, Albernaz, Ruggiano, and Richard. Slightly better, but not much if we set the cutoff at .225, are Sadler, Olmedo, Johnson, and Nowak.
A day off tomorrow, guys. Take a break. Enjoy the finer pleasures of being home in Durham tonight. Get ready for Charlotte on Tuesday.
Are we ever going to play someone out of the Southern Division?
Season: 11-6
Wrap, Box
One the hottest topics in the Rays Webworld is: When is David Price going to get called down to Tampa? As a Bulls fan I’ve got to respond: How about tomorrow? And give us Jason Cromer back.
I know all the experts are sure he’s the next big thing. And they’re probably right. But for whom? Not for the Bulls, it seems. He’s only managed to get through a total of 17 innings in 4 games for us, leads our starters in ERA, and his OBA isn’t anything to shout about. Today he gave up 4 hits and 4 walks facing only 16 batters. Half the batters he faced got on base. Actually that’s not quite right since I’m not sure “getting on base” adequately describes the two guys who just trotted around them. He’s wearing our bullpen out.
Price trivia: He’s pitched 8 games for the Bulls, 4 of them against Norfolk, according to Neil’s broadcast today.
Gee, I hate to harp on the hitting, but we’ve got 4 players below the “Mendoza Line” (.200): Jamieson, Albernaz, Ruggiano, and Richard. Slightly better, but not much if we set the cutoff at .225, are Sadler, Olmedo, Johnson, and Nowak.
A day off tomorrow, guys. Take a break. Enjoy the finer pleasures of being home in Durham tonight. Get ready for Charlotte on Tuesday.
Are we ever going to play someone out of the Southern Division?
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Firsts in the Second (Game)
My guess is that anyone coming to this blog already knows the results of a game and how to get to box scores. Nevertheless, I’ll post basics here.
Bulls 8, Norfolk 4, 2-0 on the season, wrap, box.
Just to get it out of the way, Price started and lasted into the fourth. 17 batters, 74 pitches, no decision. By the way, Bulls starting pitchers are being limited to 75 pitches or 5 innings, whichever comes first. For a thoughtful look at Price’s performance check out Adam Sobsey’s article.
Various firsts:
I saved the best news for last — Radio in the ballpark! Turns out that there’s a really low-powered FM signal at 87.7. Easily heard while in the stands, but drops off very quickly. So, on the days that 99.9 is transmitting only on HD, you can still hear what’s going on. All of us Secret Service wannabes can now plug our earphones back in and listen to every game.
Bulls 8, Norfolk 4, 2-0 on the season, wrap, box.
Just to get it out of the way, Price started and lasted into the fourth. 17 batters, 74 pitches, no decision. By the way, Bulls starting pitchers are being limited to 75 pitches or 5 innings, whichever comes first. For a thoughtful look at Price’s performance check out Adam Sobsey’s article.
Various firsts:
- Sunshine! Top of the third, maybe a minute or so, but sure was pretty while it lasted. Maybe some more this afternoon.
- Home run. By Ruggiano, 3rd inning. Justin’s having a great start with the Bulls. He went 3 for 5 last night. Hope that we can keep him here for a while.
- Appearances on the field. Ray Olmedo, Chris Nowak, and Chad Orvella. Olmedo looked good on third base and homered in the 8th. Nowak started at first base. Didn’t know he has experience there, but turns out he played mostly first at Montgomery last year. For some reason I thought he was a third baseman. Nice to see Chad back on the mound.
- Hit by pitch. Adam Kennedy by Norfolk’s Chris Waters, 3rd inning.
I saved the best news for last — Radio in the ballpark! Turns out that there’s a really low-powered FM signal at 87.7. Easily heard while in the stands, but drops off very quickly. So, on the days that 99.9 is transmitting only on HD, you can still hear what’s going on. All of us Secret Service wannabes can now plug our earphones back in and listen to every game.
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