BayBear Beat

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2009-05-29T10:24:00.002-05:00

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I'm Back

2008-05-27T11:23:00.002-05:00

It's been over two years since I've successfully posted here, but indeed the BayBears are still a team, and I am still a blogger. Not as active as before, but still, I remain a blogger for the BayBears. I haven't been able to post because of college, but now that I am back home in Mobile consistently for the first time in two and a half years, I should be able to post more often, and the quality of the posts should be higher as well.

There have been several changes to the team and organization as a whole, including a new Major League afiliate in the Arizona Diamondbacks, a new manager, and a new website (still not up to par, but a huge improvement).

Maybe it's me, since I haven't seen more than three professional baseball games in the past two years, but the BayBears staff has made some great improvements to the franchise. Merchandise is better, promotions are more professional, and get this: they don't play intro music for the other team anymore! I went into the gift shop to buy tickets last week, and the staff was very kind and warm-hearted. They even gave me the heads up on upgrading to Stadium Club tickets before the game (something I never knew you could do in 11 years of baseball at the Hank).

The Southern League remains the premiere Double-A collection of talent, and in the past few years has seen talent such as Prince Fielder (Huntsville Stars), James Loney (Jacksonville Suns), Justin Upton (Mobile BayBears), and recently Clayton Kershaw (Jacksonville Suns), all successfully making their mark in the big leagues. The talent has been, is, and will be some of the best in all of the minor leagues.

This blog certainly won't be what it used to be, but it will certainly be a place for commentary on the Mobile BayBears and Southern League that you can't get anywhere else. Stay tuned for more thoughout the season...

Cindo de Mayo

2006-07-27T11:30:00.000-05:00

So I went to the BayBears game Tuesday night to find out that not only was it raining, it was "Cinco de Mayo" night. Walking into the stadium, I received a plastic bag containing about five packets of mayonnaise. Mayo. Worst promotion ever. They did give out some latin themed Mardi Gras beads and those were nice. I ended up buying one of the $2 burritos that was no larger than a cigar. Asinine. But at least we won, and Colt Morton had a couple homers, so I'm not complaining.

Can You Feel It...Hot! Hot! Hot!

2006-07-18T09:24:00.000-05:00

The BayBears have now won 6 in a row. They just finished off a sweep of the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx here at home and make their way up to Birmingham for a series against the 12-13 Barons beginning tonight. What has led to the recent surge or power? I really couldn't tell you. But I do think that the Bears have done a much better job of actually executing when it really counts. Like Matt Lauderdale's 12th inning hit to win it. Interesting stat: the BayBears are undefeated without George Kottaras so far.

A Correction

2006-07-15T15:40:00.000-05:00

I hate the BayBears promotions staff. They can't get anything right. Tonight was scheduled to be Plunger Giveaway, BUT, low and behold, it is now baseball giveaway. Cliche? Yes. I mean come on, who really cares about a promo baseball? I don't. I was actually planning to go to tonight's game to witness a truely unique giveaway item. Not anymore.

Weekend Series

2006-07-14T09:37:00.000-05:00

It's been quite a series so far including a 12 inning win on Wednesday against the Diamond Jaxx. The Bears won last night 3-1 with help from Dale Thayer as he picked up his 16th save of the season. Mobile will play West Tenn through Sunday so get out to the ballpark. Saturday night is Plunger Giveaway Night. I will most likely be there so keep an eye out and say hello.

Kottaras Raises Eyebrows at Futures Game

2006-07-09T22:06:00.000-05:00

George Kottaras can do it all, folks. He's all that and a plate of Greek cuisine. Today in the MLB All-Star Futures Game G-Kott hit a two-bagger and blasted a 2-run home run for the World team. Ladies and gentlemen, we have our new catcher for the Padres. Well, not yet. Kottaras has been promoted to AAA Portland. This is huge for any Padres fan. George Kottaras has just shown us all that he can and will perform on a big league level on a big league stage. Look for Kottaras on the 2007 Opening Day lineup card.

On a personal note, I will be getting a gum graft tomorrow morning which means I'm not sure if I will be able to post on the Beat for the next few days. The SL All-Star Game is tomorrow so keep an eye out for that and of course all of the MLB All-Star events.

Mother Nature's Independence Day

2006-07-06T12:35:00.000-05:00

Mother Nature had it's way with the BayBears on Independence Day and caused them to lose in a rain shortened game of only 5 innings. Last night's game was postponed due to the wet stuff and will be made up today as part of a DH. I was at the July 3 home game and boy what a crowd. Over 5,600 fans packed the stadium for a very very disappointing loss in 10 innings. On his final strike, former Bear Corey Smith laced out a single that eventually led to the Barons knotting up the score and winning it in the 10th. It was as big a meltdown as I had ever seen. It capped off a wacky series that included a would-be walk off HR for the BayBears that was contested and overturned. After this series in Mississippi, four BayBears will head to Montgomery for the Southern League All-Star Game which will be played on July 11. Feel free to comment, I know people read this, so your feedback (on anything really) is wanted and appreciated.

BayBears in MLB All-Star Lineup

2006-07-03T15:22:00.000-05:00

For the second year in a row, there will be two former BayBears in the Major League All-Star Game lineup. Making his second appearance in the past two years is Jason Bay, and making his All-Star debut is Texas Ranger Gary Matthews Jr. Matthews has developed into one of the great center fielders in the game. Does anyone remember his unbelieveable catch he made with the Cubs when the ball bounced out of his glove and he barehanded it full extension--ALL while sliding on his back? In my opinion, the best baseball catch of all time. Jake Peavy is the only other BayBear that has made it to the mid-summer classic.

The BayBears finish up a five game set tonight against Birmingham. A win gets Mobile a series win. Jack Cassell will be on the mound for the BayBears. Fireworks to follow the game.

Southern League All-Stars Announced

2006-06-29T11:50:00.000-05:00

Four BayBears have made the list of the best players in the Southern League. Unlike last year, these players are actually deserving of the spots. You might remember last year when Mobile hosted the game that many BayBears were hardly deserving of the honor. This year, they got it right. The 2006 SL All-Star BayBears are:

Luis Cruz
George Kottaras
Drew Macias
Jared Wells

Jared Wells will of course not be there as he has been promoted but will be replaced by Sean Thompson, another deserving candidate. More coverage on the All-Star game as it gets closer.

Affiliate Switch In The Works?

2006-06-25T22:04:00.000-05:00

It's looking less and less likely that the San Diego Padres will be the major league affiliate of the BayBears next season. Kevin Towers, SD GM, has expressed interest in moving the Padres affiliate to the Texas League. Mobile BayBears GM Bill Shanahan is not allowed to comment on the issue until August due to MiLB rules. If the Padres were to leave the BayBears, it would end a strong 10 year affiliation that has seen over 60 players from Mobile go to play for San Diego, including Mobile native Jake Peavy. Speculation on who would replace the Padres? The Cubs maybe? The Double-A affiliate for the Cubbies is the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx, a team that has struggled severely in the attendance department. Through 38 openings this year, the Jaxx have averaged only 1,494 fans per game (last in the Southern League). Another reason why the Cubs may move their AA team to the Port City is personal ties. According to FOX10 news here in Mobile, a top Jaxx official (can't remember exactly which one) graduated from Spring Hill College right here in the city. I really wouldn't mind having the Chicago as our MLB team. There are die hard Cubs fans all over the country who love tracking future stars and prospects. The stadiums match, too. We will have to wait until late in the season to find out if the switch is made; and if so, what team it is to.

BayBears Drop The F-Bomb

2006-06-22T15:00:00.000-05:00

The BayBears went off the deep end Wednesday afternoon against the Huntsville Stars, beating them 15-0. Roger Deago picked up the win in a stellar outing allowing no runs over 7 innings. Matt Lauderdale and Drew Macias drove in 4 runs each while Juan ciriaco went 4-6. Mobile is now first place in the division at 2-1.

BayBears Luis Cruz and George Kottaras were selected to the 2006 All-Star Futures Game Roster. They will be the only players from the Padres farm system to appear in the game. Congrats to Cruz and G-Kott.

A New Beginning

2006-06-19T16:36:00.000-05:00

Second half of the SL starts tonight, which means that the records for all teams are 0-0 and we can forget about the ugly first half Mobile had. Gary Jones has mentioned several times that with the exception of the series with league-killers Jacksonville, the BayBears have been playing quite well. But have they? Keep in mind that they have played without Cesar Carrillo (who was promoted) for much of the season. The BayBears started out the year with a .409 record through April. They have only two losing streaks 5 games or longer; most of their losses come after wins in a win/loss pattern. In May, the team was 13-29, and in the last month Mobile has a winning record of .411. Has anything really changed? It seems like it, the players play with more energy and urgency, but the numbers don't back it up. The only way you can really change and improve "the numbers" is to win. A good start would be to take a series which begins tonight against Huntsville, the only other team with a worse record than Mobile in the first half.

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No Offense In Montgomery

2006-06-16T23:32:00.000-05:00

The Biscuits have been hot and fresh out of the oven in the past series against the BayBears. Montgomery shut out Mobile for the second time in four games Friday night 1-0. The BayBears managed only 5 hits off Montgomery pitching, led by starter Jim Magrane. Mobile starter John Hudgins got the loss dropping him to 3-3. The two teams will meet again Saturday to wrap up the first half of the Southern League schedule.

Jacksonville Loses Bid For Record
The Jacksonville Suns finally lost Friday night, ending their winning streak at 15, one shy of the Southern League record. The Suns had a one-run lead going into the bottom of the 8th when Mississippi exploded for 6 runs. Jax came back to score one more run, but in the end, the Braves finished off the Suns 11-7. The Suns (48-21) have overwhelmingly clinched the SL Southern Division 1st Half title, giving them a spot in the playoffs.

My Rant About What Needs To Be Done

2006-06-14T11:12:00.000-05:00

Many things have to be updated. Scoreboard definitely. Someone in the Press-Register Sports Soud-Off yesterday actually complained about it. The video board is truely embarrasing. Last time I went to a game, however, it did seem like they replaced a bunch of the missing number pixel lights. He is also right when he says that they don't follow through on their promotions. Example: Last year on Mayor Dow bobblehead night they wouldn't give me a bobblehead, even though the promotion clearly stated "first 1000 fans." They told me that you had to be 18 (voting age) to get one, while I was still 17 at the time. Well just about all my frustration over everything I disliked about the BayBears came out then and there. I pitched a fit for about 30 minutes and one of the BayBear staff finally decided to just give me one. I will never forget that. Mobile has some of the worst promotions/PR people I have ever seen. Who cares about coming to the park to get a plunger? (not even kidding) A new logo and/or a new name would benefit the team. The colors are outdated (navy blue and red) and the logo they came up with 2 years ago (the MB Mobile one) has just about been scrapped as they mostly wear the Old English M hats now. It may seem a bit out there, but I would like to see the name changed back to BaySharks or just Sharks like the 1994-95 TX-LA League team with the colors changed to orange and green. This would no doubt put some originality back into this organization. The park is not clean. That is a fact. Take a look at every single seat in the upper deck. The green color of the seats are fading into a light white color, which looks disgusting. The concourse smells like a bathroom (no joke), and there are puddles of water just about everywhere you turn. The landscaping in Gaslight Park is going downhill as well. More developments for evey fan (not just qualified ticket holders) should be looked into for down the first base side on the field level (which is the BayBears side). Countless improvements to the third base side have been made including the Beach and the Pepsi Pavilion. This might be a tough task, but with a little EFFORT and an open mind, the Mobile staff can make the BayBears a whole lot better and make it a place where families and sports fanatics alike can come and enjoy a game and want to come back.

Ellis Suspended

2006-06-13T22:42:00.000-05:00

Jonathan Ellis was suspended 50 games today for violating the league's substance abuse policy. He didn't make the trip up to montgomery for tonight's game (obviously) and is reportedly now invited to Jason Grimsley's BBQ this Sunday.

Speaking of tonight's game, we lost. Big. 7-0. Only 3 hits for Mobile. Sean Thompson got the loss, giving up 8 hits and 6 ER, dropping his record to 1-6 with a 4.15 ERA. Suprisingly, the BayBears aren't the worst team in the league even though they do tie for the most wins. The crappiest team in the Southern League is the Huntsville Stars at 23-40 (.365).

Kottaras Is Klutch

2006-06-11T11:26:00.000-05:00

Instead of talking about the loss last night, I'm going to talk about the Friday game, which was way better. I actually went to Friday's game. It was quite a thriller. The thrill began in the bottom of the 8th when the Bears were down 5-3 and had two men on. Luis Cruz delivered a 2-out RBI to get us within one. The Smokies brought in reliever Chris Kinsey to face George Kottaras. Big. Mistake. G-Kott laced a double that almost cleared the left-center fence to drive in Cruz and Juan Ciriaco. The place exploded with cheers as the BayBears gained the lead 6-5. Tennessee threatened in the bottom of the 9th with two men on after a double and an intentional BB, but Dale Thayer struck out pinch hitter (and birthday boy) Danny Richar to end the game and earn the 11th save of the season for him. I asked Jared Wells where he hoped to be at the end of the season after the game. Only a few words came from his mouth. "San Diego, hopefully." The way things are going for him, that may be a possibility.

Why has Neal McCready been writing the BayBears column in the Press-Register lately? I can't stand reading this guy's ... "writing." If you want a good example of his "writing," check this out. Disgraceful. At least it's a little better than those "staff reports" that are no more than 30 words long.

Jones Wins 1000; Team Keeps Him There

2006-06-09T13:09:00.000-05:00

Gary Jones won his 1000th game as a manager Wednesday night, as the BayBears defeated the Smokies. To keep the celebration going, the team decided to lose last night to keep Jonesey at an even number. Tonight the two teams battle it out in the hump game of a five game set. 7:05. I'll try to be there.

Busy x 1000

2006-06-06T23:46:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the lack of updates over the past several days. I have been up at Auburn for the University's Camp War Eagle Orientation Session. I will be a freshman in the fall majoring in Architecture (which means almost zero free time). Anyways, CWE was fun for the most part. I learned so much in such a short period of time. I also registered for classes. I'm really really tired.

Back to baseball. The BayBears got swept by the Jacksonville Suns in a five game set in FL. Mobile returns home tomorrow night to play Tennessee.Gary Jones still stuck on win 999.

Special thanks to John for the kind words in the last post.

Jones, Meaux Promoted

2006-06-02T18:10:00.000-05:00

Outfielder Kennard Jones (of Blue Bunny commercial fame) and pitcher Ryan Meaux have been promoted to Portland. I don't know what else to say.

John Hudgins is a Beast

2006-05-31T22:14:00.000-05:00

Well, I think the title of this post explains it all. Tonight's game was headed by another outstanding peformance by John Hudgins, who pitched seven scoreless innings, striking out six and walking one. He and Geoff Jones, who earned his first save, combined for the 2-hitter. The BayBears have won three straight series against three difficult teams. Mobile has won 5 of 6 and 10 0f their last 14. What has made the difference? Good pitching and clutch hitting. Manager Gary Jones has said it time and time again that clutch hits are necessary to success. Exhibit A: Juan Ciriaco's 9th inning game winning RBI (see "On A Roll?"). John Hudgins may have replaced Cesar Carrillo as Mobile's 1-2 punch on the mound (along with Jared Wells). Speaking of Carrillo, he has been placed on the DL in Triple-A Portland with a strained right forearm. I think a get well card is in order.

On A Roll?

2006-05-29T20:16:00.000-05:00

Stephen Smitherman hit his third HR with the BayBears in only 7 games to lead Mobile over B'ham on Memorial Day. Starter Jared Wells pitched nicely, giving up only one run in 7 innings of work. He got the no decision and Geoff Jones picked up the win after Juan Ciriaco got the game winning hit in the bottom of the 9th. The BayBears have won two straight series (against two formidable opponents--West Tenn and Montgomery) and have won four straight games. Today's game featured the Bears in their "turn back the clock" jerseys which looked strikingly like just a plain oversized away jersey. The 1947 Mobile Bears jerseys they wore last year were dope, this year was bleh. Anyways, hopefully this winning thing can keep going. I miiiiight be at the game tomorrow night. We'll see. I've been uber busy lately. Go BayBears...

Hudgins Shines, Part Deux

2006-05-26T23:32:00.000-05:00

BayBears won against the Biscuits tonight behind another great outing by John Hudgins. Well, that is, "great outing" if you don't count the 6 walks given up. Besides that, Hudgins was super-duper giving up only 3 hits and 1 earned run in 5 innings. He got the W to improve to 2-0. Kottaras took over DH duties (Montgomery is AA affiliate of the D-Rays) while Matt Lauderdale caught for Mobile. G-Kott went 2-3 with 2 BB, a double, and a ribeye. Luis Cruz added 2 delicious ribeyes to increase his total to 28 for the year. Overall, a good win in front of over 4,000. The series against the Biscuits ends tomorrow night at 7:05.

I thought I was going to go to the game Saturday but that's not looking so good now so I'll try to catch Sunday's 6:05 start or celebrate Memorial Day with a Turn Back The Clock game at 2:05pm. Gotta love those day games.

Burn the Biscuits

2006-05-25T23:37:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday night, Jared Wells stunned everyone by allowing only 3 hits over 7 innings of work as he led the BayBears over the Biscuits 8-0. Tonight, the Bears lost 3-zip to Montgomery. I'll get the stats up when I get them. Burn the Biscuits weekend (yes, I made that up) continues through Sunday. If someone makes a sign that says "Burn the Biscuits" at Saturday night's game, I will come give you a hug.

According to Fox 10 (WALA) here in Mobile, the BayBears bullpen loves American Idol. I had a feeling that's why they weren't out there in right field last night! Actually, this is a story that the WALA crew did...pretty good in my opinion. I wish they had the video. For such a crappy station with even worse writing, I've gotta admit Fox 10 has some of the best BayBears coverage around (maybe because they're only a hop skip and jump away from the Hank). They actually talk about the team and what's been going on. WPMI 15 (oddly channel 11) has good coverage, with the occasional interview with Jonesey. If you watch WKRG 5 for sports, you're already just plain dumb.

Peavy Sets Record

2006-05-23T11:10:00.000-05:00

Last night, former BayBear and native Mobilian Jake Peavy set a new Padre record for strikeouts in a game with 16. Peavy pitched 7 innings and got the loss (mainly due to lack of run support!!).

The BayBears finished up their series in West Tenn Sunday winning 3 of 5 and begin a 10-game homestand tonight against the division leading Montgomery Biscuits. Tonight's promotion: Super Hero Night, dress up as your favorite super hero and get in free.

Lack of updates over the last few days due to a little thing I like to call high school graduation. I'm always looking for other people to contribute to the site, so let me know if you're interested.