Baseball in Fort Wayne

Archive for February, 2009

Back in 2006, the undrafted Ray Chang played in 27 games with the Fort Wayne Wizards. He hit 2.86 with 3 home runs and 8 RBIs. Last season, he ended up with the Pittsburgh Pirates three-plus season with the Padres. The Kansas City native is playing int he World Baseball Classic with the China team.

I came across this little humorous tidbit today and I had to share:

The fans at the fence between the Tigers clubhouse and where the players work out are autograph hounds in the true sense. The Tigers are their preference, of course, but on Monday they also wanted the Chinese National Team (getting ready in Lakeland for the World Baseball Classic) to sign names when those players walked by as well.

Many of them obliged, not able to speak English, but knowing what the fans wanted. They signed and bowed. Bowed and signed. Very polite. Very formal.

Suddenly one of them said to the crowd in perfect English — “How’s it going today?”

Taken aback, the fans reacted by applauding. Out of this supposed language barrier came a surprise greeting. Here’s the story behind the surprise, though.

“My name is Ray Chang,” the player said later. “I’m from Kansas City and I’ve played in the Padres organization the last four years. I’ll be back in camp with the Pirates this year when the Classic is over.”

So much for thinking that one of the Chinese players had stayed up late to learn his first English phrase.

“Everyone doing OK?” he asked again — and with that, infielder Ray Chang of the Chinese team walked away, leaving a puzzled, but appreciative crowd behind him.

2009 looks to be a year in which many former Fort Wayne Wizards will be making their Major League Debuts. This is the first part of a three part series in which I make my predictions. These are just guesses based upon my own observations, so who knows how it will go.

First up are the ones I call “the sure things” – meaning they will probably break Spring Training with the big league club or be called up very quickly.

David Freese (Cardinals)

After the surprising 2008 season that David Freese put together at Triple-A, many thought he would be a September call-up. The fact that he wasn’t on the 40-man roster probably had more to him not being called up than anything else. And, even though he wasn’t, Freese has been one of the most talked about Cardinal’s prospects during the offseason. He had a good shot of making the MLB club at some point, but once it was announced that incumbent third baseman would not be available until several weeks into the season, it’s almost a sure thing that Freese will break Spring camp with the parent club.

“[Freese] made kind of a remarkable jump from Class A to Triple-A,” manager Tony La Russa said. “That’s a big jump. I talked to [Memphis manager] Chris Maloney a lot about him, and defensively he really played well. He ended up hitting .300 with some power numbers. That’s very impressive. So I’m anxious to see him” (MLB.com).

For more on Freese, see also:

• Forecast is hazy for Cardinal third baseman Troy Glaus (StlToday)
• Starting At Third Base, David Freese? (StudyofSports)
• Glaus reports, hopes to be back soon (MLB.com)
• What’s David Freese’s Chances with Cardinals in 2009? (BBIFW)
• Freese for Edmonds: Former Wizards Infielder Traded to Cardinals (BBIFW)

Bobby Scales (Cubs)

Bobby Scales is awesome. Why he has played in the minors for so long and with multiple teams and not gotten a shot at the big leagues is beyond me. He’s been a minor league player for a decade and has spent the last five years at Triple-A with no call-up. Last year at Triple-A with the Peoria Cubs, the speedy utility infielder and outfielder hit .320 with a .415 OBP, 94 runs, 15 home runs and 59 RBIs. He’s good defensively (even though one spring training observer saw him drop a couple balls already). He’s also a quality guy who has taken his team’s community leadership awards on multiple occasions. The Cubs have been said to be seeking another infielder, especially to back up Aramis at Third. I think Scales fits that bill. That said; I would not be surprised if he doesn’t break camp, but the Cubs will be wise to keep him for their Triple-A squad and have him ready for the point in the season when Ramirez goes down with hamstring injuries.

For more on Scales, see also:

• Cubs in on Hudson, Rich Hill remarks, and other notes (hot Stove Cubbies)
• Batting Around with Bobby Scales (MLB.com)
• Cubs Invite Scales and Rivas to Spring Training (BBIFW)

Dale Thayer (Rays)

The Tampa Bay Rays have a bullpen that is the talk of Major League Baseball. Percival, Wheeler, Balfour, Howell, Bradford and now Isringhausen; not to mention Shouse and and Nelson make up a formidable crew that should be tough to unseat for up and coming minor leaguers. It’s almost a shame that the Rays have a guy like Dale Thayer sitting in their Minro League system. Still, given the injuries and age of Percival and Izzy, I gotta think Thayer will get the call sometime during the season. In six MiLB seasons, he’s racked up 132 saves to go with a 2.31 ERA and 385 strikeouts. He’s been mostly used in relief, but also has 25 wins. Since he has options left, he’ll start the year in Charlotte, but maybe Bradford’s injury will open a door for the former Wizard. Either way, we’ll see him with the Rays before the season’s end.

For more on Thayer, see also:

• A possible Durham Bulls lineup on Opening Day (MVN)
• Dale Thayer Competing Against Time (BBIFW)
• Dale Thayer at Triple All-Star Game in Louisville (BBIFW)

Rule 5 Picks: Javis Diaz and John Madden

The Padres had two players selected in the Rule 5 Draft during the off-season. As such, they must remain on their new team’s active roster or be returned to their former organizations. They are not sure things, but if they make it through Spring Training, there’s a chance they’ll at least make their debuts.

• Javis Diaz (Phillies): Last season, Javis Diaz combined to hit .253 (95-376) with four home runs, 37 RBI and 28 stolen bases in 107 games while with Lake Elsinore and triple-A Portland. His career numbers are .277 with 16 home runs, 155 RBI and 151 stolen bases in 479 career games.
• John Madden (Mets): In four Minor League season, pitcher John Madden has a 7-15 record with a 3.74 ERA and 193 strikeouts. He got a shot at the closer role in 2006 with the Wizards, where he collected 20 saves.

Next up, the “Warning Track” prospects.

Hundley is learning that soft hands are the best way for him to catch on (SignOnSanDiego):

When (Nick) Hundley graduated from the Triple-A Portland Beavers to the Padres last summer, his reputation was for quality tools rather than refinement. He hit 50 home runs in 316 minor-league games and showed a throwing arm that Padres manager Bud Black characterizes as “major league quality for sure, maybe a little bit above.”

After getting his feet wet in 2008, Headley is eager to improve in ’09 (SignOnSanDiego)

Padres CEO Sandy Alderson described (Chase) Headley as the “quintessential” prospect of the current administration, a poster boy for being “patiently aggressive” and improving himself through attention to detail and strength training. His average of one strikeout per 3.8 at-bats in Double-A was of some concern, but considered the price of doing good business, too, because Headley often worked deep into the pitch count. He also did so as a rookie, averaging 4.2 pitches per appearance.

Because Headley’s best position is third base, it’s less likely that he and third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff will remain teammates for many years ahead.

If Headley stays in left field, he ultimately might block Kellen Kulbacki, one of the Padres’ better prospects and ticketed for Double-A this season. Several scouts say left field also is the best position for Will Venable, an older Padres prospect who, for now, is targeted for center field in Triple-A and has a subpar throwing arm for right field.

(Massarotti) Will George Kottaras be with the Red Sox Come Opening Day? (Boston.com)

…the Red Sox appear most likely to open the season with Varitek and Josh Bard as the catching tandem, though one club official recently went out of his way to suggest that George Kottaras looked sharp in the early days of camp. Kottaras is out of options and could be a threat to beat out Bard, though the more likely scenario is that the Red Sox are trying to increase Kottaras’ trade value so that they do not simply lose him on waivers.

Koskie will play for Canada in WBC (TwinsNow)

According to a source close to the situation, (Corey) Koskie, who was not on Canada’s provisional World Baseball Classic roster, will play for Team Canada in the 2009 WBC.

Playing for Canada in the WBC has been Koskie’s primary goal in trying to return to baseball. The former Twins third baseman hasn’t played since he suffered a concussion and whiplash while playing for the Brewers on July 5, 2006.

Cruz not in Classic for Mexico (MLB.com)

Despite being one of 45 players listed on Mexico’s provisional World Baseball Classic roster, Luis Cruz has declined an invitation to play with the team in next month’s tournament.

Cruz, who played with Mexico in the inaugural 2006 World Baseball Classic, is fighting for one of the Pirates’ final two bench spots this spring. For Cruz, that was reason enough to pass on the opportunity to once again represent his home country.

“I think I have a chance to get a spot here,” said Cruz, who made his Major League debut as a September callup with the Pirates last season. “I’m fighting for a spot here. I want to practice and get ready for the season and try to make the team.”

Barfield Adjusting to Utility Role (MLB.com)

A  second baseman by trade, (Josh) Barfield has been asked to add third base and all three outfield spots to his repertoire. The carrot dangled in front of him is a utility job with the big league club.

“I’ve got to be efficient,” Barfield said. “I can’t neglect one position or the other.”

The Indians, and manager Eric Wedge in particular, have been happy with what they’ve seen from Barfield during the team’s early workouts. Wedge said Barfield moved around well at third base and handled the outfield well.

And finally, Padnographs is featuring some former Wizards: Sean Burroughs, Dirk Hayhurst, Kyler Burke, Brian Burgamy

Billy Sunday is best known as a “fire and brimstone” evangelist who preached to more than 100 million people during his lifetime without the aid of the mass media tools we enjoy today. He was Billy Graham before Billy Graham was Billy Graham.

Howver, before Billy Sunday was Billy Sunday, he was a mighty fine baseball player who boasted blazing speed on the basepaths. Then, at the height of his career and amid a multi-team bidding war for his services, Billy Sunday left baseball behind. He gave up a contract perhaps in excess of $400 a month for an $83.33 YMCA job.

Though Billy is long since passed, Sunday’s homestead (Mount Hood) in Winona Lake still stands as a museum and invites tourists throughout the year. To learn more, see this week’s Traveling Indiana or VillageAtWinona.com.

BASEBALL COMEBACK LEADS TO CHAMPIONSHIP

Taylor scored 13 runs in the final three innings Saturday to erase a seven-run deficit and earn the Trojans the championship at the Bryan College Baseball Invitational by defeating Emmanuel College 16-10. Down 10-3 in the fifth inning, the Taylor bats came alive to score four runs in the fifth inning and nine runs in the sixth to complete the comeback.

Paul Passiales headlined the Trojan offense by finishing 4-for-5 from the plate, including a monster home run blast to give him two RBIs in the game. Michael Kraynak hit a home run for his second of the day.  The junior then closed the day out on the mound, receiving no decision. Joining the home run parade was Cassidy Emery, who had a three-run blast and a double as he finished with three runs batted in.  Nate Hillery (Noth Side) finished the game with two hits, including a three-run double. Picking up the win in relief was Brent Kimbro.  The freshman pitched 2 1/3 innings after starter Chris Howell (Bishop Dwenger) left the game.

The championship game victory gives Taylor (3-3) momentum as they head to Kentucky next week to take on Brescia University.

Note About Taylor Baseball: the folks at this school’s on-line development area have it together. Not only do they regularly e-mail me press releases about their achievements, they also have RSS feeds for their team news and results. Well done Taylor. Kudos.

Jean Havlish, who played shortstop for the Fort Wayne Daisies in 1953 and 1954 has donated her three-finger glove to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

“I got the glove in 1953 and played both years in the league with it,” Havlish said. “I even used it playing catch up to this year, and it’s in pretty good shape. I hated to part with it because it was a part of me, but I am very happy to have it in Cooperstown. It is overwhelming.”

Read more at the Hall of Fame’s website. Hat tip to Dan at OMGReds.com for referring the link.

Henline, the husky youth of Ossian, who has been pitching semi-professional ball hereabouts for some time, has signed a contract for a tryout with the Keokuk club of the Central association. Henline is quite well known in Fort Wayne baseball circles, having flung against local clubs on numerous occasions at Osslan (The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette; January 27, 1911).

The “Henline” of course was none other than a young Walter John “Butch” Henline, who played in the majors with the New York Giants, Brooklyn Robins, Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago White Sox during a span from 1921-1931. He then served as an NL umpire from 1945 to 1948 and was on the staff of the 1947 All-Star game. As far as my research can tell, he did not make that Keokuk club. Their loss I guess.

The above photo is of Heline (right) greeting Earl Mack (Connie’s son) and is from my personal collection.

The new scoreboard is live and in living color at Parkview Field.

The video board is the second-largest in Minor League Baseball, measuring 26.25 feet high by 53.54 feet wide. It tips the scales at nearly 21 tons.

I saw it today. It’s a thing of beauty. Be sure to read the TinCaps’ release to find out more. Also, check out the Watson Files for your chance to win a Parkveiw Field tour.

Update 02/21/09 @ 5:47PM – Here are a couple other links related to the newest Parkeview Field addition:

• TinCaps to test latest technology  (News Sentinel)
• Latest Square Views (WhatsGoingDownTown)
• Video of the ScoreBoard/VideoBoard (by Chad Gramling)

Tune in Saturday morning at 9:00 for Talkin’ Sports on ESPN Radio 1380 as Fort Wayne TinCaps Team President Mike Nutter will be our in-studio guest. We’ll talk about all aspects of the fans’ Tin Caps experience from where to park, when tickets are available, what’s new on the menu and what we’ll see on the large video board beyond right field.
Have a question for Mike about the TinCaps, Parkview Field or Harrison Square? Phone lines will be open at 447-8500.

We’ll also be previewing IHSAA girls basketball regionals and reviewing games from Friday night, as well as keeping you up to date on sports happening around the area on Saturday and Sunday.

We’ll name our PSI/111 Design Athlete of the Week. If you would like to nominate someone for Athlete of the Week honors, simply reply to this e-mail with the nominees’ credentials.

Talkin’ Sports is brought to you each week by: INdigital Telecom, Perfection Bakeries/Aunt Millie’s, Wise Insurance and PSI/111 Design.

We’re Talkin’ Sports every Saturday morning at 9:00 on ESPN Radio 1380.

I highly encourage you to check out this great Bloomberg article by Scott Soshnick. In it, he details the career of former Wizard, Shawn Garrett, as one of the clean atheletes of the game, and one of the victims of the now storied “steroid era” that has played out . . .

Sports Illustrated’s Joe Posnanski in a recent column wrote about the one guy he’d love to find — the clean player of the steroids era. Not just the guy who didn’t use, but the guy who was offered the shortcut; the guy who smelled fame and fortune and said no anyway.

Well, Joe, meet Shawn Garrett, who in 1998 got $50,000 when he signed with the San Diego Padres out of Olney Central College in Illinois.

Garrett retired last week after 11 bus-riding seasons in the minors. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Garrett was a multiple All- Star who called it quits with a career batting average of .291 to go along with 116 home runs over 1,228 games.

A little more pop in that bat and who knows. The dream died, though. Garrett never got the call, the one every minor- leaguer dreams of, the one where his manager summons him to the office and tells him that he’s going to The Show.

See also: Wizards Where R They? – Shawn Garrett