Baseball in Fort Wayne

Posts Tagged ‘Jarrod Parker’

Former Wizards Cedric Hunter and Mat Latos will join the big league club during Spring Training which begins next month. That’s right – next month (it’s coming!). Even though neither prospect has played above single-A, but both are highly touted and rank highly on the organization’s top prospects list.

Paul DePodesta talks about non-roster signings, including Pete Ciofrone:

Pete has played the last four and a half seasons in the Padres organization, but was due to become a minor league free agent after the 2008 season. After a .314/.389/.519 season in Portland, we wanted to keep the versatile left-handed hitter. Pete has always done a good job of putting the ball in play, and his power has emerged over the past two seasons. His ability to play all four corner positions also provides options for any manager.

Former Wizards skipper, Randy Ready, dishes on San Diego prospects via MadFriars (Subscription required). The list includes many former Wizards, like Luke Carlin, Matt Antonelli, Chase Headley, Nick Hundley and Brett Dowdy.

Last year’s hitting coach at San Antonio, Terry Kennedy, takes on the San Diego prospects who played at Double-A. Former Wizards include Josh Alley, Mike Baxter, Kyle Blanks, Craig Cooper and Chad Huffman. Pitching Coach, Bill Masse talks about the Double-A pitchers, such as Manny Ayala, Greg Burke, Mike Ekstrom, Jon Ellis, and Stephen Faris.

Former Wizards pitching coach, Wally Whitehurst (who is now in the Pittsburgh Pirates system) talks about the pitchers from Lake Elsinore last season. Among the former Wizards are Nathan Culp, Ernesto Freiri, Corey Kluber, Cory Luebke, Brandon Gomes and John Madden.

The Rays Party Chairman of the Rays Party of America blog wants the Rays to consider former Wizards infielder, Bobby Scales, as a potential minor league free agent signing:

Scales primary position is second base but has played in the outfield in as many games as second. Scales is a switch hitter and hits about the same on both sides, slightly better as a right handed hitter. He has started to hit for more power recently but has increased his strikeout rate in addition. Not too good but adequate filler at Durham.

Local native, Jarrod Parker, tops the list of Diamondbacks prospects over at FutureBacks.com.

Kyle Blanks Autograph at Padnographs (Wizards).

Simon Klink Home Run Photo at Greg’s Connecticut Defenders Blog (Local Ties).

Jarrod Parker likely to be in Diamondback’s Rotation in 2010, says USA Today (Local Ties).

Huntington University baseball coach, Mike Frame will be inducted into the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame during a ceremony in January 2009 (Local Ties).

Memorial Stadium is profiled at Little Ball Parks (Wizards).

Each year as the Major League Baseball season comes to a close, teams start looking toward the next season. Presumably, that process begins with the teams’ prospects and where they will fall into place come the end of Spring Training.

Each August, Major League clubs determine which prospects will go to Arizona to take part in the Arizona Fall League. Most are Double-A and Triple-A players, but a Class A player may sneak through from time to time. The idea is that key players will be able to receive additional instruction and practice to accelerate their ascent to the Majors and perhaps even jump them a classification along the way.

Eacy year, many of the AFL participants are former Fort Wayne Wizarrds. However, this year’s class includes a couple local ties.

Jarrod Parker earned the distinction of the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Most Valuable Pitcher from the team’s field coordinator Jack Howell:

Parker’s slider has progressed to the point that farm director A.J. Hinch considers it the best in the organization.  Combine that with his unanimously-named best four-seamer in the organization and his veteran-like command, and you have one of the best pitching prospects in all of baseball.  This Most Valuable Pitcher Award will be the first in a long line of honors for the promising youngster; he’d better clear some room on his mantle [source: futurebacks.com (scout.com subscription required)].

Eric Wedge earned an historic disction this year when he was indcuted into the AFL Hall of Fame. He “became the first member of the Hall of Fame to be inducted for his Major League success as a manager but whose AFL experience was solely as a player [source: MLB.com]. He is also the first former AFL player to have gone on to become a Major LEague Manager.

“I take that as a great honor,” Wedge said before the ceremony. “I was done playing by the time I was 30 years old because of problems with my legs and elbow, but that gave me an opportunity to start managing, and I’ve had the chance to manage some fantastic young ballplayers.”

Former Wizards Danny Payne, Brian Joynt also took part in the AFL and garnered club honors. Payne was named the most improved player; hitting over .300 and leading the team with 21 walks whild putting up some good defense. Joynt earned a leadership award, who went from the cusp of being cut in extended Spring Training to putting together solid numbers at Lake Elsinore and having a chance to be San Antonio’s starting first baseman next season. The award “encompasses everything: desire, professionalism, leadership on and off the field, everything [source: MadFriars.com (Scout.com subscription required)].

Kellen Kulbacki likley would have been on the roster had he not injured his shoulder during the playoff run in Lake Elsinore. Instead of getting playing time after an tremendous 2008 that saw him hit .332 with 20 dingers after getting promoted from Fort Wayne, he’s reahabbing. He’s expected to be fully recovered in time for Spring Training.

Other former Wizards taking part in the AFL this year were Greg Burke, Mike Ekstrom, Wilton Lopez, Kyle Blanks, Mike Baxter, Chad Huffman and Sean Kazmar.

Former Norwell standout, Jarrod Parker was recently named as the third best Midwest League prospect by Baseball America. And as MinorLeagueBaseball.com points out, he’s building upon a solid foundation that saw his first year as a professional baseball player turn out to be a success by all measures.

In 24 starts, Parker went 12-5 with a 3.44 ERA, tying for third in the system in both wins and ERA, striking out 117 over 117 2/3 innings while showing impeccable control with only 33 walks.

During the 2008 season, parker showed relative mastery of his fastball, slider and changeup. Now he’s attempting to add a hard curve to his repertoire. And now, with his foundation built after a full season in nearby South Bend, Parker seems to be in position to see the rest go up pretty quickly.

“He probably could have pitched up to Double-A this year stuff-wise and in terms of maturity as he started to develop as a man,” Hinch said. “But just like a house, once the foundation is built, the rest goes up pretty fast. Year two is probably the time to push the gas pedal a little and challenge him and see what he can do.”

Tonight was the last game we’ll ever see the Fort Wayne Wizards take the home field in Fort Wayne. It was also likely the last professional baseball game we’ll ever see played in Memorial Stadium; which is slated to be demolished in 2009 shortly after the yet-to-be-named Fort Wayne team takes the field for the inaugural season at the ballpark at Harrison Square.

The stadium first fielded Wizards in 1993 as an affiliate of the Minnesota Twins organization. Future Twins, such as Torii Hunter, LaTroy Hawkins, Matt Lawton, Luis Rivas and Michael Cuddyer broke in their gloves while playing in the Summit City. In 1999, the Wizards became affiliates of the San Diego Padres. Since that time, future Friars like Sean Burroughs, Jake Peavy, Josh Barfield, Chase Headley and others kicked up dirt at Memorial Stadium. To date, 69 former Wizards players have made it to the Major Leagues – with many others sure to follow. And, for you trivia fans out there, here’s some:

• The last out in Memorial Stadium history was made by Danny Payne at 10:03PM Eastern.
• Former Norwell High School standout and Silverhawks prospect, Jarrod Parker dominated the Wizards through five innings of one hit ball. The Wizards offense came alive immediately after his departure . . . too bad they were already down 17 to 0.
• The last game at Memorial Stadium took place the same night that Major League Baseball first instituted instant replay availability.
• Dinger the Dragon faced off against former Wizard’ mascot, Wayne the Wizard in the Mascot Race. You would think one would finally win. Nope. They tied and therefore they both lost. Amazing.
• Olympian Gold Medalist, Lloy Ball threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
• My family came home with eleven softy balls, one Memorial Stadium replica and two bags of free potato chips.

And now, there is little else to do but turn our attention to the Major Leagues as the playoff races take shape. By early September, we may know the new name of the team and quite possibly have the opportunity to purchase (or receive) the new branded merchandise by the holiday season. And who knows, maybe I’ll publish another book during Spring Training! These are all some small milestones to help us endure another winter where following the Arizona Fall League just doesn’t quite cut it.

Oh, and there’s always this little vignette for Memorial Stadium that I put together. I’ll post a photo gallery tomorrow night.

It’s been a wonderful year. Thank you to the Wizards for keeping us entertained and providing me with the opportunity to take batting practice at Memorial Stadium, view an occasional game from the best seats in the house and so much more. To all those I have met and met up with at the Castle, I hope to see you downtown next season. I’m already looking forward to helping kick off a new era in Fort Wayne baseball history on Opening Day at Harrison Square.

Note: the music that accompanies the vignette is “The Last Song” by Thousand Foot Krutch. It’s a hidden track on their cd, “The Flame in All of Us” on Tooth and Nail Records.

Three more games. That’s all that’s left in the history of baseball at Memorial Stadium.

Three more games. That’s all that’s left in the regular season home schedule of the Fort Wayne Wizards.

Three more games. That’s all that we’ll see the “Wizards” take the field in Fort Wayne, barring a miraculous run to make the playoffs.

In 1993, local old-timers like Red Braden ushered in an era of baseball in Fort Wayne. In 2008, a local up-and-comer who was a 2007 first-round draftpick will effectively bring that era to an end.

Jarrod Parker, the ninth overall pick in 2007, will take the mound for the visiting South Bend Silverhawks during Thursday’s Memorial Stadium finale against the home team Fort Wayne Wizards.

Parker is 11-5 during his first professional season. He has a 3.59 earned run average over 23 starts. In 112.2 innings, the former Norwell High School star has struck out 110. Last year, Parker helped lead the Knights to a 35-0 season, which included bringing home the Class 3A state baseball title, and Indiana’s Mr. Baseball in addition to several other accolades.

Wynn Pelzer (9-5) will start for the Wizards. In 28 games, Pelzer has a 2.84 ERA while allowing 107 hits, 28 bases on balls and 97 strikeouts in 114 innings.

The Fort Wayne Wizards have put together many great events and promotions for the week. It was kicked off with the naming of the All-Time Wizards on Sunday. Today, they announced the all-time Memorial Stadium team of players who came through Fort Wayne either as a visiting team or a home team. That list includes Alex Rodriguez, Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Albert Pujols, Torii Hunter, Adam Dunn, Johnny Damon, Jake Peavy, and Billy Wagner among others.

Three more games. That’s all that’s left before the physical reminder of fifteen years worth of memories meets its fate with a wrecking ball. And the Wizards are senging it out with style.

After the last game, fans will be allowed to run the bases as they usually do. Limmer said they also will be given an opportunity to throw a “final pitch” from the pitcher’s mound. Front-office personnel considered having a ceremony to turn off the lights, but wanted the fans more actively involved.

And the chances are, Corey Kluber’s selection as last week’s Midewst League Pitcher of the Week will be the last in the grand history of the Fort Wayne Wizards.

Midwest League poses little challenge for him. On Aug. 19, Kluber had the week’s best start, striking out 11 batters over eight one-hit innings against Lansing. Unfortunately, the game was a pitcher’s duel that Fort Wayne lost in the 10th. Pitching against the same Lugnuts five days later, Kluber exacted a bit of revenge, and the win, this time with 10 strikeouts and four hits allowed over five innings.

Three more games. And tomorrow, one of the most recent breakthrough former Wizards, Chase Headley will field questions from fans in a live chat on padres.com at 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Three more games. That’s all that’s left. And bloggers are memorializing Memorial Stadium in which he ask’s the Journal Gazette’s Ben Smith to tell us how he feels about it.

Three more games. And then several months during the offseason. That’s all that stands between this moment and opening day of a new era of baseball  in Fort Wayne. That’s when the first pitch will be thrown by a player from a yet-to-be-named Fort Wayne team from the mound at the ballpark at Harrison Square.

Three more games. That’s all that’s left before a hometown hero takes the mound in Fort Wayne. It’s ironic that it took fifteen years, but how fitting that it will be such a person to send the stadium out and effectively be the usher to the end of one era and the gatekeeper to the beginning of another.

From the Fort Wayne Wizards:

The final four regular season games at Memorial Stadium for the Wizards start tonight and run through this Thursday, August 28th!

Monday starts a four-game series with in-state rival, the South Bend Silver Hawks at 7:00 p.m. It’s the final Dollar Monday of the year, with $1.00 hot dogs, soft drinks and beer. In addition, the first 1,000 fans will receive a reusable grocery shopping bag from Digorno Pizza and Kroger.

Tuesday and Wednesday’s games, which both start at 7:00 p.m. will allow fans the opportunity to shop Memorial Stadium for Fort Wayne Wizards items in a ballpark garage sale. Multiple items, like baseballs and hats, will be available at amazing low prices.

Thursday the Wizards wrap up their regular season at Memorial Stadium with a 7:00 p.m. contest against South Bend. It’s the final Thirsty Thursday of the season, with $2.00 16-ounce beers and 20-ounce fountain drinks. The first 1,000 fans will receive mini replica Memorial Stadiums courtesy of Arby’s. Norwell High School grad, Jarrod Parker, is scheduled to pitch for the Silver Hawks. Also, fans will have a chance to throw a ceremonial “last pitch” at Memorial Stadium after the game.

For tickets, contact the Wizards Administrative Offices at 260-482-6400.

Last time out, we looked at a Mid-Season report of former Wizards who have been cast out of the Padres’ system for one reason or another. Today, we take a look at the local times across Minor League and Major League Baseball:

• Rob Bowen (Homestead): Bowen hasn’t seen a whole lot of action this year, which is his first with the Oakland A’s, but the rigors of the season look promising that he’ll get to take in a few more games in the second half. On the season, he’s been in 16 games and gotten 45 at-bats (through July 6). He’s sporting a .222 average with 10 hits, 2 doubles and a triple.
• Kyle Day (Snider):  Day was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds this year (after passing up the Cubs last year). He’s currently playing with the Billings Mustangs; the Reds entry of the Rookie Pioneer League. In 6 games with 19 at-bats, Day is hitting 2.63 with 5 hits and 4 runs and an RBI. In addition to his 5 hits, he’s drawn 3 walks to life his on-base percentage to .417 (through July 3).
• Dustin Glant (Wayne): Glant has seen 26 games in relief action for the Triple-A Tucson Sidewinders of the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. He’s got a 1-2 record with a 6.75 ERA with 33 strikeouts and 21 walks over 45.1 innings pitched. 
• Jarrett Grube (DeKalb): Grube has pitched in 28 games for the Tulsa Drillers; a Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. All his action has been in releif, where he has a 2-1 record with a 5.68 ERA. He’s got 27 strikeouts while allowing 21 walks over 38 innings pitched.
  
• Josh Judy (Indiana Tech): In his first season as a pro, Jush Judy has seen 25 games with the Lake County Captains of the South Atlantic League (Class-A). Over 25 games, pitching all of them in relief, Judy has a 7-0 record with 1 save and a 3.52 ERA. His has an impressive 59 strikeouts and just 19 walks over 55.2 innings pitched.
• Simon Klink (Canterbury): Klink is playing with the Double-A Connecticut Defenders in the San Francisco Giants organization. Over 67 games, he has a .212 average with 1 home run and 20 RBI’s. 
• Jarrod Parker (Norwell): A first round pick in last year’s MLB draft, Parker has spent the season in the Midwest League with the South Bend Silverhawks of the Arizona Diamondbacks’ organization. In starting all 14 games he’s appeared in, Parker has a 7-3 record with a 3.25 ERA. He’s struck out 58 hitters and walked just 19 over 63.2 innings pirched (though July 3). Parker was also named to the MWL All-Star team. 
• Justin Parker: Jarrod’s older brother was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in this year’s draft after putting together another solid season at Wright State University. He’s signed and playing with the D-back’s Class A Short-Season team, the Yakima Bears of the Northwest League. In 12 games, he’s hitting .190 with 8 hits, a double and two triples while driving in four.
  

South Bend visits the Castle August 25-28. Wouldn’t it be a nice homecoming if both the Parker brothers were on the team to take on the Wizards?

In addition to the three Fort Wayne Wizards representing Fort Wayne in the Midwest League All-Star Game, former Norwell standout and 2007 first round pick, Jarrod Parker, has been selected.

Jarrod Parker represents the highest of seven players drafted in 2007 that will play in the 2008 Midwest League All-Star game. Parker has been everything you would expect out of a #9 overall pick and more than you would hope for from a 19-year old playing in the Midwest League. He won four consecutive starts earlier in the year, has only walked as many as three batters once in nine games, and boasts a sub-3.00 ERA. He truly makes this team by being a star, but he also has the numbers to back up the selection [source: FutureBacks.com].

This weekend, the South Bend Silverhawks visit the Castle to take on the hometown Wizards. But I suspect that many in attendance will be rooting for the Silverhawks when their first-year pitcher and 2007 first round pick, Jarrod Parker takes the mound.

This will mark Parker’s first return to Northeast Indiana as a professional baseball player and many groups from the Ossian and Bluffton area are expected to attend the three-game series. On May 9th, the Silverhawks shut out the Wizards; in large part to Parker’s outstanding pitching.

Update: My bad. Parker pitched the game before the Wizards series began. As a result, he did not take the mound while in Fort Wayne. Maybe next time around.