Biscuit Baseball

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

The Montgomery Biscuits finally won a game again last night. They have won three games of their last ten.

Wes Bankston punctuated his comeback to the Montgomery Biscuits' lineup Thursday night with a home run that helped his club to a 7-3 come-from-behind win over the Carolina Mudcats at Five County Stadium.

With the Biscuits trailing, 3-1 in the fifth inning, Bankston hit a two-out, full count pitch from Anibal Sanchez over the left field wall to tie the score. The BIscuits' offense responded with four more wins as the Biscuits took game two of the five-game series.

Bankston missed 41 games after pulling his right oblique muscle in a game at Mississippi on April 24 while swinging at a pitch. His only other home run came on Opening Day, April 6 at Riverwalk Stadium.

Tony Peguero pitched seven innings in the game and earned the win, evening his record at 6-6.

Peguero trailed after the Mudcats scored three in the fourth inning. The Mudcats had four of their eight hits in the inning, including an RBI double by Angel Molina and a run-scoring single by Alejandro De Aza.

The Biscuits took the lead for good as Sanchez tired in the sixth inning. Francisco Leandro doubled to score Jason Pridie. Later in the inning, Aneudi Cuevas singled to score two more.

Sanchez departed with just one out, having allowed six runs (five earned). His loss dropped him to 2-6.

Juan Salas pitched the final two innings, running his streak of innings without an earned run to 32. He allowed two hits and struck out four. The double he allowed in the ninth inning was the first extra-base hit he has allowed all season. With his 14th save, Salas passed Chad Orvella for second on the Biscuits' career list. He trails only Josh Parker (19).

Elliot Johnson added his 10th home run in the ninth inning to ice the game.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Paul Mildren gave up four-hits and struck out nine over seven scoreless innings as Carolina beat visiting Montgomery, 8-1, on Friday.
Mildren (4-5) didn't issue a walk and allowed just two runners to reach second base. He lowered his ERA to 3.91.

The 22-year-old lefty, who leads the Southern League with 78 strikeouts, won for the first time since May 15 against Chattanooga.

Lee Mitchell launched his sixth homer and Ryan Bear hit his fourth to lead the offense for the Mudcats (29-34). Frank Moore tripled and scored in the first, while Angel Molina slapped a pair of singles, walked, drove in a run and scored twice.

Carolina reliever Kevin Cave yielded a leadoff homer to Jeremy Owens in the eighth before retiring the next three batters. Matt Yourkin pitched a perfect ninth to close the game.

Biscuits starter Jim Magrane (7-5) gave up six runs on six hits in five innings to suffer the loss. He struck out seven and issued four walks. Reliever Marcos Carvajal gave up two runs on three hits in three innings.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Matthew Maniscalco hit a go-ahead RBI single in the ninth inning as visiting Montgomery squeaked past Carolina, 4-3, on Sunday.
With two out in the ninth, Jeremy Owens reached on a bunt single and advanced to second on third baseman Edgar Gonzalez's throwing error. Jason Pridie was intentionally walked and Maniscalco followed with the game-winning hit, a ground ball single up the middle.

Elliot Johnson and John Raburn hit back-to-back RBI singles in the fourth and also had two hits apiece. Owens blasted a solo homer in the fifth as the Biscuits opened a 3-0 lead.

Juan Salas (3-0) came on in relief of Josh Kranawetter with one out and runners on second and third in the seventh. He induced Gonzalez to ground out, but walked Lee Mitchell to load the bases. Salas surrendered Ryan Bear's tying two-run single and picked up his first blown save in 15 chances.

Salas worked 2 2/3 scoreless innings -- all three runs in the seventh were charged to Kranawetter -- to earn the victory. He allowed two hits, struck out four and walked two. The right-hander has not allowed an earned run in 32 innings over 22 games for Montgomery (33-31). He has struck out 48 and given up just 11 hits.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Fresh off a draining ten-game roadtrip, Andy Sonnanstine lifted the spirits of Montgomery with a complete game, three-hit masterpiece as the Biscuits (34-31) whitewashed the Mobile BayBears (25-40), 7-0.

Sonnanstine's effort was the first nine-inning shutout for a starting pitcher in Biscuits history, clocking in at a brisk one hour and 58 minutes.

Wes Bankston, Michael Coleman and Jason Pridie all homered for Montgomery in the winning effort. Bankston and Pridie's shots each came off of losing pitcher Sean Thompson (1-6), who surrendered six runs on eight hits in six innings.

The second game of the five-game series will be played at 7:05 pm Wednesday, with Montgomery sending righthander Tony Peguero (6-6, 3.38) against Mobile righthander Jared Wells (4-3, 2.69).

[hooman102]

It's hard not to notice a guy, even at Double A, who's sporting a 0.00 ERA in 34 innings. I see that he's blown a save recently, but what has this guy got that allows him to be putting up these numbers? The Rays can use a closer. Is this guy it?

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

It's hard not to notice a guy, even at Double A, who's sporting a 0.00 ERA in 34 innings. I see that he's blown a save recently, but what has this guy got that allows him to be putting up these numbers? The Rays can use a closer. Is this guy it?

Can he handle the MLB level?

The guy is almost 28, so it is about time for him to break into the Majors.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Tony Peguero extended the woes of visiting Mobile, allowing one earned run in seven strong innings, as the Montgomery Biscuits defeated the BayBears (25-41), 5-2.

The Dominican righthander's outing came one day after Andy Sonnanstine mesmerized the Mobile lineup for the first nine-inning shutout in Biscuits history.

Peguero (7-6) may not have been quite as dominant as Sonnanstine, but he found the same ease in flying through the BayBears' batsmen, scattering five hits, striking out one and walking one.

Mobile starter Jared Wells held the Biscuits scoreless in the first inning, but was relieved by eventual losing pitcher Paul Abraham (4-6) to begin the second inning, beginning a parade of four BayBears bullpen members to the mound.

Montgomery reached Abraham for two runs in the second, with Gabriel Martinez scoring on an error by centerfielder Drew Macias and Michael Coleman tallying two batters later on Francisco Leandro's double play grounder.

In the fifth inning, Wes Bankston's RBI double off of Bubba Nelson gave the Biscuits a 3-0 lead, an advantage that Mobile could not surmount.

The BayBears mounted their sole threat against Peguero in the top of the sixth. A Matthew Maniscalco throwing error put Brett Dowdy on base to start the frame. Juan Ciriaco followed with a sinking line drive that Biscuits centerfielder Jason Pridie snared with a headlong dive toward the infield. Pridie's effort proved important as Vincent Sinisi and George Kottaras sandwiched singles around a groundout to score Dowdy with Mobile's first run, Kottaras taking second on an attempt to throw out Dowdy at the plate. With the tying runs in scoring position, Peguero bore down and induced an inning-ending groundout to third from cleanup hitter Joey Gomes.

A Matthew Maniscalco two-out RBI single in the bottom of the sixth pushed the Biscuits lead back to three runs.

In the seventh, Michael Johnson crushed a solo home run to right in the top of the frame, but Montgomery answered with a Wes Bankston sacrifice fly to close out the scoring.

Jean Machi pitched a scoreless eighth and ninth to record his fourth save of the season for the the Biscuits.

The third game of the five-game series will be played at 7:05 pm on Thursday at Riverwalk Stadium. A victory for Montgomery will assure them of the series victory.

The Biscuits are now 11.5 behind on Jacksonville. The Suns are on a roll with a 14 (!) game winning streak.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Michael Johnson catalyzed a seven-run ninth inning rally with a three-run double as the Mobile BayBears (27-42) blew open a tight game to rout the Montgomery Biscuits (36-33), 10-3, in the final game of the first half of the Southern League season.

Mobile pounded out 15 hits against five Biscuits pitchers, with leftfielder Vincent Sinisi collecting three hits in six at-bats to lead the way. Leadoff hitter Juan Ciriaco added two hits in six plate appearances, with both hits coming in the offensive explosion in the ninth inning.

With the game tied 3-3 entering the ninth, the BayBears pounced on new reliever Jean Machi (4-1) for five runs on four hits in only 1/3 of an inning. Machi was pulled in favor of Jeremy Flanagan, who fared no better. Flanagan handed out two walks and coughed up RBI singles to Brett Dowdy and Ciriaco while recording only one out before he, too, was sent to the showers. Finally, former starter Chris Flinn came out of the bullpen to douse the flames, picking up the final out of the inning.

Leo Rosales (2-3) earns the win for Mobile, hurling 1.2 scoreless innings of relief.

Montgomery's record marks their best record for a half in franchise history, as well as their first half with a record above .500. The Biscuits finish in second place in the South Division, trailing only the Jacksonville Suns.

Following a day off on Sunday, Montgomery will open the second half in Jacksonville with a five-game series beginning Monday. Righthander Jeff Niemann is expected to take the mound for the Biscuits, making his 2006 debut.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I have a question about the playing format of the Southern League.

If the champion of the first half is the same as the champion of the second half (which is very likely to be Jacksonville) will there be play off games or does this champion advance to the Southern League finals?

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

T.J. Nall struck out 10 over seven shutout innings as Jacksonville edged visiting Montgomery, 1-0, to open the second half of the Southern League season Monday.
Nall (5-2) scattered four hits and walked one. The 25-year-old right-hander has fanned 72 batters in 59 innings for the Suns. Ben Kozlowski tossed a scoreless eighth, while Mark Alexander hurled a 1-2-3 ninth to pick up his 17th save.

Kozlowski nearly allowed a game-tying homer to Ryan Christianson, but left fielder Craig Brazell ran down the towering drive on the warning track.

Jacksonville (1-0) pushed across a run in the fourth inning. A.J. Zapp was hit by a pitch and advanced to second on Tony Abreu's single before scoring on Sergio Garcia's single to left field.

John Raburn and Jason Pridie each collected two of the Biscuits' five hits.

Jeff Niemann (0-1) took the loss in his 2006 season debut, allowing one run on four hits over 4 1/3 innings while striking out eight. The 2004 first-round draft pick had spent the first half of the season on the disabled list after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery.

Marcos Carvajal tossed 2 2/3 shutout innings for the Biscuits (0-1), while Chris Flinn worked a scoreless ninth.

[ez906]

I have a question about the playing format of the Southern League.

If the champion of the first half is the same as the champion of the second half (which is very likely to be Jacksonville) will there be play off games or does this champion advance to the Southern League finals?

yankees rule-
that's a great question to ask jim tocco. email him (especially during a game) biscuitsradio@biscuitsbaseball.com

question for you - are you able to listen to the games live? it must be 2 or 3 in the morning in holland when they come on the air.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Montgomery Biscuits starting pitcher Andy Sonnanstine allowed two runs in the first inning at The Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville Tuesday night but dominated thereafter.

The Jacksonville Suns, the league's top offensive team, managed just one more hit and sent one hitter more than the minimum amount as the Biscuits came back to win, 3-2.

Sonnanstine lasted eight of the nine innings, staying just long enough to earn the win. He allowed two hits, walking two and striking out four.

Jacksonville starter Danny Muegge was as good or better for seven innings, during which he allowed only one hit. But in the eighth, everything changed. Gabriel Martinez, Michael Coleman and Jason Pridie each singled off of him within the span of four pitches and he departed with the bases loaded and none out.

Sidearming righty Casey Hoorelbeke entered and allowed two of the runners to score on a walk by Matthew Maniscalco and a single by Elliot Johnson. The inning broke a team stretch of 18 consecutive innings in which the Biscuits did not move a runner past second base.

In the ninth, Hoorerbeke allowed another pair of singles and intentionally walked Pridie to set up a two-out, bases loaded situation to Jeremy Owens. Owens hit a full-count pitch on the ground to the left side of the infield and beat out the throw to give Montgomery the run it needed.

Brian Henderson pitched a perfect ninth inning for his third save.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

yankees rule-
that's a great question to ask jim tocco. email him (especially during a game) biscuitsradio@biscuitsbaseball.com

question for you - are you able to listen to the games live? it must be 2 or 3 in the morning in holland when they come on the air.

Sometimes I listen to games, but only in the weekend (Friday or Saturday).

Of course I will ask him. Can I also do that with away games?

[ez906]

Sometimes I listen to games, but only in the weekend (Friday or Saturday).

Of course I will ask him. Can I also do that with away games?
absolutely.
i betcha he would get a kick out of receiving an email from the netherlands.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Heath Totten pitched a five-hitter and Eric Langill smacked three doubles as Jacksonville coasted to an 11-0 rout of visiting Montgomery on Wednesday.
Totten (7-2) struck out two and did not walk a batter in winning his fourth straight start. The 27-year-old righty retired the last seven batters he faced and leads the Southern League with 96 1/3 innings pitched.

The Suns (2-1) scored all their runs in the first three innings. Langill and Wilkin Ruan hit back-to-back two-run doubles in the second, while Ching-Lung Hu capped Jacksonville's scoring with a three-run homer in the third.

Chairon Isenia had three hits to lead the Biscuits (1-2).

Mike Prochaska (2-2) took the loss, allowing 11 runs on nine hits and two walks over 2 2/3 innings. The left-hander's ERA jumped from 3.82 to 6.16. Jeremy Flanagan allowed one hit over 3 1/3 scoreless innings, while Chris Flinn tossed a pair of perfect frames.

Standings:

South
Team W L PCT GB Home Away Last 10 Streak
Jacksonville 2 1 .667 - 2-1 0-0 2-1 W1
Mobile 2 1 .667 - 2-1 0-0 2-1 W1
Birmingham 1 2 .333 1 1-2 0-0 1-2 L2
Mississippi 1 2 .333 1 0-0 1-2 1-2 L1
Montgomery 1 2 .333 1 0-0 1-2 1-2 L1

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

The normally sound Jacksonville Suns fell apart in the fifth inning of their Thursday night tilt against the Montgomery Biscuits at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville before the largest crowd ever to see a Biscuits game.

In an inning with two errors, three walks, two wild pitches and a passed ball, the club with the best record in Minor League Baseball allowed three runs, leading to a 4-2 loss.

Before 10,365 fans, the homestanding Suns had led 1-0 when Montgomery native Craig Brazell doubled in the first inning off of Montgomery starter Jim Magrane. But Magrane pitched six more innings and didn't allow another Jacksonville player past first base. The veteran righty stifled the league's best offensive team, allowing just four hits in his seven innings and striking out a season-high eight. The win lifted Magrane to a 9-5 record

Jacksonville starter Adam Thomas allowed the game-tying run in the fourth, when a Gaby Martinez single scored Elliot Johnson. Martinez was tagged out trying to stretch the hit into a double.

In the fifth, the Biscuits got only one hit: a bunt single by Jason Pridie. The three runs that the Biscuits scored were all unearned to Thomas. The deciding run scored when Matthew Maniscalco tried to lay down a sacrifice bunt and in an attempt to throw the Biscuits shortstop out at first base, Thomas hit him in the back. Jason Pridie raced around to score and the Biscuits never trailed again.

Jean Machi pitched two innings to earn his sixth save but Brazell hit a solo home run against him in the ninth to cap the scoring.

The Suns had been 27-11 at home this season. Since its construction in 2003, the Biscuits are the only opponent to have a winning record at the Baseball Grounds

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I have a question about the playing format of the Southern League.

If the champion of the first half is the same as the champion of the second half (which is very likely to be Jacksonville) will there be play off games or does this champion advance to the Southern League finals?


yankees rule-
that's a great question to ask jim tocco. email him (especially during a game) biscuitsradio@biscuitsbaseball.com

I have sent the e-mail with that question. Jim read it during the bottom of the 8th. Pretty weird to hear your own name called on American radio. :D

Too bad the Biscuits lost by 5-3.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Tony Peguero took a no-hitter into the seventh inning as Montgomery blanked Mobile, 6-0, on Wednesday afternoon at Riverwalk Stadium.
Peguero (8-7) allowed one hit and three walks over seven innings while striking out seven. The 25-year-old right-hander retired 14 batters in a row before Stephen Smitherman's leadoff single in the seventh broke up the no-hit bid.

"I didn't think about throwing a no-hitter," said Peguero. "I just want to pitch well every time out. Mobile has some pretty good hitters, but that's how I like it. Good pitchers can get anybody out."

Peguero's pitch count exceeded 100, so he likely would not have not returned for the eighth.

"When I throw a lot of pitches, I start paying for it," he said. "I was glad I didn't have any 50-pitch innings today."

Jeremy Flanagan came on in relief and allowed one hit over the final two frames.

Gabriel Martinez went 3-for-4 with a double, two RBIs and a run scored to lead the Biscuits (5-5). John Raburn went 2-for-3 with a triple and two runs scored, while Wes Bankston doubled, walked twice and scored three runs.

Jose Oyervidez (2-7) took the loss after allowing four runs on seven hits over 5 1/3 innings for the BayBears (5-5). Bubba Nelson yielded two runs and recorded five outs, while Dale Thayer hurled a scoreless ninth.

Standings

South (click column headers to sort)
Club W L PCT GB Home Away L 10 Streak
Birmingham 6 4 .600 - 3-2 3-2 6-4 W2
* Jacksonville 5 5 .500 1.0 3-2 2-3 5-5 W1
Mobile 5 5 .500 1.0 3-2 2-3 5-5 L1
Montgomery 5 5 .500 1.0 3-2 2-3 5-5 W1
Mississippi 3 7 .300 3.0 2-3 1-4 3-7 L2


* - 1st half division winner

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Jason Pridie's two-run homer completed a Biscuits comeback from an early four-run deficit as Montgomery (6-5) continued their dominance of the Mississippi Braves (3-8) with a 6-5 victory in the first of a five-game series on Thursday night.

The Biscuits improved to 14-3 all-time against the Braves at Riverwalk Stadium, as well as 9-2 against Mississippi in the season series.

Early on, the game looked promising for Mississippi. The visitors scored four first inning runs against Montgomery starter Jason Cromer, all unearned due to Biscuits errors by leftfielder Michael Coleman and shortstop Matthew Maniscalco.

A two-run homer by Montgomery's Elliot Johnson halved the deficit to 4-2 in the third inning, the second baseman's eleventh home run of the season.

Joshua Arteaga's RBI double pushed the Braves lead to three runs in the top of the fourth, but it would not be enough.

In the fifth, Johnny Raburn's two-run double cut the lead to 5-4. An inning later, following a Ryan Christianson walk, Pridie blasted an offering from reliever Dan Smith (2-5) over the right field wall to put Montgomery on top. It was the centerfielder's third roundtripper of the season.

Reliever Josh Kranawetter (2-0) picked up the victory for the Biscuits, hurling 2.1 innings of scoreless relief for his second win in the span of four days. Jean Machi recorded the last four outs, including striking out the side in the ninth, for his eight save.

The Biscuits and Braves play the second game of the five-game series on Friday night at 7:05 pm. Righthander Jeff Niemann (0-2, 4.32) will take the mound for Montgomery, opposed by Mississippi's Matt Harrison (0-1, 6.00).

[ez906]

I have sent the e-mail with that question. Jim read it during the bottom of the 8th. Pretty weird to hear your own name called on American radio. :D

Too bad the Biscuits lost by 5-3.
how very cool!

i missed that game. what was the date of it? i'm going to listen to the archived edition so i can hear it.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

how very cool!

i missed that game. what was the date of it? i'm going to listen to the archived edition so i can hear it.

It was the last game of last weeks away series @ Jacksonville. It was Friday the 23rd of June.

Archived edition? Where can I find that? I want to store it on my PC.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Mississippi second baseman Mike Rozema misplayed Jason Pridie's bases-loaded grounder, allowing Wes Bankston to race home from third base with the winning run, as the Montgomery Biscuits (7-5, 43-38) defeated the visiting Braves (3-9, 34-47).

The walk-off error capped off a wild roller coaster ride of a ninth inning.

In the top of the frame, Mississippi found themselves down to their last strike when rightfielder Bobby Darula cracked an 0-2 pitch from Montgomery closer Jean Machi (5-1) off the top of the left field wall for a two-run game-tying double.

But in the bottom of the ninth, Braves closer Zach Schreiber (1-2) could not find the strike zone. Bankston led off by drawing a walk and was sacrificed to second base by Gabriel Martinez. After Michael Coleman was intentionally walked, Schreiber threw four more consecutive balls to Jeremy Owens, loading the bases. Pridie followed by spinning a grounder off of Rozema's glove for the victory.

Brandon Jones homered for Mississippi in the losing effort, his first roundtripper at the Class AA level. Michael Coleman smashed his eighth home run of the year for the Biscuits, one of three hits in four at-bats for Montgomery's designated hitter.

The Biscuits have now won 15 of 18 all-time meetings against the Braves at Riverwalk Stadium. In 12 meetings in 2006, Montgomery improves to 10-2.

The third game of the series is slated for Saturday night at 7:05 pm, with Biscuits righthander Andy Sonnanstine (6-6, 3.28) opposing Braves southpaw Chris Waters (4-6, 4.21).

Standings:

South
Team W L PCT GB Home Away Last 10 Streak
Montgomery 7 5 .583 - 5-2 2-3 6-4 W3
Birmingham 7 5 .583 - 3-2 4-3 6-4 W1
*Jacksonville 6 6 .500 1 3-2 3-4 5-5 L1
Mobile 6 6 .500 1 4-3 2-3 5-5 L1
Mississippi 3 9 .250 4 2-3 1-6 2-8 L4

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Here is a nice story, that I found on the Biscuits' site, about the first professional baseball team in Montgomery.


From Black Sox to Biscuits
The last time professional baseball arrived in Montgomery, the country, the city and the sport were different than today
by Jim Tocco


On a crisp, sparkling South Central Alabama day - Friday, May 1, 1903 - a parade pushed through the bustling streets of downtown Montgomery.

To the cheers of onlookers and the winsome sounds of a big brass band, the procession made its way through Court Square, bumping across criss-crossing trolley tracks underfoot. As the parade advanced through the commercial and industrial heart of the city of 30,000, keepers came out of their shops to witness the fanfare. The women, in their fashionably large feathered hats and bulky skirts and bustles, and the men in their derbies and bowlers all paused and watched with joy.

Led by Police Captain W.H. Taylor and a platoon of mounted policemen, the parade included four automobiles - a curiosity still, as there were fewer automobiles in the country than people in Montgomery, and it would be another 46 days before the Ford Motor Co. was even formed. In horse-drawn carriages rode Montgomery Mayor E.B. Joseph and members of the City Council. And in the back, waving to their rooters, rode Montgomery's original boys of summer.

May 1, 1903 was the day that the Black Sox, the city's first professional baseball team, debuted in Montgomery. It was Opening Day; this was their town, and for the upcoming summer, these 15 men would be the city's team.

More than a century of professional baseball tradition in Montgomery began that afternoon in a brand new ballpark, with Mayor Joseph throwing out the first pitch to kick off a game against the Birmingham Barons. It was the genesis of a history that has seen Montgomery win 13 minor league championships and delight countless fans. It was the dawning of a tradition that will culminate, 101 years later, in the Montgomery Biscuits opening their own brand new ballpark to their own fanfare, and with their own mayor throwing out the first pitch.

As many parallels as there were, there were vast differences also. After all, the world was a different place a century ago. The British Empire occupied one-fifth of the world's land. Half of the nation's 80 million people lived in rural areas. The First shovels of dirt were dug to form the Panama Canal. And the Wright Brothers were merely two bicycle mechanics from Dayton, Ohio who were tinkering around with heavier-than-air flight. That summer, The Great Train Robbery debuted as the world's first feature film. The summer also saw the birth of Crayola crayons and a drink called "Pepsi Cola." Stamps cost two cents. Bing Crosby and Bob Hope were born. Marie Curie became the first woman to win a nobel prize. The James Toole Bakery at 13 N. Perry St. sold loaves of bread for four cents and a pound of cake for 25 cents. In Montgomery, Weil Brothers Cotton was just moving its world headquarters to the south side of Bibb St. And as that parade stretched along Commerce St., it passed several local purveyors: George P. Harrdt & Brothers at 13 Commerce St. sold Easter suits for $12.50 - $15; H. Levystein & Co. at 22 Commerce St. offered a gallon jug of Old Kentucky Bourbon for $2.40; TJ Mattox Cigar & Tobacco Co. at B1 Commerce St. sold Havana Cigars for a dime. And at 112 Commerce St., the Loeb Carriage Co. sold Watertown Buggies, still the leading conveyance of the day. The Montgomery Advertiser displayed ads for Swamp-Root ("for kidney trouble") and perhaps the biggest difference in an advertisement is found in a proclamation for Scott's Emulsion, which promised to make thin people gain weight because it was, according to the ad, "one of the greatest flesh producers known. Not just temporary gains, but healthy, solid flesh that will fill out the body where needed."

In baseball, it was the summer of the first-ever World Series, between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cy Young's Boston Pilgrims. Lou Gehrig would be born later that summer, and in Baltimore, Babe Ruth, as an "incorrigible" eight-year-old, would be sent to St. Mary's Reform School for Boys. Hank Aaron's mother had not yet been born. The greatest player in the game was a Cleveland second baseman named Napoleon Lajoie; so popular that the American League team was named the Cleveland Naps in his honor until 1914, when it changed to the Indians. Players wore wool uniforms. Speed and singles ruled the game as the major league leader in home runs had only 13.

It was this brand of scrappy, tooth-and-nail baseball that the Black Sox sought to perfect. Their leader was a 35-year-old St. Louis native named Lew Whistler, a strapping first baseman who had spent four years in the major leagues and still had formidable power. Strong and soundly built, Whistler had been a transient, fugacious star all around professional baseball for many years. Among his experience as a player was a year with the Baltimore Orioles as a teammate of John McGraw, who was widely reputed as the developer of that pugnacious, brawling, knock-down-your-mother-to-get-to-third-base style of baseball.

TABLE A
The Montgomery Black Sox
First Base / Manager - Lew Whistler, who had played third base in his younger days for the New York Giants, Baltimore Orioles, Louisville Colonels and St. Louis Cardinals.
Catchers - Wilkie Clark; Harry Manners
Second Base - Jay Kanzler
Shortstop - Kid Busch
Third Base - W. Spratt
Left Field - Ike Durrett
Center Field - Carleton Molesworth, a short and stocky 27-year-old (5-foot-6, 200 lbs.) with jet black hair, who had pitched four games as a 19-year-old for the 1895 Washington Senators. Later, he would manage the Birmingham Barons (1908-1922) and retire to his hometown of Frederick, Md., where he lived to be 91 years old.
Right Field - William Stickney, who would become a player / manager the following year.
Pitchers - J. Brennan; Jack Ely; "Sis" Hopkins; Louis Polchow, a 22-year-old native of Minnesota, who started, and lost, one game for the 1902 Cleveland Bronchos of the American League; Elmer Raining; Oscar Streit, a 29-year-old lefty from Florence, Ala. who got cups of coffee with the 1899 Boston Beaneaters (2 G, 1-0) and the 1902 Cleveland Bronchos (8 G, 0-7); George Stultz, a 29-year-old hurler from Louisville, Ken., who won the only major league game he pitched for the 1894 Boston Beaneaters
The only place you'll find Lew Whistler in the major league record books is for a muddy day in 1891, when he committed a record four errors in one inning for the New York Giants. Since he had bowed out of the major leagues in 1893, he had bounced around various towns as a player and manager. He ran into trouble in Schenectady in 1899, when he was arrested for stealing an entire month of the New York State League team's receipts; the charges were dropped. His first work in the south came as a player / manager for the Cattanooga Lookouts in 1901. After another year in Schenectady, he moved south to Montgomery to guide the fledgling Black Sox. He was the player/manager of Montgomery's team, a group that the Advertiser dubbed "a formidable aggregation of ball-tossers." (See Table A)

The minor leagues, too, were different 101 years ago. At the turn of the century, nearly every town in America had at least one local team playing semi-pro ball. In 1901, the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues (later known as Minor League Baseball) organized them all into leagues and gave each a classification, based upon the quality of ball they played. There were 135 teams playing in 21 officially sanctioned minor leagues in 1903, and still there were literally hundreds of unsanctioned "outlaw leagues" across the country as well, which did not recognize the contracts of players in the NAPBL. When the Black Sox joined the Southern Association (a Class B league, akin to today's AA classification) in 1903, another team in town, the Montgomery Highlanders, played in the outlaw Inter-State League, taking on competition across Alabama and Mississippi. The Southern Association consisted of eight teams, generally in the same area as the modern-day Southern League. (See Table B)

TABLE B
The Southern Association of 1903
Club W L Pct. GB Manager
Memphis Egyptians 73 52 .584 -- Charles Frank
Little Rock Travelers 70 51 .579 1.0 Michael Flinn
Shreveport Giants 67 58 .536 6.0 Robert Gilks
Atlanta Crackers 59 59 .500 10.5 Abner Powell
Nashville Volunteers 60 62 .492 11.5 Newton Fisher
Birmingham Barons 57 64 .471 14.0 Thoms O'Brien
Montgomery Black Sox 53 67 .442 17.5 Lew Whistler
New Orleans Pelicans 48 74 .393 23.5 "Count" Campeau / "Zeke" Wrigley / Joe Rickert

Playoff: Little Rock 3 games, Memphis 2.

League Leaders:
BA: Jim Delahanty, Little Rock, .382
Runs: Frank Norcum, Shreveport, 105
Hits: Ervin Beck, Shreveport, 164
HR: Lew Whistler, Montgomery, 18
Wins: Bill Fisher, Nashville, 24
Pct.: Bill Fisher, Nashville, .686, 24-11


The idea of the minors consisting of "farm teams" from which major league teams could draw their talent had not yet developed. Teams were not affiliated with major league clubs, so they did not try to work their way up a "chain" to the major leagues. A major league team would have to buy a minor leaguer's contract from his current club, and the only reasons that a player would consent are because major league teams played in larger cities and paid higher salaries. Therefore, the minor leagues were as much for players on the downside of their careers as they were for players on the rise. As such, the Black Sox's roster in 1903 included five former major leaguers (including Whistler) and, as it turned out, not a single future major leaguer.

Their ballpark, the end destination of the parade that day, was located somewhere north on Lower Wetumpka Road, near the train tracks. Although the exact location remains somewhat of a mystery, it was likely located around Clisby Park, between Anderson Ct. and Howe St. on the west side of Lower Wetumpka Road.
Ballpark technology was rudimentary. Far from the modern $26 Million steel, brick and concrete wonder built 101 years later, the Black Sox's park consisted of a wooden grandstand, bleachers and a grass berm. All parks at the time were built of wood; the world's first concrete stadium, the Harvard Bowl in Cambridge, Mass., was currently under construction for the Crimson football team. Although wood was cheap and easy to work with, it made ballparks a tremendous fire hazard. Dozens of them burned to the ground during this time period. After the burning of Boston's Huntington Avenue Grounds about a decade later, a new era of stadium design was ushered in, wherein the first modern stadiums: Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Ebbetts Field and Tiger Stadium, were built.

The field and the baseball diamond probably already existed on that spot. But it's clear that a good deal of construction was done in preparation for Opening Day. On April 1, the Advertiser noted that the dugouts had been completed. On April 4, readers learned that the grandstand had been completed and the stadium had now been enclosed, and that a general price of admission would be charged at the gate. On April 9, the paper was pleased to say that "the press box was used for the first time . . ., the official scorer and the newspaper boys finding it a great convenience." All throughout the spring, much like this spring, the paper devoted much of their space to informing readers about the progress of the park. In early April, it noted that "the grounds will be watered each day during the dusty months of summer."

However grand the park once was or whatever became of it, professional teams would not be playing in it long. By 1909, the Montgomery Climbers, as they came to be known, were playing on the land now occupied by the community activities center behind Capitol Heights High School on Federal Blvd. The diamond was almost certainly in the same spot as the diamond is now. Taking a stroll around the park, one can see the sloping ground where fans would have sat in the outfield. Though a football gridiron and press box now sit in what was once the outfield, it's easy to see the place as it once was; a place where Shoeless Joe Jackson played as a visitor during the year he spent with the New Orleans Pelicans. Jackson led the Southern Associaion that year in nearly every offensive category, and the next year, he hit .408 in his rookie season for the Cleveland Naps.

During my stroll around what was once the Montgomery Baseball Grounds, I met Center Athletics Director Lisa Donaldson, who was surprised to learn of the site's history. "Oh wow!" she said. "It was? I didn't know that."

Was there a ballpark fire on Lower Wetumpka Road? It's unclear. But the quick move probably represented the rapid progression of ballpark technology and the temporary nature of ballparks of the day. For instance, in March of 1903, the Montgomery Advertiser had bragged about how well-manicured the field looked, but during the early portion of the season, the paper noted that, "that hole in centerfield must be filled in again. Another run was lost yesterday by Molesworth slipping down in it."

The Advertiser also noted that the grounds were tough on baseballs, and sometimes the park would "eat up four or five balls in a game." Today, by comparison, a baseball's average lifespan is four pitches.

The difficulty for ballpark construction workers that April must have been immense, with both the Black Sox and the Highlanders using it as their spring home as they tuned up for the 1903 season.

It was customary in those days for southern teams to be whistle stops for major league teams on their way back north from spring training. Major league players would spend a month or so getting back in baseball shape and then spend the next few weeks in a progression northward, toward their home cities. Hence, the Black Sox played 12 exhibition games before the Southern Association season began, nine of them against major league teams. In late March, the Chicago White Sox routed their trip through Montgomery for an exhibition game which the visitors won easily. Then on April 1, the Boston Beaneaters came for a one-game showdown, which the National League club won 12-2. Vic Willis, inducted posthumously into baseball's Hall of Fame in 1995, started the game for the Beaneaters. But the one-game whistle stops paled in comparison to the long series planned between the Black Sox and the Detroit Tigers, one of the finest teams in the American League. The Tigers had finished their spring workouts in Shreveport, La., and the club, skippered by Hall-of-Famer Ed Barrow, scheduled an 11-game, 11-day stay in Alabama's capital city. Meanwhile, the Birmingham Barons would host the White Sox, John McGraw's New York Giants, the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Naps with Lajoie and Hall-of-Famers Addie Joss and Elmer Flick.

The Tigers arrived at Union Station on Water St. the morning of Monday, April 4, but the first game of the series that afternoon was canceled due to the cold conditions. The Detroit team, buoyed by Hall-of-Fame outfielder Sam Crawford, was a powerful bunch, but they would finish in the middle of the pack of the American League that season, still being two years away from receiving the services of Ty Cobb, the greatest player in team history. They were still much more than the Black Sox could handle. Montgomery's high-water mark in the series came on April 13, when they battled the Tigers to a 12-inning tie which was ended due to darkness. Detroit won all of the other games in the series, 5-1, 7-1, 7-1, 11-3, 8-1 and 6-0. Slugging Crawford showed the Black Sox why he would become the major leagues' all-time leader in triples by socking three of them in the series. The Tigers stayed at the downtown Capitola Hotel, where they mingled among the locals for a week and a half.

By the evening of April 15, the Tigers were gone, making their next stop in Louisville on their way back north. Two days later, the St. Paul Apostles steamed into town for some practice. The Apostles, a team in the minor league American Association (a Class A league, rated higher than the Black Sox's Class B league and akin to today's AAA classification), featured Miller Huggins at second base, a scrappy, five-foot-nothing infielder who never made it as a player but made it to the Hall of Fame as a manager when he later managed the great "Bronx Bombers" Yankees teams of the 1920s. The Black Sox took two of three from St. Paul and set forth on a week of practice to make final preparations for the season.

The Black Sox generated a tremendous amount of interest within Montgomery. The Advertiser printed up "vest pocket schedules," which it gave away at its offices in exchange for a coupon in the newspaper. The paper also ran a guess-the-attendance contest for opening day. The person making the first correct or nearest correct guess of the opening day attendance would win a season ticket. In the smoke shops of the city, "Lew Whistlers" became synonymous with Home Run Brand Cigarettes.

As the city made its final preparations for the home opener, the Southern Associaiton season began with the Black Sox on the road. On the afternoon of April 27, Whistler's gang showed up at Piedmont Park in Atlanta to take on the Atlanta Crackers. Alabama native Oscar Streit started the game for Montgomery and struck out 14 Crackers in a 4-2 win. The Black Sox finished out the series with 14-11 and 9-7 wins, finishing with a three-game series sweep. As the wire reports filtered back west, the excitement in Montgomery grew. The Black Sox had grabbed an early lead in the league standings and fans in the capital city were already talking about making a run at the Southern Association championship. And with Montgomery listed first in the standings, a brooding rivalry grew between Alabama's two largest cities. The veteran Birmingham club had been playing professional ball since 1885 and looked down on Montgomery's team. Birmingham watched the progress of Montgomery's team carefully, and some Barons fans made the trip down to catch a practice: "They think, of course that they have the better of it," wrote the Advertiser, "But all the same they are watching Montgomery." The paper declared that "there are no few who believe that Whistler is going to show the Coal Barons a point or two before the season is very old." The paper disparagingly but playfully called the team the "Coal Heavers" and the "Ballyhoos." This was going to be more than just a home opener. It would be the beginning of, or maybe continued manifestation of, a long and spirited rivalry.

Although not many made the trip to Union Station to greet the Black Sox on their way home from Atlanta at 3:30 a.m. on April 30, team members were received as heroes. After two days' rest, a new era of baseball would finally dawn in Montgomery.

Thrilled with its chances to finish atop the Southern Association and, more importantly, to beat Birmingham, the city carried out its opening day parade with great fanfare. A rooters club organized. Montgomery's electric trolley system, which had 17 years previous become the first in the United States, was now used to carry dozens of people to the ballpark. Passenger trains issued a special five-cent fare to the park from Union Station. Dozens more fans simply followed as the parade wound its way to the park.

The parade left from the Capitola Hotel at Court Square, down Dexter St. to the Capitol, then back, and down Court St. to Monroe, then out Monroe to North Hull, to what is now Ripley St. They followed Ripley north past Oakwood Cemetery and to the ball grounds on Lower Wetumpka Road. The entire procession took nearly two hours.

There was no booming public address system at the ballpark, no million-dollar color LED board flashing instant replay. No luxury suites, towering stadium lights, no radar gun or digital clock. Outside the park, hitching posts would have far outnumbered parking spaces. The brass band, now seated in the stands, played popular selections -- probably Dixieland and military-type tunes, although ragtime was all the rage at the time. The Advertiser reported, "With both right and left bleachers packed and the big stand pretty well filled it was decidedly the largest weekday crowd that ever attended a ball game in Montgomery and considering the fact that it was the first day of the month, hundreds of businessmen being prevented from going to the game, the large attendance was a surprise." All told, the turnstile count was 1,286. That figure may not seem overwhelming by today's standards, but it represented about one of every 23 Montgomerians, which translates to a crowd of more than 10,000 today. Consider also that in the major leagues of 1903, seven of the 16 major league teams, in the biggest cities in America, averaged less than 3,000 fans per game.

The day was brilliant.

"Brilliant," wrote the reporter, "in every particular except in the final score of the game . . ." Birmingham had the best of that aspect, as future major league pitcher Frank Smith threw a brilliant game. The Coal Barons won, 7-3.

After a day of rain, the teams went at it again before a crowd nearly three times the size of the home opener. Despite the Southern preachers that railed against baseball on Sundays, it was still the easiest day of the week to draw a crowd. More than 3,000 fans, including, as the Advertiser saw fit to report, more than 800 ladies, packed the park. Nine railroad passenger cars were filled to the rails with fans who couldn't make it Friday night, and 200-300 Birmingham fans made the train ride down for the game. And Birmingham won handily again, disappointing "undoubtedly the largest crowd that ever attended a ball game here."

As the wistfulness of spring wound toward the hard facts of autumn, the Black Sox's unlimited potential fell away. The season ended gloomily -- seventh in the Southern Associaiton at 53-67. The mediocre season was somewhat tempered by the fact that Whistler led the league in home runs with 18, but the following season he departed Montgomery to lead the Memphis Egyptians to the 1904 Southern Association title. Little Rock, with its batting leader, future major leaguer Jim Delahanty, won the 1903 championship.

Most of the players, and even some of their full names, faded into obscurity. Generations marched along. The country went through two World Wars and a Great Depression. And even the location of the Black Sox's ballpark, it seems, is lost to history. But, as James Earl Jones's character, Terrence Mann, put it in Field of Dreams, "The one constant through all the years . . . has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt, and erased again. But baseball has marked the time."

"(Baseball) is an American odyssey," wrote Ken Burns in his brilliant Baseball documentary, "that links sons and daughters to fathers and grandfathers."

So it was then, so it is now. Baseball gods willing, so it will be 101 years from now.

Playing a storied game in a storied city, both so dependent upon their history, bring us to this moment: when the Montgomery Biscuits start a new era of baseball, hopefully on a crisp, sparkling South Central Alabama day

[ez906]

thank you for posting jim's article. very interesting. montgomery is RICH w/ baseball history! it's a good read.

[ez906]

by the way - i have noticed and LIKE the addition of the biscuits logo to your signature!

so, when you listen to the games what time of the day is it in the netherlands??

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

by the way - i have noticed and LIKE the addition of the biscuits logo to your signature!

so, when you listen to the games what time of the day is it in the netherlands??

You don't want to know. It is about 2 or 3 'o clock in the morning. :rolleyes:

So I don't listen very often.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Biscuits starter Andy Sonnanstine won his fourth straight start, coming within one out of a third complete game before leaving to a standing ovation, as Montgomery (8-5, 44-38) defeated Mississippi (3-10, 34-48), 5-3.

The loss was the Braves' fifth consecutive defeat, a franchise low.

Sonnanstine (7-6) allowed a home run to Mississippi's Onil Joseph to lead off the game and pitched out of trouble in the second inning, before settling down to retire ten batters in a row from the third through the sixth inning. In all, he scattered ten hits over his outing, walking none and striking out two Braves.

Elliot Johnson led Montgomery's offensive attack with three hits in four at-bats, including his twelfth home run of the season, a two-run homer in the third inning off of Mississippi starter Chris Waters (4-7). The second baseman would add an RBI single in the Biscuits' three-run third inning, though the key hit was supplied by catcher Chairon Isenia. Isenia lined a two-run single to right field, breaking a 2-2 tie.

Sonnanstine went out to the mound in the ninth to complete the victory, but two-out doubles by Bobby Darula and Ray Serrano ended his night. Josh Kranawetter came out of the bullpen to record the last out for his first save of the season.

The fourth game of the series is slated for Sunday at 5:05 pm, with Biscuits righthander Jim Magrane (9-6, 3.26) opposing Mississippi's Anthony Lerew (0-1, 4.50).

South
Team W L PCT GB Home Away Last 10 Streak
Montgomery 8 5 .615 - 6-2 2-3 7-3 W4
Birmingham 7 6 .538 1 3-2 4-4 6-4 L1
Mobile 7 6 .538 1 5-3 2-3 5-5 W1
*Jacksonville 6 7 .462 2 3-2 3-5 4-6 L2
Mississippi 3 10 .231 5 2-3 1-7 2-8 L5

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

For the second straight night, Biscuits reliever Josh Kranawetter set down Braves second baseman Mike Rozema for a one-out save as Mississippi (3-11, 34-49) stranded the bases loaded in the ninth inning in a 2-1 loss to Montgomery (9-5, 45-38).

The defeat was Mississippi's franchise-record sixth in a row and extended the Biscuits' winning streak to five consecutive games.

Montgomery starter Jim Magrane (10-6) became the first pitcher in the Southern League to reach double-digit victories. Magrane scattered five hits over 8 1/3 innings, striking out seven Braves while walking none. The only Mississippi score against him occurred in the top of the fourth inning when Barbaro Canizares delivered Luis Hernandez with a sacrifice fly to right field.

Losing pitcher Anthony Lerew (0-2) only allowed two runs in his six innings of work, both coming in the second inning. After Michael Coleman singled and Jeremy Owens doubled to start the frame, a Jason Pridie sacrifice fly put the Biscuits on the scoreboard. Two batters later, Matthew Maniscalco plated Owens with a base hit up the middle.

Magrane went out to the mound in the ninth to see if he could complete the game, but one-out singles by Brandon Jones and Barbaro Canizares ended his night. Lefthander Brian Henderson trotted in from the bullpen to face Bobby Darula, who sent a hard bouncer wide of first base where it was speared by Coleman. Catcher Ryan Christianson scooped Coleman's low throw home and tagged out a sliding Jones to preserve the lead.

Biscuits manager Charlie Montoyo pulled Hernandez in favor of the righthanded Kranawetter, but the new reliever walked designated hitter Michael Rosamond to load the bases. Mike Rozema followed with a spinning grounder to Gabriel Martinez at third, who stepped on the base for the final out of the game.

The Biscuits and Braves play the final game of the five-game series on Monday night at 7:05 pm. Righthander Tony Peguero (8-7, 3.12) will take the mound for Montgomery, opposed by Mississippi's Matt Wright (7-3, 2.27).

Note: Jacksonville, the first half winner, lost it's third straight game and is now 6-8.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I found another nice picture of Riverwalk Stadium. It gives us a nice overview of the ballpark.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Here is another one

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

And another one.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

The umpiring crew conferred on the field for several minutes before awarding Chairon Isenia home plate on Matthew Maniscalco's double to right, giving the Montgomery Biscuits (10-5, 46-38) a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Mississippi Braves (3-12, 34-50), completing a five-game sweep.

With two outs and no one on base in the bottom of the tenth inning, Isenia reached first on a throwing error by Mississippi shortstop Luis Hernandez. Maniscalco followed with a slicing fly ball down the rightfield line. Bobby Darula attempted a sliding catch on the foul line, but the ball bounced off of him as first base umpire Steve Cummings signaled fair. As Isenia and Maniscalco raced around the bases and the Biscuits' dugout exploding out onto the field in anticipation, the ball rolled toward the stands near the Braves' bullpen where a fan touched it. Cummings immediately threw his hands into the air.

With the entire Biscuits team standing in foul territory on the third base side and the Braves' relief corps up in arms, the three umpires held a meeting on the field between second and first base. Their eventual decision: even with the fan touching the ball, Isenia was going to score. Consequently, the Biscuits' catcher was given home plate, a delayed game-winning run.

The climactic conclusion came about after a tense pitchers' duel between Montgomery's Tony Peguero and Mississippi All-Star Matt Wright ended in a stalemate. Peguero hurled six innings of four-hit ball, allowing two runs (one earned) while striking out three batters. Wright also gave up two runs (both unearned) on five hits over seven frames of work, fanning four Biscuits.

Jason Cromer came on to throw two scoreless innings in immediate relief of Peguero after the righthander left due to injury in the midst of his warm-up pitches before the seventh. Cromer yielded to Jeremy Flanagan (3-0), who earned the victory with two shutout innings of his own.

Mississippi righthander Arthur Santos (1-1) suffered the loss, allowing Isenia's unearned run on the Maniscalco RBI double, one out away from his third inning in relief of Wright.

The Biscuits will play one more series before the Southern League All-Star Break, traveling to Tennessee for a five-game set beginning on Tuesday night. Montgomery lefthander Mike Prochaska (7-7, 3.35) will oppose Smokies southpaw Matt Chico (2-2, 2.44).

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Matt Chico pitched eight strong innings as Tennessee snapped visiting Montgomery's seven-game winning streak with a 5-2 victory on Tuesday.
Chico (3-2) allowed a run on three hits while striking out five and walking two in his longest outing in eight starts since being promoted from Class A Advanced Lancaster in May.

Tennessee's Jamie D'Antona singled in the fourth inning to extend his hitting streak to 16 games. That matches the longest in the Southern League this season.

Alberto Gonzalez went 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored for the Smokies (9-6), who have won four of five.

Biscuits starter Mike Prochaska (2-3) took the loss after yielding three runs on six hits while striking out one and walking three in five innings.

Wes Bankston went 2-for-4 with a solo homer in the ninth for Montgomery (10-5).

Fortunately the Barons lost as well, so the Biscuits keep the sole posession of first place.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

For the second straight game at Smokies Park Wednesday night, the Tennessee Smokies held the Montgomery Biscuits to just four hits, as Garrett Mock and the Smokies Staff shut out the Montgomery Biscuits, 3-0.

The Biscuits had their only good scoring opportunity in the first inning, placing two runners in scoring position with one out after a Francisco Leandro walk and a Wes Bankston hit. But after a shallow flyout and a popout, Montgomery would not move another runner past second.

Mock lasted 7 2/3 innings and allowed four hits and three walks, striking out seven. Bullpen hands Matthew Wilkinson and Doug Slaten finished it off.

Mock's outing overshadowed his boyhood friend Jeff Niemann's effort. The big righty threw seven innings -- the longest outing of his career -- issuing no walks and striking out eight. But Jesus Cota tagged him for a solo home run in the fourth inning and a wild pitch scored another in the fifth. Tennessee catcher Miguel Montero hit a solo homer off of reliever Jean Machi in the eighth.

It was the eighth time this season that Montgomery has been shut out. The Biscuits have been held scoreless in three of Niemann's four starts. The former first-round pick (0-3) is still looking for his first career win.

The middle game of the five-game series is Thursday night. Montgomery righty Andy Sonnanstine will pitch. Gametime is 6:15 Central

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Here is a nice article about Riverwalk Stadium. I found it on MiLB.com.


There are hundreds of ballparks around the Minor Leagues, and each one has its own personality, past and players.

When this year's Southern League All-Star Home Run Derby begins, the mayor of Montgomery will have a vested interest in it.

Set in Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium, the SL All-Star Game on Monday, July 10, will be the first hosted by the Montgomery Biscuits, Double-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

The park's most notable features are certainly the restored train station along the left side, and the fully operative tracks that run behind the left-field wall. And that's what brought about Mayor Bobby Bright's challenge: He will pledge $1,000 every time a player hits a home run that tags a moving train.

It happened once in 2004, during Riverwalk Stadium's inaugural season, and it's only natural that the team feels it could happen again -- during Riverwalk's first Home Run Derby.

"You can feel the stir every time a power hitter is up," said Biscuits' Media Relations Director, Jesse Goldberg-Strassler. "Guys can hit home runs over the trains, that's how close we are to the tracks."

Along with the Derby comes a full day of All-Star festivities. Sunday night, July 9, the Southern League's best will arrive in Montgomery ready to experience some Alabama culture.

Game day, Monday morning, an All-Star luncheon will allow players to tempt their palates with some of the best Southern cooking around. The ballpark will open its doors at noon for fans to file into the 6,000-plus capacity venue, which fits more like 7,000 when you include the casual seating areas.

Coosa Street, which runs along the third base line, will be taken over by the Biscuits, in conjunction with National Pastime Sports, the company responsible for events such as 2005's Detroit TigerFest and the Triple-A All-Star Game.

Batting cages, interactive games, Speed Pitch and arcade games will all be humming during FanFest. The Home Run Derby will feature Alabama's top high school sluggers, who will face off in their own SlamFest.

The SL Home Run Derby will take place between the bottom of the third and top of the fourth -- and this time it may count for more than just pride. Should the game end up tied after nine innings, the team to which the winning slugger belongs will also take home the All-Star victory.

Though professional baseball has made a home in Montgomery since 1892, Monday's game will mark the city's first ASG in 34 years. There's no doubt Biscuits fans are hoping for a finish as dramatic as 1972's, when a ninth-inning home run by Bucky Dent foreshadowed his famous 1978 blast vs. the Red Sox.

There will be plenty of room for fans as the park features several picnic areas, plus special venues, including the Club Car Bar, Boxcar Buffet, Locomotive Loft and Whistle Stop Grille.

The grass berm and Big Mo's Dugout children's area will also be buzzing with excitement during this year's Classic.

For Montgomery, the Biscuits hold the baseball niche as the city is seasonally devoted to high school sports and the Auburn-Alabama football rivalry.

"Without a doubt the Biscuits are the heart of the city," said Goldberg-Srassler. "[The ballpark is] the place to eat, the place to be seen in corporate settings, young people settings. Sundays we're packed with families. This place is always full."

Riverwalk's name comes from the Alabama River, flowing peacefully beyond the left field wall. HOK -- the architects behind Camden Yards and Comerica Park -- made sure that Riverwalk was built into the community.

Montgomery's historic train depot was preserved when constructing the $26 million beauty. Six of the ballpark's 20 luxury suites are built into the restored train station. Fans are able to enter the stadium through the station, allowing Riverwalk to blend perfectly into its surroundings.

Riverwalk's menu certainly adds to its appeal. Southern specialties and favorites include catfish, corn on the cob, and Mama B's famous biscuits, meant to be dipped in syrup.

"They're the official biscuits of Montgomery," said Goldberg-Strassler. "They're the best biscuits you'll ever have, no question."


Sapna Pathak is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Steven Jackson took a perfect game into the eighth inning, but it wasn't enough as Andrew Sonnanstine's three-hitter lifted Montgomery over host Tennessee, 1-0, on Thursday.
Sonnanstine (8-6) struck out nine, walked one and allowed only one runner to reach second base. The 23-year-old right-hander faced the minimum through four innings and tossed 97 pitches. He has thrown both complete-game shutouts in Montgomery's three-year history, and this one was necessary in the one-hour, 48-minute pitchers' duel.

Jackson (4-7) set down the first 22 hitters he faced before giving up a single to Chairon Insenia, who advanced to third on a base hit by Jason Pridie. The 6-foot-5 right-hander then threw a wild pitch to plate the only run in the game. He struck out eight and did not issue a walk over eight innings, lowering his ERA to 2.64.

"Fortunately, my sidearm slider-curve, or 'slurve,' was locating really well tonight," Sonnanstine said. "I was getting ahead in the count and was able to set up that pitch, where I drop down to a different arm angle with a different depth to deceive them."

In his last five starts for the Biscuits (11-7), Sonnanstine has thrown three complete games, which leads the Southern League and ties five others for the Minor League lead. The Barberton, Ohio, native hasn't lost since giving up five runs on eight hits in six innings against Carolina on June 7.

Prior to that start, Sonnanstine had been throwing not only the slurve and a low-90s fastball, but also a change-up and splitter. After a meeting with his pitching coach, Xavier Hernandez, Sonnanstine decided to drop the splitter for awhile and focus on his change-up. He hasn't lost since, lowering his ERA from 4.06 to 3.02.

"I'm going to ride this out and stick with the three-pitch approach for the rest of the season," he said. "Since I committed to the change-up, my control and location have improved tenfold. When I was throwing both the splitter and the change, I was walking too many batters. I'm still not where I want to be, but the change-up has allowed me to get through innings with fewer pitches and get deeper into games. It has let me get hitters out earlier in the count and keep my pitch count down."

Clint Goocher tossed a perfect ninth to keep the Smokies (4-7) within a run.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

The Tennessee Smokies (12-7; 44-45) scored six unanswered runs against the Montgomery Biscuits (11-8; 47-42) at Smokies Park Friday night, beating the Biscuits 6-2 and sealing the five-game series.

The Biscuits managed only three hits against Tennessee starter Greg Smith and three relievers.

Montgomery leadoff man Elliot Johnson reached in the first inning on an infield hit and scored on a sacrifice fly by designated hitter Chairon Isenia. Johnson led off the third inning with a solo home run (his 13th) to give the Biscuits a 2-0 lead.

Montgomery starter Jim Magrane could not hold the lead, however, as the Smokies roared back with a mix of choppers, bloops and bleeders.

In the fourth inning, Jerry Gil reached for the Smokies on a bunt hit and scored on a blooper to right field by Jamie D'Antona. In the fifth, an infield single, a bleeder and a chopper over the infield by Gil produced three runs. Another infield single by Alberto Gonzalez scored a run in the fifth.

Magrane, the league leader in wins, fell to 10-7.

The Smokies added one more run on a solo homer by Gil in the sixth inning (his 13th).

The series' final game is Saturday at 6:15 p.m. Montgomery righty Tony Peguero will face Tennessee righty Ross Ohlendorf.

[bluezebra]

Why is there no team called Country Gravy?

Bob

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Tony Peguero pitched seven solid innings as Montgomery defeated Tennessee, 6-1, on Saturday at Smokies Park.
Peguero (9-7) limited the Smokies to one run on seven hits and a walk while striking out five to win his second straight decision. The 25-year-old Dominican is 4-2 with a 2.68 ERA while holding opponents to a .202 batting average over his last seven starts.

Brian Henderson and Jean Machi each struck out one in a scoreless inning as the Biscuits (12-8) won for the eighth time in 11 games.

Francisco Leandro led off the third with his first homer of the season, while Elliot Johnson hit an RBI single and Gabriel Martinez lifted a sacrifice fly later in the inning to give Montgmery a 3-1 lead. Leandro was 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored and Johnson went 3-for-5.

Phil Avlas hit his fifth homer with two outs in the second for Tennessee (12-8).

Smokies starter Ross Ohlendorf (7-4) allowed five runs on seven hits and a walk in 4 1/3 innings.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

The Southern League All Star Game will be played in Riverwalk Stadium tomorrow, July 10.

Two Biscuits are in the starting lineup of the Southern division.

Elliot Johnson, batting leadoff and playing second base.
Wes Bankston, batting sixth and playing third base.


Other Biscuits on the Southern division's roster are:

Jim Magrane, pitcher
Ryan Christianson, catcher

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Andy Sonnanstine won his sixth consecutive start, tying a career-high with 11 strikeouts, as the Montgomery Biscuits (13-9, 49-42) defeated the Carolina Mudcats (9-13, 41-51) on Thursday night at Riverwalk Stadium.

Sonnanstine (9-6) scattered six Mudcats hits and two walks over seven innings in combining with two relievers on the victory. He has not lost since a start at Carolina on June 7.

After the visitors took a quick lead in the first inning on an Edgar Gonzalez RBI double, the Biscuits struck back against Carolina starter James Russ (5-7). Elliot Johnson led off the bottom of the first with a triple and scored on a Gabriel Martinez run-scoring single. Two batters later, Chairon Isenia plated Martinez with a double to left.

Two innings later, Michael Coleman added an important tally with a booming drive over the black batter's eye backdrop in straightaway centerfield. Coleman's ninth homer of the season gave the Biscuits a 3-1 lead.

Carolina closed to within a run in the fourth on a Brett Carroll RBI double, but could come no closer.

Sonnanstine retired the last eight batters he faced before giving way to former starter Tony Peguero, making his first appearance out of the bullpen with a scoreless eighth. Closer Jean Machi faced the minimum in the ninth inning to record his ninth save.

Having split the first two games in the five-game series at Montgomery, the Southern League foes play the middle contest on Friday night at 7:05. Lefthander Jason Cromer (0-1, 1.24) will take the mound for the Biscuits, opposed by Carolina's Trevor Hutchinson, making his Mudcats debut.

In the standings Jacksonville is slowly gaining ground. But the Biscuits are on a pace to reach the play offs for the first time in their 3 year history.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Montgomery Biscuits starting pitcher Andy Sonnanstine threw another in a long string of remarkable outings at Pringles Park Wednesday night, fashioning a two-hit shutout to beat the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx, 7-0.

It was Sonnanstine's fourth shutout since June 13, a seven-start stretch during which he is a perfect 7-0. The 23-year-old righty was perfect through five innings and allowed only a sixth-inning single, a seventh-inning walk and a ninth-inning double. He faced just 29 hitters and threw 104 pitches.

Sonnanstine's had already led all of the minor leagues by himself with three shutouts. His fourth marks the most any minor leaguer has had in a season in at least three years.

His five strikeouts gave Sonnanstine 108 for the season, third in the Southern League and the most by a Biscuits pitcher in a single season, eclipsing Jason Hammel's 104 from last season.

Michael Coleman's third-inning grand slam provided all the offense the Biscuits needed. The Biscuits' third grand slam of the year came after West Tenn starter Chris Shaver gave up a two-out single to Johnny Raburn and then walked Ryan Knox and Gabriel Martinez. It was Coleman's 11th home run of the year. In the seventh inning, Coleman nearly hit his second longball of the game when he rocketed a single off the top of the 22-foot left field wall.

Leadoff man Raburn singled three times in the game, including a sixth-inning hit that scored a run against reliever Bobby Brownlie.

The Biscuits, 17-10, maintained a share of first place in the South Division. Montgomery has won four of its last five and is 10-5 in July.

Sonnanstine's victory made him 10-6, joining teammate Jim Magrane as the only Southern League pitchers with double-digit win totals. In Sonnanstine's stretch of seven games, the Biscuits' bullpen has needed to record a total of just 10 outs to finish his wins.

Standings:

North
Team W L PCT GB Home Away Last 10 Streak
* Chattanooga 15 12 .556 - 10-5 5-7 4-6 L2
Tennessee 14 12 .538 0.5 8-7 6-5 4-6 W1
West Tenn 13 14 .481 2 8-4 5-10 4-6 L1
Carolina 11 16 .407 4 7-5 4-11 3-7 W2
Huntsville 10 17 .370 5 5-10 5-7 3-7 L5

South
Team W L PCT GB Home Away Last 10 Streak
* Jacksonville 17 10 .630 - 9-3 8-7 9-1 W6
Montgomery 17 10 .630 - 12-3 5-7 7-3 W1
Birmingham 14 13 .519 3 7-5 7-8 5-5 W2
Mobile 14 13 .519 3 10-5 4-8 6-4 L2
Mississippi 9 17 .346 7.5 5-6 4-11 5-5 L1

* = winner of first half

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

The Biscuits lost their third game in a row against West Tenn Diamond Jaxx.

Richard Lewis' RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning lifted West Tenn over visiting Montgomery, 2-1, in the completion of Friday's suspended game.
Brian Dopirak singled to lead off the ninth and was replaced by pinch-runner Chris Walker. Jake Fox singled Walker to third base before Lewis, who finished with three hits, knocked him in with a base hit to left.

West Tenn's Nic Jackson broke up a scoreless tie in the sixth with a solo homer, his fourth.

Federico Baez scattered four hits with four strikeouts in six strong innings for the Diamond Jaxx (15-14). Edward Campusano gave up one run on two hits in 1 1/3 frames, before Andy Shipman (1-1) worked 1 2/3 scoreless innings to pick up the win.

Montgomery's Elliot Johnson, who had two hits, lined a run-scoring single in the eighth to tie the game.

Jim Magrane allowed one run on four hits in six innings for the Biscuits (17-12). Brian Henderson (1-2) took the loss after yielding one run on four hits while recording three outs.

Henderson, who entered in the eighth, pitched to four batters in the ninth

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Three years after he was drafted and 18 games into his professional career, Jeff Niemann earned his first pro victory, dominating the Jacksonville Suns (18-13, 66-35) in a 3-1 triumph for the Montgomery Biscuits (18-13, 54-36).

The win moved Montgomery into a tie for first place with Jacksonville in the South Division of the Southern League in the Biscuits' quest to make their first postseason in franchise history.

The tall righthander from Rice University eclipsed the Suns through seven brilliant innings. Niemann (1-4) retired the first 16 batters he faced, with the streak ended by a walk coaxed by A.J. Ellis in the sixth inning. One frame later, Tony Abreu recorded the visitors' first hit, sending a soft liner to shallow rightfield. That was the only hit Niemann surrendered, finishing his final inning of work having faced two batters over the minimum.

Montgomery's offense supplied enough support for their starter in their very first at-bat. Facing Southern League All-Star T.J. Nall (9-4), Elliot Johnson led off with a towering triple to right. Johnny Raburn plated him on the very next pitch, drilling a double down the rightfield line. Two batters later, Michael Coleman lofted a soft liner over a drawn-in infield for a 2-0 lead.

Gabriel Martinez extended the lead to 3-0 in the third inning, launching his seventh home run of the season beyond the wall just to the right of straightaway center field.

The Biscuits' lead became tenuous once Niemann exited. Closer Jean Machi gave up three singles in the eighth, but avoided any damage by striking out Tony Abreu.

Machi could not perform the same escape act in the ninth, allowing a Chin-Lung Hu two-out RBI single to put the Suns on the scoreboard. With runners at the corners, manager Charlie Montoyo brought in Josh Kranawetter from the bullpen. Kranawetter fulfilled his obligation, inducing a game-ending flyout to center from Ellis to earn his third save.

Montgomery will have an opportunity to retake sole possession of first place in the second game of the five-game series, scheduled for Tuesday night at 7:05. Righthander Andy Sonnanstine (10-6, 2.79), the reigning Southern League BC Powder Pitcher of the Week, will look for his eighth win in a row. He'll be opposed by Suns tough righthander Heath Totten (8-4, 3.31).

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

A cool, rainy night did not impede Andy Sonnanstine, who picked up his eighth consecutive victory with a cool mastery of the Jacksonville Suns (18-14, 66-36) in a 4-2 victory for the host Montgomery Biscuits (19-13, 55-46).

The win gives Montgomery sole possession of first place in the South Division of the Southern League by a game over their foes from Florida. The Biscuits have won each of the first two games in the five-game series.

Leading the way was Andy Sonnanstine (11-6), allowing Jacksonville only two solo home runs over his six innings of work. The victory ties the Ohio native with teammate Jim Magrane for the league lead in victories. No other pitcher in the Southern League has more than nine wins.

After an unearned run in the first inning against Suns starter Heath Totten (8-5), Montgomery literally knocked the Jacksonville righthander out of the game in the second. Leading off, Chairon Isenia hammered a line drive off of Totten's ankle, the ball ricocheting into foul territory on the third base side for a base hit. It took one additional pitch - a fastball flung all the way to the backstop, moving Isenia to second - to convince Totten and the Suns that the starter could go no further.

Reliever Alvis Ojeda came on to finish the second in emergency relief, allowing the inherited Isenia to score. Ojeda would eventually pitch through the fifth inning, reached for solo tallies by the Biscuits on an Elliot Johnson RBI single in the fourth and a Jason Pridie RBI single in the fifth inning.

Those insurance runs would prove crucial.

In the top of the fourth, Anthony Raglani put Jacksonville on the scoreboard with a home run to straightaway centerfield. Two innings later, cleanup hitter Tydus Meadows blasted a roundtripper to right-centerfield.

That was as close as the Suns would come, as Tony Peguero entered the game for Sonnanstine to start the seventh inning and recorded the final nine outs for his first save of the season.

The third game of the five-game series is scheduled for Wednesday night at 7:05, with Biscuits lefthander Jason Cromer (1-2, 1.37) opposing Suns righthander Spike Lundberg (8-1, 2.19).

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Especially for CuriousBoston:

This is the Biscuits main logo.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

This is the logo on their home cap:

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Please meet Big Mo, the Biscuits' mascot. Not a clue what kind of creature this is.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

And... this is the Biscuits gorgeous, great, lovely or whatever you want to call it, home cap.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Dear Biscuits fans,

I forgot to mention it on Wednesday, because I got some bad news myself.

But yesterday it was exactly one year ago that Chisox73 brought us the sad news about the passing of Dianasmoon82.

Without her, this thread wouldn't excist.

So by this post I would like to remember her.

Dear Diana, eventhough I am not religious myself, I really hope that your sweet soul has found some peace.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Brian Akin struck out Justin Ruggiano looking with the tying runs on base, closing out a tense 2-0 win for the visiting Jacksonville Suns (20-14, 68-36) over the Montgomery Biscuits (19-15, 55-48), giving Jacksonville a 1.0-game lead in the Southern League's South Division.

The work by Akin and fellow reliever Ben Kozlowski preserved the victory for 20-year-old Suns starter Scott Elbert (3-1), who struck out 13 Biscuits in seven brilliant innings. Montgomery managed only two singles against the young southpaw: an infield hit by Chairon Isenia and a line drive to right-center by Matthew Maniscalco.

Biscuits starter Jim Magrane (11-8) took the loss despite allowing just two runs (one earned) on six hits in seven innings.

Both runs scored against Magrane in a strange second inning. After Craig Brazell drew a leadoff walk, Nick Alvarez's bouncer up the middle glanced off of Magrane's glove to third baseman Johnny Raburn, whose throw toward first went awry. Both Magrane and Raburn received errors on the play, which advanced Brazell to third and Alvarez to third. Anthony Raglani followed with a broken bat squibber up the first base line, with the broken barrel of the bat deflecting off of an off-guard Magrane. Brazell seized the opportunity to come home with the first run of the game. Two batters later, Jimmy Rohan drove home Alvarez with an RBI single to center.

Elbert protected the lead with flair, striking out at least two Biscuits in each inning except the second.

Montgomery's finest opportunity came in the ninth. Elliot Johnson drew a walk from Akin to begin the frame, moving to second on Johnny Raburn's single to left. A beautiful sacrifice bunt from Ryan Knox put the runners into scoring position, but Michael Coleman popped out to short on a 3-1 pitch and a 3-2 fastball on the outside corner did in Ruggiano.

The rubber match of the five-game series is scheduled for Friday night at 7:05, with Montgomery righthander Mitch Talbot (1-1, 1.38) opposing Suns righthander Danny Muegge (7-7, 4.23).

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

The Biscuits lost the opener of a five game series against the Barons in Birmingham.

Biscuits' starter Jeff Niemann pitched five scoreless innings. He collected only 2 hits.

With one out away in the eight inning, with the Biscuits leading 3-1, second baseman Elliot Johnson made a fielding error. This error was the start of a rally in which the Barons scored four runs and never looked back.

The Biscuits didn't reach the bases in their last at bat.

Despite the loss, the Biscuits still have a chance to reach the play offs.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

The Montgomery Biscuits have beaten the Birmingham Barons on Sunday (3-0).
Both teams had 6 hits and 1 error, but apparently the Biscuits did hit at better moments.

Andy Sonnanstine (12-6, 2.67 ERA) pitched seven dominant shutout innings.
Sonnanstine retired the last eight batters he faced.

Reliever Brian Henderson pitched in the eighth and ninth to his fourth save.

In the sixth the game was still tied 0-0. Then Jason Pridie opened the score with a solo homerun.

In the eighth inning Elliot Johnson got on base with a basehit. He scored from first on a triple by John Raburn. Raburn scored on a sac fly by Gabriel Martinez.

Elliot Johnson hit 1.000 (2 for 2).

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Montgomery Biscuits lost the third game of a five game series in Birmingham 4-1.

In the first inning Johnny Raburn could score the first and only Biscuits' run of the game on a hit by Michael Coleman.

Barons' starter Lance Broadway pitched 7 solid innings in which the Biscuits got seven hits.

Biscuits starter took the loss.

Due to this loss the Biscuits have fallen three games behind Jacksonville (winner of the first half) in division South.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

The Montgomery Biscuits tied the five game series in Birmingham (2-2) by beating the Barons 5-4.

With the Biscuits trailing 4-2 in the seventh inning, Jason Pridie hit a linedrive to centerfield. The Barons' center fielder dove but missed. On this hit the Biscuits' Gabriel Marinez and Justin Ruggiano reached homeplate. Pridie slid into home plate, but was save way before the throw.

The Biscuits collected 10 hits and 10 walks and left 13 (!) runners on the bases.

Biscuits' reliever W.J. Flanagan got the win.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

The Biscuits lost the final game of a five game series in Birmingham. With a two run lead in the ninth, Josh Kranawetter threw a wild pitch, on which the Barons scored the winning run, ending a three run comeback in the ninth.

The final score was 6-5 for the Barons.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

In the meantime this is old news, but I missed it.

Starting pitcher Jim Magrane was promoted to Durham 7-31-2006.
Magrane was 11-8 with a 2.98 ERA. He will be missed. He was one of the constant factors for the Biscuits.


Mike Prochaska was activated from the temporarily inactive list.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Biscuits' starting pitcher Andy Sonnanstine was named Southern League player of the month July.

Sonnanstine had a perfect 6-0 record out of six starts. If that is not enough this record included two nine inning complete game shutouts.

Sonnanstine was the Devil Rays' 2004 13th round draft pick. In 2005 he lead all the Rays' farmhand pitchers in wins and ERA.

So far this season he has already set some records for the Biscuis in strike outs (120), innings pitched, victories, complete games and shutouts.

I am affraid that it won't take long before he gets promoted to Durham or even Tampa Bay. :mad:

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

To keep this thread a bit more interesting, I will post some other things than only game reports.

Here are some transactions of the last couple of days.

August 2: Outfielder Ryan Knox was released. Instead of him the Biscuits received OF Patrick Breen from the Visalia Oaks (California League).

August 3: SS Matthew Maniscalco was promoted to Durham. The Biscuits received SS Reid Brignac from the Visalia Oaks.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

August 4, 2006:

The Biscuits received 3B Evan Longoria from the Visalia Oaks.

To make room the Biscuits placed Francisco Leandro on the temporarily inactive list.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits won the first game of a five game home stand vs the Braves 6-3.

Starter Jeff Niemann was touched for three hits in the second inning but controlled the Braves after that. Niemann is now 2-4 with a 3.12 ERA.

In the fifth, Michael Coleman hit a 2 run homerun, to give the Biscuits a 4-3 lead.

New Biscuit Evan Longoria hit a two run single in the seventh to secure the win.

Two other new Biscuits, Reid Brignac and Patrick Breen, got a hit as well.

The Biscuits are now 22-19 (.537) and 2.5 games behind on Jacksonville.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

RHP Chris Flinn was promoted to Durham. The Biscuits got no one in return.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Montgomery Biscuits beat the Mississippi Braves in the tenth after a dramatic walk off homerun by new Biscuit Justin Ruggiano.

In this game it was bad to be a pitcher. Together, both teams got 21 hits.

In the eighth a grand slam of Braves' Josh Burrus, gave the visitors a 8-6 lead.
The two other new Biscuits, Longoria and Reid Brignac, both hit an RBI single to tie the score.

In the tenth Ruggiano helped reliever Jeremy Flanagan to earn the win (5-0).

Longoria and Brignac both homered as well in this game.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

After two consecutive losses against the Braves, the Biscuits won one in big style.

The Biscuits got 20 hits and every player of the line up at least got one hit.

First baseman Gabriel Martinez belted two homers (one grand slam) and batted in seven runs.

SP Jeff Niemann won the game and lowered his ERA from 3.12 to 2.78. Niemann is now 3-4.

Mobile's defense had a very bad night by committing 5 errors.

Thanks to Jacksonville's third straight loss, the Biscuits are now 2 games behind the Suns in the Southern division's standings.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits beat the Bay Bears 7-4 in Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile Alabama

Andy Sonnanstine got his Southern League leading 13th win. By pitching 6 solid innings (allowing one run, got seven hits and struck out four) he lowered his ERA to 2.71.

A second inning tie was broken by Evan Longoria, who hit a solo homerun. After that, the Biscuits scored in the third inning (3 runs), in the fifth (1) and in the sixth (2 on a homer by Elliot Johnson).

The four new Biscuits, Evan Longoria, Jason Pridie, Justin Ruggiano, and Reed Brignac seem not to have any problem adapting to AA level. All four got two of the Biscuits 12 hits.

A remarkable fact was that Bay Bears pitcher Jack Cassel struck out a season high 12 batters, but was tagged for 7 runs and earned the loss.

Final-- 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9--R - H - E
Montgomery
------ 0 - 1 - 3 - 0 - 1 - 2 - 0 - 0 - 0--7 - 12- 2
Mobile
------ 0 - 0 - 0 - 1 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 1 - 1 -3 - 11 - 3

W: A. Sonnanstine (13-7, 2.71); L: J. Cassel (4-1, 2.24)
HR: MON: E. Johnson (15), E. Longoria (2).

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Bay Bears took some revenge for the slaughter earlier this week by the Biscuits.

The Bay Bears beat the Biscuits 13-2. In the first inning Montgomery scored it's first run. After that the Bay Bears scored 13 before Montgomery touched home plate again.

SP Jason Cromer took the loss.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

The Montgomery Biscuits won game four of a five game series, at Mobile Alabama, and thus clinched the series.

Mike Prochaska struck out seven and walked four in 5.2 innings for his first victory since May 21. Jean Machi closed the game for his 11th save of the season.

After the first the Biscuits were trailing 1-0, but a solo blast by Justin Ruggiano was the start of a comeback.

Because of the postponement of Jacksonville's game, the Biscuits are now 1.5 game back in the standings

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Devil Rays' nr. 1 draft pick, Evan Longoria, homered twice as the Biscuits beat the Bay Bears 4-0.

Mitch Talbot walked three in a row in the first inning, but because of a double play he pitched out of the jam and earned his second win as a Biscuit. In the second he walked another two, but settled down after that. No Bay Bears runner passed second base thereafter. Talbot got 7 K's.

Justin Ruggiano remains red hot. In his 18 games as a Biscuit so far, he collected 18 hits, 12 of them for extra bases.

Jeremy Flanagan earned the save after two scoreless innings.

Because of Jacksonville's loss, the Biscuits are only one game behind the Suns in the race for the second half championship.

In the second place record race, the Biscuits are leading and ten games in front of Birmingham.

Second Place Record Race
Team------ Rec.-- GB
Montgomery-63-56 --
Birmingham--53-66 10
Mississippi---52-67 11
Mobile-------50-69 13

If Jacksonville wins the second half and the Biscuits maintain the second best overall record, they'll advance to the Southern League Playoffs and earn one home game against the Suns in the first round of the playoffs.

Tomorrow the last 20 games of the regular season will start. The Biscuits will have two tought series ahead. They start with a five game series at home vs. the Chattanooga Lookouts. After that they will have a five game road trip @ Jacksonville.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

After losing two games of a double header, the Biscuits beat the Lookouts 4-3.

SP Jason Cromer pitched a no hitter for 7 2/3 innings and earned just his second victory of the season (2-5 , 3.15 ERA

The Biscuits scored four runs in the first inning, a lead that they would need in the end.

Biscuits' closer Jean Machi entered the ninth and got into trouble right away. He was greeted with two back to back singles that put the tying runs on the bases. Thanks to a sacrifice fly and a fielder's choice the Biscuits could stop the Lookouts at 3 runs. Machi earned his 12th save of the season.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

After his first full week Evan Longoria, Biscuits' third baseman, won the Southern Leagues weekly batting award.

Longoria batted .400 with 3 homeruns and seven RBI's. He only needed six games to reach the feat.

Longoria was the Devil Rays' third overall pick of the June draft. In his professional career he has been promoted twice and only played 45 professional games. So far he has hit 16 homeruns in his career.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

This weekend the annual auction of Biscuits jerseys will start.

The auction will raise money for United way.

Here is the link: http://www.jexed.com/biscuits/auction/

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Montgomery Biscuits could hold on to a 3-2 lead in the sixth.

The Biscuits took a 2-0 lead in the third inning by hits of Gabriel Martinez (single), Justin Ruggiano (double) and Michael Coleman (double). On this last hit Martinez and Ruggiano could score.

In the fifth the Lookouts came back to 2-1. In the sixth the Lookouts reduced the Biscuits' lead to just one run. But in the bottom of the sixth the Biscuits extended their lead with one run thanks to a bases loaded walk given up by Lookouts' reliever Alvarado.

In the top of the seventh the Lookouts could score on a single by Noochie Varner.

In the tenth the Lookouts exploded for another six runs. The Biscuits occupied first and second base, but were not able to score anymore.

Jeremy Flanagan earned the loss (5-1, 3,56 ERA).

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

The Montgomery Biscuits got their revenge for the dramatic loss on Friday, beating the Lookouts with 6-0.

SP Mike Prochaska shut out the Lookouts for eight innings, only touched for three hits.

Jean Machi closed the game to lower his ERA to 2.60.

Jeremy Owens connected for his 11th homer of the season.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I found some new pictures of Riverwalk Stadium on Flickr.com (photo sharing).

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Nice view from the outfield pavillion

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

A peek into the Biscuits' dugout.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Warming up

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I am not sure if this is the bullpen. Just a guess.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Crowded house in the left field stands.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Biscuits' mascot Big Mo.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

..........

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

...............

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Jeff Niemann pitching

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

.................

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Once again Big Mo. The one in the baseball suit that is... :D

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Some of the Biscuits. My favorite Chairon Isenia on the right.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

The Montgomery Biscuits beat the Jacksonville Suns 4-1 in the opener of a five game series in Jacksonville. Because of this win the Biscuits closed in on the Suns and are now 1 game back in the standings.

Outfielder Jeremy Owens hit a solo homer in the fifth that tied the game 1-1.

In the sixth Reid Brignac scored on a single by Justin Ruggiano. In the seventh inning Jeremy Owens hit his second solo homer, carried by the wind to make it 3-1. In the ninth, always popular Chairon Isenia drove in another run with a single.

The Biscuits have a ten game lead on Birmingham in the second place record race.

Second Half Division Race
Team-------Rec.-- GB
Jacksonville 31-25- --
Montgomery 30-26--1

If the Biscuits win the second half outright, they'll advance to the Southern League Playoffs and earn three home games against the Jacksonville Suns in the first round of the playoffs.

Second Place Record Race
Team------- Rec.----GB
Montgomery 66-59 ....--
Birmingham--56-69---10
Mississippi---55-70---11
Mobile-------54-71---12

If Jacksonville wins the second half and the Biscuits maintain the second best overall record, they'll advance to the Southern League Playoffs and earn one home game against the Suns in the first round of the playoffs.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

With a convincing 8-0 victory, the Biscuits came next to the Suns for a tie for first place in the South Division.

Biscuits starter Jeff Niemann pitched seven shutout innings, allowing only 3 hits. On the contrary, Suns starter Spike Lundberg was touched for 4 runs and 9 hits during 5.2 innings. He earned his first loss since April.

The Biscuits scored a run in the first thanks to two doubles of Johnny Raburn and Reid Brignac and one in the second inning because of a three bagger by Jason Pridie and Ryan Christianson's sac fly.

In the fourth inning the Biscuits scored another two runs.

The Biscuits dealt the final blow in the ninth, scoring 4 runs. Justin Ruggiano smacked a bases-loaded double and Evan Longoria and Pridie also knocked in runs.

Next to the first place tie, the Biscuits hold a 10 game lead over the Barons in the second best record race. If the Biscuits will not win the second half of the competition, it will have only one home game in the first play off round.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

The outside along the left field stands of Riverwalk Stadium.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

......................

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Because of a 8-4 win last night in Jacksonville, the Biscuits took sole posession of first place in the South Division.

One of the Suns top starters, Scott Elbert, was touched for six runs in five innings.

Former Sun, Justin Ruggiano, collected three hits with three RBI's. His first hit was in the third, when he smacked a two out single to centerfield. One hit later he scored on a three run homer by Evan Longoria, his fifth as a Biscuit.

In the bottom of the fifth inning the Suns came back to 6-4, but after that Andy Sonnanstine didn't allow a hit and didn't gave up a walk in the sixth and seventh innings. Sonnanstine improved to 14-7 with a 2.83 ERA.

Jeremy Flanagan pitched two scoreless innings and earned his first save of the season.

The Mississippi Braves are now eliminated from the best second record race. If the Biscuits win one more, the Bay Bears will be eliminated and with two more wins the Barons will be too. Nevertheless, everyone of these three teams can still win the second half of the season. Mississippi is 8.0 games back, Birmingham is 5.5 games back and Mobile 4.0.

So the last three weeks of the regular season are thrilling.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits beat the Suns for the fourth time in a row. They achieved that feat in 10 innings. Final score 5-3.

Jacksonville took the lead in the first. SP Mitch Talbot walked the first two batters before Tydus Meadows drove in a run with a line drive to right field.
The second run of the Suns was scored thanks to a sac fly by Craig Brazel.

In the second inning the Biscuits did something back. Patrick Breen tripled to center and scored on a single by Chairon Isenia.

In the fourth, Evan Longoria reached first because of a throwing error by SS Jimmy Rohan. Then Michael Coleman got a walk. Chairon Isenia got his second RBI of the night with a single to center field.

In the top of the eighth the Biscuits extended their lead to 3-2 thanks to a homer by Michael Coleman.

In the top of the ninth, the Bisuits didn't score despite loading the bases. With one out, Gabriel Martinez grounded out in a 6-4-3 double play.

In the bottom of the ninth the Suns evened the score. With one out in the inning,relief pitcher Jean Machi allowed consecutive singles to Tydus Meadows and Craig Brazell. With those runners on second and first, A.J. Zapp launched a single to right field. Meadows scored on this hit. Relay man Gaby Martinez threw the ball past catcher Chairon Isenia. Backing up the play, Machi dove so the ball did not go into the dugout. Zapp attempted to advance to scond base, and Machi threw there but too late to catch Zapp. Seeing this, Brazell dashed for home, but shortstop Reid Brignac threw on target to Isenia, who applied the tag for the second out of the inning.

In the top of the tenth Justing Ruggiano walked in his at bat. Two batters later he stole second base. With two outs, Jeremy Owens hit his fourteenth homer of the season, over the left field fence. It appeared to be the game winning hit.

Thanks to this win, the Biscuits clinced the best second record. If Jacksonville also wins the second half of the season, Montgomery will advance to the play offs. This will also happen if they keep their lead over Jacksonville. The Biscuits can only be eliminated if one of the other teams (Birmingham, Mobile or Mississipi) will win the second half.

:gt

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits got the first sweep on the road in their history. They finished of the Suns 10-0.

SP Jason Cromer threw six shutout innings to earn his third win of the season (3-5, 2.91 ERA), striking out six and walking four.

In the first, Elliot Johnson, who got on base by a single, scored on a ground out by Patrick Breen.

In the top of the third, before Suns starter T.J. Nall made the first out, Elliot Johnson, Reid Brignac and John Raburn hit consecutive singles, loading the bases. With two outs Gabriel Martinez reached first base on a fielding error by 1B A.J. Zapp. Elliot Johnson and Reid Brignac could score. John Raburn reached third. With Ryan Christianson batting, T. J. Nall threw a wild pitch that scored John Raburn.

In the fourth, Reid Brignac hit a two run homer that took Elliot Johnson with him.

In the following innings the Biscuits didn't pass second base.

Then in the top of the ninth, if the Suns' fate wasn't sealed, the Biscuits scored another four runs to secure the sweep. Patrick Breen hit a grand slam homer.

The Biscuits magic number is eight. They have a three game lead over Jacksonville.

The Biscuits start a five game homestand tonight against the Barons. Then, starting Thursday 8-31-2006, they have a road trip @ Pearl, Mississippi.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night, in the first game of their final home series of the regular season, the Biscuits fell to the Barons 5-3.

Eventhought the loss cut their lead to 2 games over Jacksonville, the biggest loss for the Biscuits was the removal of Chairon Isenia. The Dutch Antilles catcher was knocked over at home plate by Barons' Cory Aldridge. Isenia caught a ball fired by RF Justin Ruggiano but it was knocked loose by the collision. Isenia lay down and didn't move, so an ambulance had to come to take him of the field.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

By A. Stacy Long
Montgomery Advertiser


Montgomery catcher Chairon Isenia suffered a concussion and spent the night at Baptist Medical Center South after a collision Friday.

Isenia temporarily lost consciousness after Birmingham's Cory Aldridge ran over him. Isenia was placed on a stretcher and left Riverwalk Stadium in an ambulance.

"It's rough to see anybody have that happen, but especially for 'Shaggy,'" Montgomery manager Charlie Montoyo said after the Barons' 5-3 win. "He's a tough kid. I know he's going to be OK."

X-rays of Isenia came back negative, but he was held overnight for observation, team trainer Mark Vinson said. It's unknown how many games Isenia might miss.

Isenia was positioning himself to take a throw from right fielder Justin Ruggiano and block Aldridge off the plate.

Aldridge ran over him, leaving Isenia motionless at the plate and bleeding. Isenia regained consciousness after "15-20 seconds," Vinson said.

"He hit him pretty rough, but it was a clean hit," pitcher Jeremy Flanagan said. "Anytime something like that happens, it's scary, but it's part of the game."

The injury caused a 21-minute delay as emergency workers drove onto the field to tend to Isenia.

"We all hope and pray Isenia is OK," Birmingham manager Chris Cron said. "A baseball field is no place for an ambulance."

Isenia is in his 11th year with the Tampa Bay organization and has been with the Biscuits since their inaugural season in 2004.

The 27-year-old has played in two Olympics and in this spring's World Baseball Classic for the Netherlands.

"That was a major-league collision," Biscuits coach Mako Oliveras said. "Let's pray for Shaggy's health. Everybody in this clubhouse loves him.

"The main concern now is for his health."

In the game, Adam Russell (3-2) gave up three hits and two runs over 62/3 innings. The right-hander, lugging a 5.75 ERA in eight starts with Birmingham, left after Gabriel Martinez's RBI double in the seventh.

Montgomery's Tony Peguero (10-11) allowed three runs in his first two innings in a spot start.

"Russell had one outing where he gave up 10 runs; that's why his ERA is up there," Cron said. "Tonight, he kept the ball in a good location and walked away with a victory."

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits beat the Barons, in the second game of their five game home stand 9-5. Jeff Niemann earned the win, pitching six solid innings, fanning 7, walking 3 and giving up only one run.

In the third inning Barons' Pedro Lopez broke the scoreless tie by scoring. He hit a double himself. On a ground ball to right by Mark Quinn, he scored the opening run.

In the bottom of the fourth, the Biscuits answered. And how...
Leadoff batter Reid Brignac was hit by a pitch. John Raburn doubled to center, Brignac advanced to third. On a double to centerfield by Justin Ruggiano, Brignac and Raburn scored. Even Longoria grounded out, 1-3, John Raburn advanced to third. With two outs, Jeremy Owens hit a single to rightfield, that scored John Raburn. Then Jeremy Owens advanced to second on a ground ball to right by Gabriel Martinez. Ryan Christianson hit another ground ball single to right that made Jeremy Owens score. Elliot Johnson loaded the bases with a single to pitcher Wesley Whisler. Then Gabriel Martinez scored another run on a line drive single to right by Reid Brignac. John Raburn singled on a ground ball to right that made Ryan Christianson and Elliot Johnson scored the sixth and seventh run for the Biscuits. In an attempt to reach third base, Reid Brignac was nailed by a throw of RF Michae Myers to 3B Micha Schnurstein.

In the bottom of the fifth, lead off hitter Justin Ruggiano added another run on a solo homerun.

In the top of the seventh relief pitcher Marcos Carvajal replaced Jeff Niemann. In a short stint, he earned 3 runs. After two of them he was replaced by Brian Henderson, who finished the game.

In the eighth Michael Coleman tripled on a fly ball to center field. After that Jeremy Owens reached first on a throwing error. Gabriel Martinez hit a liner to right field to score Michael Coleman.

In the ninth Barons' Chris Armador scored their fifth run to make it 9-5. Pedro Lopez was the final out on a strike out.

With still eight games to play, the Biscuits' magic number went down to seven. Both Jacksonville and Mobile won their games.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Montgomery advertiser, Saturday 6-26-2006:

Left-hander Mike Prochaska was a late scratch from Friday's start in favor of Tony Peguero.

Prochaska said pitching coach Xavier Hernandez called him about 2:30 p.m. Friday and told him he wouldn't start Friday night.

"I don't know what's going on," Prochaska said.

Prochaska learned his fate after the game. He's been promoted to Class AAA Durham and will start for the Bulls on Sunday.

It will be Prochaska's second stint with Durham.

In 17 appearances with the Biscuits, Prochaska was 4-4 with a 4.48 ERA. He's also been stellar in his last two starts. Prochaska threw eight shutout innings in his last appearance and gave up one run over 52/3 innings Aug. 12.

Durham needed a pitcher after J.P. Howell was promoted to Tampa Bay, which put Scott Kazmir on the disabled list.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits beat the Barons 6-4. Andy Sonnanstine earned his 15th win of the season. As a matter of fact he is the first pitcher in the Devil Rays organisation (minor or major league) to win 15 games. Sonnanstine pitched eight solid innings, fanning 6, walking only one and earning one run.

The Biscuits build their lead to five runs over the first five innings. In the sixth Birmingham came back scoring one run.

In the seventh the Biscuits extended their lead to six five runs again. This lead seemed big enought to withstand the Barons' offensive outburst in the eighth inning.

[Centreville82]

Only in the South where you will find a sports team named after food. I moved to AL in 04, and I get a chuckle when I hear about the team..

[Centreville82]

Here's what their co-GMs had to say about that...

According to Megan Frazer, general manager of sales and marketing, "Biscuit recipes in the south are family traditions. We felt the name would touch everyone in their own personal way. Everyone loves to eat biscuits and the community has really embraced the name."

Greg Rauch, general manager of operations: "There is a long history of people in the South eating biscuits. We felt that the name “Biscuits” would be quirky and different. We thought it would be a fun name for a Minor League Baseball team. It is a name that can reach all segments of the population. Everyone eats them and they touch everyone in some way. We will even have syrup and biscuits available to eat at the park for our fans!"

Good Lord. :laugh

[Centreville82]

Speaking of Montgomery, The St. Louis Browns used to play their spring training games during the 1910's...

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits blanked the Barons 8-0 for a AA leading 18 shutouts. With Montgomery's win, Jacksonville's loss, the Biscuits' magic number went down to four.

Starter Mitch Talbot went down 7 2/3 innings, striking out 7 and walking just one. He lowered his ERA to a miniscule 1.94.

Until the third not much happened. But in the bottom of the third the first three Biscuits reached first base on a bunt. Barons' starter Corwin Malone walked John Raburn, so Jason Pridie could open the score.
Justin Ruggiano hit his 32nd, base clearing, double to right field. Elliot Johnson, Jeremy Owens and John Raburn all scored on this double. With Michael Coleman batting, Ruggiano stole third base (his fourteenth stolen base of the season). Then Patrick Breen hit a inside the park home run to centerfield, to make the score 6-0.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, lead off hitter Justin Ruggiano hit his 33rd double of the evening. Ruggiano could score on Michael Coleman's 25th double of the season. Then Ryan Christianson hit a ground ball to second baseman Christopher Getz, but the infielder misplayed the ball, so Christianson could reach first. Michael Coleman could score the Biscuits' final run of the evening.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits blanked the Barons 8-0 for a AA leading 18 shutouts. With Montgomery's win and Jacksonville's loss, the Biscuits' magic number went down to four.

Starter Mitch Talbot went down 7 2/3 innings, striking out 7 and walking just one. He lowered his ERA to a miniscule 1.94.

Until the third not much happened. But in the bottom of the third the first three Biscuits reached first base on a bunt. Barons' starter Corwin Malone walked John Raburn, so Jason Pridie could open the score.
Justin Ruggiano hit his 32nd, base clearing, double to right field. Elliot Johnson, Jeremy Owens and John Raburn all scored on this double. With Michael Coleman batting, Ruggiano stole third base (his fourteenth stolen base of the season). Then Patrick Breen hit a inside the park home run to centerfield, to make the score 6-0.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, lead off hitter Justin Ruggiano hit his 33rd double of the evening. Ruggiano could score on Michael Coleman's 25th double of the season. Then Ryan Christianson hit a ground ball to second baseman Christopher Getz, but the infielder misplayed the ball, so Christianson could reach first. Michael Coleman could score the Biscuits' final run of the evening.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits beat the Barons in their final home game of the regular season. Final score 2-0.

Starter Jason Cromer pitched 5 innings,collecting 2 hits, fanning 5 and walking 3, but didn't earn the win. That honour was for Brian Henderson, who pitched 2.1 innings and collected two hits but didn't strike out or walking a batter. Jean Machi pitched another 1.2 innings to earn his 15th save.

Remarkable feat: Gabriel Martinez became the second Biscuit ever to hit a train with a home run. In the seventh he hit the ball over the left field fence, to hit a passing train. Too bad for him that he wasn't the first Biscuit, otherwise he would have earned $ 1000.

In the eighth inning Evan Longoria secured the win by hitting another solo homer.

[ez906]

WAY TO GO BISCUITS!!!

yankeebiscuitfan -- i believe martinez Will get his $1000. mayor bobby bright was getting pressured to do so by beat reporter stacy long. read today's montgomery advertiser article. see what you think.

ez906

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

WAY TO GO BISCUITS!!!

yankeebiscuitfan -- i believe martinez Will get his $1000. mayor bobby bright was getting pressured to do so by beat reporter stacy long. read today's montgomery advertiser article. see what you think.

ez906

You are right ez906. Here is the article:


Martinez's HR hits train, costs mayor more money

By A. Stacy Long
Montgomery Advertiser


Montgomery manager Charlie Montoyo searched for exclamations to describe the Biscuits' 2-0 win Tuesday over the Birmingham Barons.

"Jiminy Christmas. That was the biggest game of the year," he said. "Holy cow. What a game."

Gabriel Martinez cashed in with a seventh-inning home run, Evan Longoria added an eighth-inning shot and Montgomery registered its league-high 19th shutout.

The Biscuits, who have won nine of 10, lowered their magic number to clinch a South Division title to three. Their magic number is two for a playoff berth.

Pennant fever, and the pressure it entails, goes with the Biscuits to Mississippi for a season-ending series that starts Thursday.

"I don't think there's any pressure on us right now," said starting pitcher Jason Cromer, who threw
five shutout innings because of an hour-long rain delay.

"We're playing well and the pressure is on the other teams trying to catch us. We have the upper hand."

With five games to play, Montgomery leads Jacksonville by three games and Mobile by four. The Biscuits will make the playoffs unless Mobile rallies to win the division.

"I don't think there will be any extra pressure," Longoria said. "We're playing good baseball right now, and we'll try to take that same attitude and motivation to Mississippi.

"We feel pretty content with the way we've been playing. If we just keep doing what we're doing, we should be fine."

Martinez added a $1,000 bonus for his seventh-inning homer that broke a scoreless tie.

His 10th home run of the season squarely hit a passing train -- one traveling from Mobile to Atlanta, according to the local CSX trainmaster.

Mayor Bobby Bright pledged $1,000 before the season to any Biscuit who bounced one off a passing train.

Bright was at Tuesday's game but left because of the rain delay. He also coughed up a grand for the same feat in 2004.

It's uncertain when Bright will pay up because Tuesday was Montgomery's last regular-season game. The Biscuits have ideas of what Martinez can purchase with his largesse.

"He'll have to buy beverages," Cromer said.

Relievers Brian Henderson (2-2) and Jean Machi (15th save) finished Montgomery's shutout.

Henderson gave up two hits over 21/3 innings, while Machi survived a scary ninth. Birmingham's first two hitters reached base, but a popout and a double play sealed the Biscuits' win.

"I don't know what will happen these next five games, but give this team credit," Montoyo said. "These kids have done a great job to be in this position."

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits were beaten in Pearl Mississippi, by the Braves (4-2).

Unfortunately they didn't get any help of Jacksonville or Mobile as well. The Baybears won their game, but Jacksonville had a rain out. So the Biscuits' magic number remains at 3.

With a 2-0 lead, Biscuits' second baseman Reid Brignac misplayed a two out ground ball, that lead to two runs to tie the game.

Starting pitcher Tony Peguero pitched seven solid innings, striking out 4, walking 2 and getting no earned runs.

The Biscuits had several opportunities to score.
They had runners at first and third with none out in the fourth inning and with one out in the sixth and in both cases failed to score. They also had runners at second and third with one out in the seventh, but you guessed it... they didn't score.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

With a 5-4 victory over the Mississippi Braves, the Montgomery Biscuits reduced their magic number to two.

Biscuits' SP Jeff Nieman pitched 5.1 scoreless innings in which he struck out 6 and walked 5. Reliever Jeremy Flanagan earned the win, pitching 1.1 innings, with 2 earned runs, 2 BB and 1 K. Closer Jean Machi pitched 2.1 innings for his 16th save of the season. He earned 2 runs, walked 2 and struck out 2 batters.

Until the seventh inning not really much happened. Only in the first inning the Biscuits got a runner on third, but could not bring him home.

In the top of the seventh, Braves' relief pitcher David Watkins started with walking Patrick Breen. Understanding that this would be a close game the Biscuits started some small ball. Jeremy Owens laid down a sacrifice bunt towards 2B to move Patrick Breen to second. The Braves' reliever seemed to have some trouble in finding the strike zone. The next batter, Ryan Chrisianson, walked. So did Jason Pridie, to load the bases. Then with two outs Reid Brignac got a BB too, so Patrick Breen could score the first run. Taking fully advantage of the lack of control by Watkins, John Raburn hit a line drive to right field, to score Ryan Christianson and Jason Pridie. The following batter, Gabriel Martinez grounded out 4-3 for the last out of the inning.

The Braves answered immediately by scoring two runs in the bottom of the seventh.

In the top of the ninth, Reid Brignac walked with one out. The next batter, John Raburn hit a grounder to left field, sending Brignac to third base. Raburn advanced to second base on a ground out by Gabriel Martinez towards 1B.
Afterwards Evan Longoria drove in two runs on a line drive single to centerfield. Longoria was also the final out for the Biscuits when he was caught stealing second base.

Again the Braves answered. Mike Rozema singled on a fly ball to left field. The following batter Josh Arteaga got a BB, so Rozema went to second base. Onil Josheph singled to load the bases. Then Eddie Perez grounded into a double play. Rozema could score and Josh Arteaga reached third. Next batter, Matt Young, drove in Arteaga on a line drive single to left field, reducing the Biscuits' lead to just one run. But finally Jean Machi locked the game by striking out Michael Rosamond jr.

Because of this win and Mobile's loss, the Biscuits won the best overall second place record race, securing a play off spot. Thanks to their loss, Mobile is out of contention now, trailing four games with only three left to play. If Jacksonville will win the second half of the division as well, the Biscuits will host only one home game.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Montgomery Biscuits won the third game of their final road trip 2-1 to the Mississippi Braves. But thanks to the double loss in the double header of the Jacksonville Suns, the Biscuits won the second half divsion title. :dance :clapping

Jacksonville played the doubleheader vs Carolina before the Biscuist vs Braves showdown, so the Biscuits already knew that they had won the title.

If that resulted in the loss, I don't know, but the pressure was gone and not really much happened in the game.

Only in the fifth inning the Braves opened the score, to add another run in the eighth.

The Biscuits sole answer came in the ninth inning when they scored a run after Reid Brignac had hit a triple. He could score the Biscuits' only run after Michael Coleman grounded out 6-3.

Biscuits' starting pitcher Andy Sonnanstine took the loss and is now 15-8. He pitched seven strong innings, allowing one run, striking out 6 and walking 3. He is tied with Jacksonville's pitcher Spike Lundberg, for the Southern Leagues wins lead.

Eventhough Dianasmoon82 is not longer among us, I hope she can see this somewhere.

GO BISCUITS!! :gt

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

The Biscuits won the fourth game of the series in Pearl MS, beating the Mississippi Braves 10-1.

In none of the previous 24 match ups, a team has beaten the other by more than three runs.

The Biscuits collected 14 hits, three of them by Jeremy Owens and another three by Gabriel Martinez.

SP Mitch Talbot (4-3) earned the win. He pitched six innings in which he struck out one, walked one and earned one run. The Braves collected four hits on him.

Relief pitchers Marcos Carvajal, Josh Kranawetter and Brian Henderson, each pitched one scoreless inning in relief.

Tonight will be the last game of the series. Decided will be who will win this final series of the regular season.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Yesterday, the Biscuits beat the Mississippi Braves 6-1, to improve their second half record to 41-29 and their overall record to 77-62.

Biscuits starter Jason Cromer pitched 5 scoreless innings, striking out 4, walking 1. He improved his record to 4-5 and lowered his ERA to 2.58.

The Biscuits scored their first run in the first inning. Left fielder Francisco Leandro doubled on a line drive to right field. He advanced to third on a line drive single to right by Reid Brignac. John Raburn drove Leandro in with a sac fly to right.

The second run was scored in the fourth inning. Third baseman Gabriel Martinez reached first on a line drive to left field and could advance to second on a fielding error that left fielder Josh Burrus made.
Jeremy Owens drove in the second run with a line drive single to center field.

Then in the bottom of the sixth, Biscuits manager Charlie Montoyo brought in reliever Jeremy Flanagan. He earned the only Braves' run of the game. Yunel Escobar singled on a bunt to third base.
With one out and Matt Young at bat, Escobar stole second. Matt Young could do no harm, flying out to left. Escobar scored on a fly ball single to left field by Josh Burrus.

In the seventh, the Biscuits' Patrick Breen scored the third run after he hit a double, advanced on a line drive single to left field by Joshua Johnson and touched home plate on a ground ball force out to second base, hit by Jason Pridie.

The Biscuits added two more runs in the eighth. Michael Coleman hit his seventeenth homer of the season. Then with two outs, Jeremy Owens doubled on a fly ball to left field. He could score because Patrick Breen hit his second double of the night.

In the ninth inning the Biscuits scored their final run of the regular season thanks to Reid Brignac's third homer of the season.

The Biscuits will play their first play off game ever, next Thursday at the beautiful Baseballgrounds of Jacksonville. On Friday they will play game two there as well.

Afterwards the circus will move to Montgomery for game three and if necessary, game four and five.


I received an e-mail of Jim Tocco the other day. He told me that they are quite positive about the Biscuits' play off chances.

Let's hope that their feeling is right.

GO BISCUITS :gt

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

For the change, I got some nice pictures again. I got them from one of the biggest Biscuits fans I know. :p

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

................

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

....................

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Prochaska back with Biscuits Pitcher didn't mind demotion this time

By A. Stacy Long
Montgomery Advertiser

Mike Prochaska, with sleep as his main objective, heard his cell phone ringing in the distance.

Several times, the phone played its tune and Prochaska drifted off, oblivious to the calls that were coming from almost 1,000 miles away.

It was Friday and Prochaska was due to pitch the next day in Norfolk, Va., for the Class AAA Durham Bulls. Conversation had to wait.

"There were four or five phone calls in a row that night," Prochaska said. "The phone just kept ringing."

Prochaska put off checking his messages until the next morning, learned what he had missed and yearned to have been in on the fun.

The Montgomery Biscuits, the team Prochaska had spent much of the season with, had clinched a playoff berth.

Several of his former teammates had risked their cell phones in the champagne celebration that followed in Mississippi to call Prochaska.

"I could hear people screaming and everything," Prochaska said. "It was really cool to hear those messages."

Almost a week later, Prochaska is back with the Biscuits and preparing for his first playoff experience. Montgomery starts a best-of-five Southern League series at Jacksonville on Thursday.

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays, after promoting Prochaska to Durham on Aug. 25, returned him to Montgomery for the postseason. It was one demotion Prochaska didn't mind.

"It's good to be back because this is where I was for most of the season," the left-handed pitcher said. "We're a real close team and I stayed in touch with a lot of players the whole time I was gone.

"They were calling me after every game to let me know how they were doing."

Prochaska, 26, helped start Montgomery's late-season surge that landed the Biscuits a playoff berth.

His eight shutout innings against Chattanooga on Aug. 19 sparked a six-game winning streak that pushed Montgomery into first place. The Biscuits ended the regular season with 16 wins in their last 19 games.

"When we sensed we could go to the playoffs, we kicked it in harder," Prochaska said. "We had guys coming off the bench to hit key home runs, pitchers having great outings.

"Everybody on the team contributed something, not just certain guys. It's been the whole team."

When he was promoted to Durham, Prochaska said he was told to expect a demotion for the playoffs.

The Biscuits added him back to the roster before their final regular-season game. He flew back to Montgomery -- "my second home," he said -- on Monday, three days after he ignored all those calls.

"I had mixed emotions," Prochaska said. "It was great to be in Triple-A, but I wish I could have been there to celebrate.

"But I'd rather miss that one and celebrate a championship. That one will be 10 times better."

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

By A. Stacy Long
Montgomery Advertiser


#1 Sept. 1: Champagne

Manager Charlie Montoyo looked like a child at a Chuck-E-Cheese birthday party, until the cooler of sports drink landed across his back.

The players were all giddy, spraying champagne at whatever moved.

The plastic draped across the lockers and along the floor even made for a nifty slide. Infielder Gabriel Martinez used the surface for a head-first dive -- twice.

The Biscuits were far away in Pearl, Miss., when they clinched a playoff berth with a 5-4 win over the Braves. It didn't spoil the party, though the Biscuits said a championship is the main goal.

"We want to win the league," Johnny Raburn said. "Anything less will be a disappointment."

Montgomery is back in the playoffs for the first time since the Biscuits came to town in 2004. Montgomery last played in the Southern League playoffs in 1977.

#2 July 2: Evans kicks off All-Stars

The Southern League's annual All-Star Game came to Montgomery for the first time in 1972.

West Tenn's Scott Moore hit two home runs to lead the North's 9-4 win over the South, but a pregame happening was the highlight moment.

Frank Evans, the former Negro League player who is beloved in Montgomery, earned a standing ovation for simply throwing out the first pitch.

Evans, 80, was the only one not standing. He was confined to a wheelchair after a hospital stay.

"I enjoyed it," Evans said. "Thank God I was able to witness it."

Evans, who wore a Birmingham Black Barons jersey, was a little wild on his throw, which also lacked velocity.

"That was my change-up," Evans joked. "I took everything off that."

#3 Aug. 23: Owens' blast sparks brooms

Professional teams generally don't pile out of the dugout until the game ends (or there's a fight). The Biscuits violated the unwritten rule at Jacksonville.

Jeremy Owens' two-run home run in the top of the 10th inning led to a 5-3 victory for Montgomery. His teammates met him at home plate.

The homer helped cap the Biscuits' five-game sweep at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Montgomery took an anticlimactic 10-0 win the next day.

The series also put the Biscuits safely into first place.

#4 Aug. 4: Influx of newbies

Three players made their Montgomery debut and proved to be a big help in the Biscuits' pennant hopes.

Reid Brignac, Evan Longoria and Patrick Breen all played their first Class AA games in a 6-3 win over Mississippi.

The three provided a spark that helped land the Biscuits in the playoffs.

Two other new players played big roles, too.

Outfielder Justin Ruggiano joined Montgomery on July 24 and settled into the middle of the lineup. In 31 games through the end of the regular season, Ruggiano hit .333 with 27 RBIs and 25 runs scored.

Pitcher Mitch Talbot made his first start July 16 and had a 1.90 ERA through the end of the regular season.

#5 June 13-July 30: Mr. Automatic

Andy Sonnanstine showed the Southern League wasn't immune to his charms.

Sonnanstine won nine straight starts and threw four complete games from mid-June to the end of July. In that stretch, the right-hander had a 1.15 ERA, allowed 38 hits, walked eight and struck out 50.

Batters managed 38 hits in 702/3 innings.

The four complete games tie for the most in all of minor-league baseball for the year.

#6 April 6: Bankston clears scoreboard

Wes Bankston was at a new position, but it didn't take long to prove he was still adept with the bat. The third baseman hit a home run over the Riverwalk Stadium scoreboard in the season opener. The breathtaking blast, cleared for takeoff in the third inning, came in an 11-6 loss to Tennessee.

Bankston committed two errors and had two other shaky plays at third that game. Tampa Bay ended the experiment at the All-Star break, moved Bankston back to first base and promoted him to Class AAA Durham.

#7 July 3: Oh, the suspense

Both teams stood around for about two minutes, wondering if the game and series was over.

Matthew Maniscalco had blooped a hit down the right-field line with two outs in the 10th inning. Chairon Isenia took off from first base and was near third when a fan grabbed the ball.

The umpires huddled and, after the break, ruled Isenia would have scored, thus ending the Biscuits' 3-2 win over Mississippi.

It capped a five-game sweep of the Braves. Four of the wins were by one run.

#8 Aug. 1: Pridie inside-the-parker

Jason Pridie's line drive avoided a diving outfielder in the Southern League's biggest park.

Pridie raced around for the first inside-the-park home run in Biscuits' history. More importantly, the three-run seventh-inning homer gave Montgomery the lead in a 5-4 win at Birmingham.

#9 Aug. 9: Gaby takes two trots

The series at Mobile took on more importance later in the month when the BayBears laid chase to a playoff berth.

Fortunately for the Biscuits, Montgomery took four of five games at Hank Aaron Stadium, sparked by a power-laden game from one of its infielders.

Gabriel Martinez homered twice and had a franchise-record seven RBIs in the Biscuits' 15-2 win.

Martinez finished 4-for-7 with three runs scored. Montgomery totaled nine extra-base hits.

#10 June 28, Aug. 17: No-hitter flirtations

Jason Cromer made his second annual try for a no-hitter Aug. 17, while Tony Peguero came close June 28.

Peguero held Mobile hitless until the seventh inning of Montgomery's 6-0 win. Stephen Smitherman led off the seventh with a crisp single to left-center.

Cromer came within four outs of a no-hitter Aug. 17 against Chattanooga. In June 2005, he carried a perfect game into the seventh inning, but went a little further this time.

After two first-inning walks, the left-hander retired 21 straight hitters until a one-out walk in the eighth.

With two outs, Cromer's bid for history ended in the trees: Rick Asadoorian's fourth homer of the year. Montgomery held on for a 4-3 win.

BOTTOM FIVE MOMENTS


#1 Aug. 25: Isenia knocked out

Catcher Chairon Isenia, a third-year Biscuit who is one of the team's most popular players, was knocked unconscious and left Riverwalk Stadium in an ambulance after an eighth-inning collision.

Isenia spent two nights in a local hospital for the concussion and (as of yet) hasn't played since.

#2 May 23-June 9: Suns burn

Jacksonville's long win streak and Montgomery's troubles snuffed the Biscuits' hopes for a first-half title.

In a 17-day stretch, the Biscuits dropped 13 games in the standings.

Jacksonville was in the midst of a 16-game win streak that ended one short of the Southern League record, set by the 1968 Montgomery Rebels. At one point, the Biscuits lost nine of 10.

#3 June 17: Ninth-inning mayhem

The Biscuits ended the first half of the year with a shameful defeat. Mobile scored seven runs in the ninth inning to take a 10-3 victory at Riverwalk Stadium.

Michael Johnson's three-run double snapped a 3-3 tie and started the onslaught for Mobile.

#4 July 16: Feeling hot, hot, hot

Mitch Talbot's debut led to good things for the Biscuits. His debut also featured one incredible number -- 100.

Not 100 on the radar gun, 100 on the thermometer. It was the hottest game ever at Riverwalk Stadium.

#5 May 5: Oh, the horror

Montgomery's 8-7 loss in 13 innings to Mississippi included some infamous statistics.

The Biscuits left 16 runners on base, struck out 16 times, didn't have a hit between the fourth and 13th innings and lost the longest game in team history -- 4 hours, 17 minutes.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Below the Radar: Sonnanstine baffles opposing hitters

By A. Stacy Long
Montgomery Advertiser


The forceful sentence is a surprise from Andy Sonnanstine, whose quiet nature doesn't lead to colorful quotes.

He's a pitcher whose lack of radar gun-popping fastball has left doubts that he can succeed at the next level.

However, at each step, Sonnanstine has succeeded, especially this year with the Montgomery Biscuits, and taken the renewed doubts as inspiration.

"I just like proving people wrong," Sonnanstine said. "And I think I have."

Sonnanstine was the Southern League's winningest pitcher. He set a Tampa Bay organizational record for victories, pieced together an impressive streak and helped the Biscuits reach the playoffs for the first time.

Without Sonnanstine, Montgomery wouldn't be starting a best-of-five playoff series tonight with the Jacksonville Suns.

Sonnanstine, named the Biscuits' most valuable player by the Advertiser, has a fastball that barely leans past 90 mph, but his array of off-speed pitches, deliveries and arm angles puzzled hitters all season.

"He's been a lot of fun to watch," manager Charlie Montoyo said. "You don't know what pitch he's going to throw next or what angle he's going to throw it from. He's been unbelievable."

Sonnanstine, 23, was near the top of the Southern League in every major pitching category. His 15 wins tied him with Jacksonville's Spike Lundberg for first. His 2.67 ERA ranked third. His 153 strikes were second, two behind Jacksonville's T.J. Nall.

Sonnanstine also threw a league-high 1852/3 innings and led all of minor-league baseball with four shutouts.

Sonnanstine said he was "very proud" of his shutout total -- all of which came during a nine-start win streak. He could have had a few more.

The Devil Rays, fearing Sonnanstine's workload, backed off his pitch count. The complete games ended.

"I feel it hinders me a little bit, but it's probably in my best interest," Sonnanstine said. "I never like coming out of a game, especially if I have thrown 80-something or 90-something pitches and I feel like I have another inning in me. It's not an option."

Sonnanstine was the first 15-game winner in Tampa Bay's history, a year after he tied the mark with a combined 14-5 at two Class A levels.

He also did it concentrating on two pitches he previously rarely used.

Biscuits pitching coach Xavier Hernandez started preaching the benefits of the change-up to Sonnanstine two years ago at Class A Charleston, S.C.

This year, Hernandez further harped on the change-up and forced Sonnanstine to use it. The results were promising.

It helped Sonnanstine erase a past question about him regarding left-handed hitters. They had raked Sonnanstine last year more than 50 points better than right-handers.

This season, righties hit .222 off him, lefties .227.

"His change-up has been a very, very good pitch for him this year," Hernandez said. "I don't know if it's a quality major-league pitch, but it keeps hitters off his fastball, especially the left-handers."

Though his season statistics stacked up among the best, Sonnanstine didn't have a stellar start in Class AA. After 13 starts, he was 3-6 with a 4.66 ERA, not MVP material.

On June 13, Sonnanstine started a season-saving streak that didn't end until August.

"I was debating whether I belonged in this league and this level," Sonnanstine said. "I had that streak and everything started working out."

He was the league's player of the month for July and registered his four shutouts.

"I really tried hard not to think about it, just ride that wave until it crashes," Sonnanstine said. "Around six or seven is when it started creeping into my mind a little bit.

"You start to get some teams really gunning for you. It's like you have a bull's-eye on your back."

Next year, Sonnanstine will be back answering the same questions, probably at the Class AAA level. Can he get more-developed hitters out? Does his guile and craftiness overcome a lack of overpowering velocity?

"No matter who you're talking to, whether it's a hitter or a scout, 91 is hard," Sonnanstine said. "It's not 95, but you can change the tempo in your windup, you can throw a change-up.

"Hitting is all timing and I try to do everything in my power to mess that up."

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

The Biscuits continue to beat the Suns. Last night in the first game of the South Division Championship, they got a comeback victory.

In the second inning Jacksonville took a 1-0 lead and extended it to 3-0 in the third inning.

But in the Biscuits exploded to score four runs in the seventh. The Biscuits' bullpen managed to hold the lead.

Tonight is game two in Jacksonville.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Here is a great article taken from the Biscuits' site.

Thursday, September 7, 2006
For Immediate Release Contact: Jim Tocco
(334) 323-0363

Tocco, Gallant win Southern League awards

Marietta, Ga. -- Montgomery Biscuits broadcaster Jim Tocco was named Southern League Broadcaster of the Year and Matt Gallant was named Best Visiting Clubhouse Attedant today, the Southern League announced.

The broadcasting award was voted upon by the league's broadcasters and general managers; the clubhouse attendant award is voted upon by league field managers and umpires. The Southern League's year-end awards are announced each year at the beginning of the SL Playoffs.

Tocco, an eight-year veteran, is the lead broadcaster for all Biscuits games on the team's radio network and Internet site. Through his career, he has broadcast more than 900 minor league games and 12 Major League games (with the Montreal Expos in 2003 and 2004).

"Receiving this award is particularly overwhelming because it is voted upon by peers and colleagues," Tocco said. "It's most humbling to be honored by the broadcasters and general managers of the league."

Tocco, 30, has been with the Biscuits since their inaugural season in 2004. Prior to that, he worked for the Midwest League Champion Lansing Lugnuts (A - Midwest League) in 2003, the Charleston AlleyCats (A - South Atlantic League) in 2001 and 2002, the Wilmington Blue Rocks (A - Carolina League) in 2000 and the Charleston RiverDogs (A - South Atlantic League) in 1999.

Tocco has worked for Professional Sports Marketing since they purchased the Charleston AlleyCats in the 2001 season. He is a full-time employee and is responsible for a number of marketing duties, including graphic design and website development.

The North Olmsted, Ohio native graduated from Bowling Green State University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism in 1998. He joins current Southern League broadcasters Tom Hart, Curt Bloom, Patrick Kinas and Larry Ward as a winner of the award.

Gallant, a four-year veteran as a visiting clubhouse attendant, has been with the Biscuits since 2005. In 2003 and 2004, he was the visiting clubhouse attendant for the Princeton Devil Rays (Rookie - Appalachian League).

Gallant got his start in baseball as the head baseball coach and equipment manager for Fitchburg State College 1999-2002. The native of Bedford, Mass. graduated from Bridgewater State College in 1999 with a bachelor's degree in Physical Education and a minor in Recreation.

Also receiving awards today were Ryuji Araki (Chattanooga; Trainer of the Year), Ed Attalla (Jacksonville; Groundskeeper of the Year) and Doug Segrest (Birmingham; Sportswriter of the Year).

The Biscuits begin their first ever postseason appearance tonight with a 6:05 CST game against the Jacksonville Suns. Game 1 of the best-of-five Southern League Divisional Championship Series features Montgomery's Jeff Niemann against the Suns' Spike Lundberg. Tocco and broadcast partner Jesse Goldberg-Strassler can be heard calling the action on Newsradio 1440 and on the club's website at www.biscuitsbaseball.com. The pre-game show begins at 5:40 CST.

Way to go Jim. We're proud of you. :clapping :clapping :clapping

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits beat the Suns at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville 4-2 in a very exiting game.

IMO the man of the match was Andy Sonnanstine. He got into problems a few times, but always managed to pitch out of these jams. He pitched seven innings without allowing a Suns' runner to touch home plate. Sonnanstine struck out 9 and walked just 1. Because he got into trouble a few times, Sonnanstine threw a lot of pitches, getting close to 120 in seven innings.

With a commanding 4-0 lead in the eighth Sonnanstine was replaced by Jeremy Flanagan. He got into trouble immediately. He gave the leadoff batter, Brad Cresse, a free pass to first. Then A.J. Zapp singled to advance Cresse to third. On a ground out (4-3) by Chin Lung Hu A.J. Zapp advanced to second base and Cresse could score. Flanagan's outing didn't last long. After this play he was replaced by Brian Henderson. But he got a bad start as well.
While facing the first batter (Wilkin Ruan) he threw a wild pitch on which Zapp could reach third base. Ruan grounded out 6-3, but on this play Zapp could score Jacksonville's second run.
In the bottom of the ninth Henderson was replaced by closer Jean Machi, who pitched a perfect inning, striking out 1.

The Biscuits got a one run lead in the second inning. Jeremy Owens reached first and advanced to second on a fielding error by Blake Dewitt. Ryan Christianson hit a infield hit to third to reach first base.
Then Elliot Johnson gave a perfect example how one should not run the bases. He hit a fly ball to left. The ball ricoheted (I hope I don't missspell this) of the outfield wall. But Johnson only had eye for the ball so he passed Ryan Christianson at first base. Christianson waited until the ball touched the ground. According to the rules, Johnson was called out for passing a baserunner. On the hit Christianson could reach third and Jeremy Owens scored the opening run.

The Biscuits' second run came in the fourth inning. On a homerun by Ryan Christianson. Christianson, who is on a diet because of his diabetes, says he has lost a lot of weight and therefore a lot of power. His homerun touched the top of the outfield wall.

The third run was scored in the fifth. Leadoff batter Reid Brignac walked. He could advance on a 5-3 ground out by John Raburn. Justin Ruggiano drove in Brignac on a line drive single to right field.

In the seventh inning the Biscuits started with a walk. Reid Brignac got on base. While John Raburn was batting, Brignac stole second base. After Raburn struck out looking, Justin Ruggiano singled to right. Brignac could score the fourth run on this hit.

Tonight is the third game, but from now on both teams will play at Riverwalk Stadium.

If the Biscuits will win just one more game, their next opponent will probably be Huntsville. The Stars has taken a commanding two game lead in their series vs the Chattanooga Lookouts. The Stars slaughtered the Lookouts 12-3 last night.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I had to post this nice aerial view of Riverwalk Stadium

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Great view from the outfield picknick tables. Maybe the best view in the house.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

The right field concourse

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits beat the Jacksonville Suns 2-0 in a pitchers duel at Riverwalk Stadium.

Mitch Talbot pitched a complete shut out game in which he struck out 14 (!) Suns and walked none. The Suns managed to collect only 5 hits on Talbot.

Suns' SP T.J. Nall did very well too. He pitched eight shutout innings, to fan 8 and walked one. The Biscuits only got three base hits on Nall.

In the bottom of the third, with one out Gabriel Martinez reached third base on a fly out to center field by Ryan Christianson. But the Biscuits failed to move him to home plate. It was the closest the Biscuits would come until the ninth.

In the top of the ninth the Suns' Jimmy Rohan got on base with a line drive single. He advanced to second base on a ground ball single by Tony Abreu. Then Tydus Meadows singled on a ground ball to right field. Rohan passed third and charged home. But with a perfect throw from right by Justin Ruggiano he was nailed at the plate.

Then in the bottom of the ninth, the Suns replaced T.J. Nall with Mark Alexander. With one out, John Raburn singled to left. On a wild pitch of Alexander and a throwing error of catcher Brad Cresse, Raburn could go to third. Then with two outs, Evan Longoria hit a pitch over the left field fence to get the walk off win.

Jim Tocco, normally a quiet person, who sometimes raises his voice, went insane. I have never heard him exploding like this :p . Here is a link if you want to hear: http://www.biscuitsbaseball.com/games/90906.html

The Biscuits will face the Huntsville stars in the Southern League Championship Series. The series will start on Tuesday in Huntsville.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Here is another picture I found.

[DriftersGM]

I was at the game vs. Jacksonville, and it was one of the best games the Skits have played. Talbot was very impressive, as was his opposition Nall. Nalls curve even had the fans knees buckling, and it looked from the start to be a pitchers duel.

The play of the game was the thrown out runner at home, and Ruggiano made it look easy, getting the runner by at least two full steps.

Longorias shot may not have been the deepest one in the parks history, but it was still on the way up when everyone knew the game was about to end in victory.

The autograph signing after was a hoot, as the players were elated and Talbot was on top of the world with Evan Longoria while meeting the fans.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I was at the game vs. Jacksonville, and it was one of the best games the Skits have played. Talbot was very impressive, as was his opposition Nall. Nalls curve even had the fans knees buckling, and it looked from the start to be a pitchers duel.

The play of the game was the thrown out runner at home, and Ruggiano made it look easy, getting the runner by at least two full steps.

Longorias shot may not have been the deepest one in the parks history, but it was still on the way up when everyone knew the game was about to end in victory.

The autograph signing after was a hoot, as the players were elated and Talbot was on top of the world with Evan Longoria while meeting the fans.

Hi there Drifters GM. I wish I could be there. On the radio it was still awesome to hear.

First I thought you were a new member, but then I saw you are around since April 2005.

I read your earlier posts, you seem to be a Biscuits fan as well. Feel free to contribute to this thread. I like to run this thread, but sometimes it feels like I am doing a one man show.

Do you know if there is a way to watch these games on my computer? I can't find anything on MiLB.com. Neither on the TV station that cooperates with the Biscuits.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I found this interesting article on MiLB.com. It predicts the Biscuits as winners. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Southern League Championship Series Preview
Montgomery Biscuits vs. Huntsville Stars
By Lisa Winston / MLB.com


SL Championship Preview

Montgomery Biscuits vs. Huntsville Stars
(Best-of-5)
Game 1: Tue., Sept. 12 -- Montgomery at Huntsville, 7:05 p.m. ET (Jeff Niemann vs. Tim Dillard)

Game 2: Wed., Sept. 13 -- Montgomery at Huntsville, 7:05 p.m. ET

Game 3: Thu., Sept. 14 -- Huntsville at Montgomery, 8:05 p.m. ET

Game 4: Fri., Sept. 15 -- Huntsville at Montgomery, 8:05 p.m. ET (if necessary)

Game 5: Sat., Sept. 16 -- Huntsville at Montgomery 8:05 p.m. ET (if necessary)

Season series: Montgomery, 5-4.

Due to the odd and unbalanced schedule in the 10-team Southern League, you can pretty much throw out the results since all nine of the teams' head-to-head games (there was a rainout that was never made up) were played by May 11. Many of the top stars on both teams were not involved in any of those contests, among them Montgomery's Game 1 starter Jeff Niemann, pitcher Mitch Talbot who was brilliant in Game 3, infielders Reid Brignac and Evan Longoria, and red-hot hitters Johnny Raburn and Justin Ruggiano, as well as Huntsville's three young starters Yovani Gallardo, Steve Hammond and Manny Parra, slugging third baseman Ryan Braun, and first baseman Brad Nelson, who was the Stars' top hitter in the semifinals.

Head-to-head:

Montgomery
The Biscuits batted .247 against the Stars in their nine games and posted a 2.77 ERA. OF Jeremy Owens had the most success of any hitter on either team in head-to-head competition, batting .321. 2B Elliot Johnson hit .281 with a pair of homers. DH Michael Coleman hit .273. The only two members of the Montgomery rotation to face Huntsville were ace Andrew Sonnanstine (0-2, 3.95 in two starters) and starter/reliever Tony Peguero (2.70 in two starts).

Huntsville
Given the fact that Huntsville was 24-45 in the first half, it's not surprising that the Stars hit just .202 against Montgomery, though they could boast a 2.34 ERA. RHP Tim Dillard, who did not pitch in the semifinals but is slated to start the opener of the finals, had a 2.38 ERA in two starts, while veteran Corey Thurman had an 0-2 record but a 3.00 ERA in two starts. Among the hitters who are still there, 2B Callix Crabbe batted .200, OF Steve Moss hit .154, C Lou Palmisano batted .063 and OF Ron Acuna batted .188. Only SS Ozzie Chavez had any success with a .290 average.

Who's Hot, Who's Not?

Montgomery
Ruggiano, who had missed the last several days of the regular season with strep throat, returned to face his former team, Jacksonville, and hit a semifinal series-best .417 with three RBIs in three games. Sonnanstine tossed seven shutout innings in his semifinal outing, walking one and striking out nine. Longoria delivered a two-run walk-off homer in the clincher and hit .308 in the semifinals. Talbot, acquired from Houston in the midseason trade for Aubrey Huff, fanned 14 without walking a batter in the clincher, sparkling with a complete game five-hit shutout. Johnson hit .308 in the semifinals while Owens and Raburn both hit .400. Brignac went 0-for-11 in the semifinal series, while Coleman hit just .125 though he did add a homer.

Huntsville
The Stars had brilliant starting pitching in their three-game sweep of Chattanooga. Thurman got things started in the opener with seven innings of two-hit shutout ball. Gallardo went six innings in his start, striking out 10 and giving up one run on four hits in his eighth double-digit strikeout game of the summer. In the clincher, Parra allowed two runs over five innings, fanning eight. Acuna and Nelson each hit .333 in the semifinals, while SS Brendan Katin batted .300 and Crabbe and Palmisano hit .273 apiece. Braun batted just .231 in the three-game set, while Moss hit just .214.

On the mound

Montgomery
Niemann, the announced starter for Game 1, was the Devil Rays' first pick in 2004 out of Rice. Joining the club in late May as he came off of injury rehab, he was 5-5 with a 2.68 ERA in 77 1/3 innings. The Biscuits have not announced the rest of the rotation, but if it follows suit with the semifinal plan, you would see Sonnanstine in Game 2, Talbot in Game 3, LHP Jason Cromer in Game 4 and Peguero in Game 5. Sonnanstine, a Southern League All-Star, was 15-8 with a 2.67 ERA during the regular season. Talbot posted a 1.90 ERA in his time with the Biscuits post-trade, leading all Southern League pitchers with 47 strikeouts in August. Cromer tossed five shutout innings in his last regular-season start to lower his ERA to 2.58. Peguero posted a 2.97 ERA on the season, seeing time in both relief and the rotation.

Huntsville
Gallardo is one of the leading contenders for Minor League Pitcher of the Year with a 1.86 ERA and a Minor League-best 188 strikeouts in 155 innings between Advanced-A Brevard County and Huntsville. However due to his innings total, he may not pitch again this series. The pre-playoff word had been that he would pitch one more game in the playoffs, so his masterful six innings in Game 2 may have been Gallardo's last game. Similarly, Hammond (2.93) was in the same situation, but due to the three-game sweep he did not pitch in the semifinals so would still be available to the Stars when called upon. Thurman was seventh in the league with a 2.96 ERA, as he returned from shoulder surgery which had wiped out virtually all of 2005. Dillard was fourth in the league with 10 wins and had a 3.15 ERA. Parra posted a 2.96 ERA at Brevard before joining the Stars in August and a 2.87 ERA in six starts after that.

At the plate

Montgomery
Brignac was the California League MVP before joining Montgomery, hitting .326 with 21 homers and 83 RBIs there. Combined between the two stops he's ranked among the Minor League leaders in hits (sixth), runs (ninth) and total bases (sixth). Longoria was the club's top pick this past June out of Long Beach State, and he hit six home runs and had 19 RBIs after joining the Biscuits in August. Ruggiano ranked among the Southern League leaders in doubles, on-base average and slugging as well as runs scored between Jacksonville and Montgomery. Raburn, a utility infielder who has been a sparkplug everywhere, hit .290 with 20 steals. Veteran Coleman led the team with 17 home runs. Johnson has power for the middle infield and hit .281 with 15 homers, 50 RBIs and 20 steals.

Huntsville
Crabbe is a force at the top of the lineup with 32 steals, fourth in the Southern League. He hit .361 with 17 of his steals in August alone. Braun, the Brewers' first pick in 2005, joined the team after the All-Star break and hit .309 with 15 home runs and 40 RBIs. Nelson was hot down the stretch with a .333 average, four home runs and 16 RBIs in August.

Points of Interest

Both teams in the all-Alabama championship series were second-half division champions who won their first two semifinal games on the road and came home to complete the three-game sweeps. As a result, even with bumping up the starting date for the best-of-5 finals from Wednesday, Sept. 13, to Tuesday, Sept. 12, both teams will be able to adjust their pitching rotations to their best advantage. ... Huntsville has got three Southern League titles under its belt, most recently in 2001 when the Stars were named co-champions with Jacksonville, as the series was canceled due to 9/11. This is their 11th postseason appearance. ... The Stars got their nickname because of nearby NASA operations.

Series Could Turn On

These two teams are evenly matched and both came into the postseason riding hot streaks. With time to set their rotations to maximum advantage, but with little relevant head-to-head results to go on, this becomes an even harder one to call because of the wild-card status of two of Huntsville's young pitchers, Steven Hammond and Yovani Gallardo. Montgomery, however, is in good shape with five strong starters ready to roll in whatever order the Biscuits see fit to use them, and that's why we're going with this pick.

Our prediction: Montgomery.

Lisa Winston is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

[Brownie31]

I found this interesting article on MiLB.com. It predicts the Biscuits as winners. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Southern League Championship Series Preview
Montgomery Biscuits vs. Huntsville Stars
By Lisa Winston / MLB.com


SL Championship Preview

Montgomery Biscuits vs. Huntsville Stars
(Best-of-5)
Game 1: Tue., Sept. 12 -- Montgomery at Huntsville, 7:05 p.m. ET (Jeff Niemann vs. Tim Dillard)

Game 2: Wed., Sept. 13 -- Montgomery at Huntsville, 7:05 p.m. ET

Game 3: Thu., Sept. 14 -- Huntsville at Montgomery, 8:05 p.m. ET

Game 4: Fri., Sept. 15 -- Huntsville at Montgomery, 8:05 p.m. ET (if necessary)

Game 5: Sat., Sept. 16 -- Huntsville at Montgomery 8:05 p.m. ET (if necessary)

Season series: Montgomery, 5-4.

Due to the odd and unbalanced schedule in the 10-team Southern League, you can pretty much throw out the results since all nine of the teams' head-to-head games (there was a rainout that was never made up) were played by May 11. Many of the top stars on both teams were not involved in any of those contests, among them Montgomery's Game 1 starter Jeff Niemann, pitcher Mitch Talbot who was brilliant in Game 3, infielders Reid Brignac and Evan Longoria, and red-hot hitters Johnny Raburn and Justin Ruggiano, as well as Huntsville's three young starters Yovani Gallardo, Steve Hammond and Manny Parra, slugging third baseman Ryan Braun, and first baseman Brad Nelson, who was the Stars' top hitter in the semifinals.

Head-to-head:

Montgomery
The Biscuits batted .247 against the Stars in their nine games and posted a 2.77 ERA. OF Jeremy Owens had the most success of any hitter on either team in head-to-head competition, batting .321. 2B Elliot Johnson hit .281 with a pair of homers. DH Michael Coleman hit .273. The only two members of the Montgomery rotation to face Huntsville were ace Andrew Sonnanstine (0-2, 3.95 in two starters) and starter/reliever Tony Peguero (2.70 in two starts).

Huntsville
Given the fact that Huntsville was 24-45 in the first half, it's not surprising that the Stars hit just .202 against Montgomery, though they could boast a 2.34 ERA. RHP Tim Dillard, who did not pitch in the semifinals but is slated to start the opener of the finals, had a 2.38 ERA in two starts, while veteran Corey Thurman had an 0-2 record but a 3.00 ERA in two starts. Among the hitters who are still there, 2B Callix Crabbe batted .200, OF Steve Moss hit .154, C Lou Palmisano batted .063 and OF Ron Acuna batted .188. Only SS Ozzie Chavez had any success with a .290 average.

Who's Hot, Who's Not?

Montgomery
Ruggiano, who had missed the last several days of the regular season with strep throat, returned to face his former team, Jacksonville, and hit a semifinal series-best .417 with three RBIs in three games. Sonnanstine tossed seven shutout innings in his semifinal outing, walking one and striking out nine. Longoria delivered a two-run walk-off homer in the clincher and hit .308 in the semifinals. Talbot, acquired from Houston in the midseason trade for Aubrey Huff, fanned 14 without walking a batter in the clincher, sparkling with a complete game five-hit shutout. Johnson hit .308 in the semifinals while Owens and Raburn both hit .400. Brignac went 0-for-11 in the semifinal series, while Coleman hit just .125 though he did add a homer.

Huntsville
The Stars had brilliant starting pitching in their three-game sweep of Chattanooga. Thurman got things started in the opener with seven innings of two-hit shutout ball. Gallardo went six innings in his start, striking out 10 and giving up one run on four hits in his eighth double-digit strikeout game of the summer. In the clincher, Parra allowed two runs over five innings, fanning eight. Acuna and Nelson each hit .333 in the semifinals, while SS Brendan Katin batted .300 and Crabbe and Palmisano hit .273 apiece. Braun batted just .231 in the three-game set, while Moss hit just .214.

On the mound

Montgomery
Niemann, the announced starter for Game 1, was the Devil Rays' first pick in 2004 out of Rice. Joining the club in late May as he came off of injury rehab, he was 5-5 with a 2.68 ERA in 77 1/3 innings. The Biscuits have not announced the rest of the rotation, but if it follows suit with the semifinal plan, you would see Sonnanstine in Game 2, Talbot in Game 3, LHP Jason Cromer in Game 4 and Peguero in Game 5. Sonnanstine, a Southern League All-Star, was 15-8 with a 2.67 ERA during the regular season. Talbot posted a 1.90 ERA in his time with the Biscuits post-trade, leading all Southern League pitchers with 47 strikeouts in August. Cromer tossed five shutout innings in his last regular-season start to lower his ERA to 2.58. Peguero posted a 2.97 ERA on the season, seeing time in both relief and the rotation.

Huntsville
Gallardo is one of the leading contenders for Minor League Pitcher of the Year with a 1.86 ERA and a Minor League-best 188 strikeouts in 155 innings between Advanced-A Brevard County and Huntsville. However due to his innings total, he may not pitch again this series. The pre-playoff word had been that he would pitch one more game in the playoffs, so his masterful six innings in Game 2 may have been Gallardo's last game. Similarly, Hammond (2.93) was in the same situation, but due to the three-game sweep he did not pitch in the semifinals so would still be available to the Stars when called upon. Thurman was seventh in the league with a 2.96 ERA, as he returned from shoulder surgery which had wiped out virtually all of 2005. Dillard was fourth in the league with 10 wins and had a 3.15 ERA. Parra posted a 2.96 ERA at Brevard before joining the Stars in August and a 2.87 ERA in six starts after that.

At the plate

Montgomery
Brignac was the California League MVP before joining Montgomery, hitting .326 with 21 homers and 83 RBIs there. Combined between the two stops he's ranked among the Minor League leaders in hits (sixth), runs (ninth) and total bases (sixth). Longoria was the club's top pick this past June out of Long Beach State, and he hit six home runs and had 19 RBIs after joining the Biscuits in August. Ruggiano ranked among the Southern League leaders in doubles, on-base average and slugging as well as runs scored between Jacksonville and Montgomery. Raburn, a utility infielder who has been a sparkplug everywhere, hit .290 with 20 steals. Veteran Coleman led the team with 17 home runs. Johnson has power for the middle infield and hit .281 with 15 homers, 50 RBIs and 20 steals.

Huntsville
Crabbe is a force at the top of the lineup with 32 steals, fourth in the Southern League. He hit .361 with 17 of his steals in August alone. Braun, the Brewers' first pick in 2005, joined the team after the All-Star break and hit .309 with 15 home runs and 40 RBIs. Nelson was hot down the stretch with a .333 average, four home runs and 16 RBIs in August.

Points of Interest

Both teams in the all-Alabama championship series were second-half division champions who won their first two semifinal games on the road and came home to complete the three-game sweeps. As a result, even with bumping up the starting date for the best-of-5 finals from Wednesday, Sept. 13, to Tuesday, Sept. 12, both teams will be able to adjust their pitching rotations to their best advantage. ... Huntsville has got three Southern League titles under its belt, most recently in 2001 when the Stars were named co-champions with Jacksonville, as the series was canceled due to 9/11. This is their 11th postseason appearance. ... The Stars got their nickname because of nearby NASA operations.

Series Could Turn On

These two teams are evenly matched and both came into the postseason riding hot streaks. With time to set their rotations to maximum advantage, but with little relevant head-to-head results to go on, this becomes an even harder one to call because of the wild-card status of two of Huntsville's young pitchers, Steven Hammond and Yovani Gallardo. Montgomery, however, is in good shape with five strong starters ready to roll in whatever order the Biscuits see fit to use them, and that's why we're going with this pick.

Our prediction: Montgomery.

Lisa Winston is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

I'll predict Montgomery also. It sure wasn't the Birmingham Barons.
They stunk this year-out of the playoffs for the first time since
1999.

The first Barons team of the 21st Century not in the playoffs!

Brownie31

[ez906]

i'm predicting a biscuits win....of course!

thank you to yankeebiscuitsfan for posting SO much useful information and for posting the excellent photos of the ballpark.

welcome back, brownie31, long time no see.:waving

ez906

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

i'm predicting a biscuits win....of course!

thank you to yankeebiscuitsfan for posting SO much useful information and for posting the excellent photos of the ballpark.

welcome back, brownie31, long time no see.:waving

ez906

Thank you for the kind words ez906. I am crazy about the Biscuits, so that makes it easy to run this thread. But I would like it if some more people would contribute.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

September 12, 2006

Raburn's versatility has been a key for Biscuits this season
By A. Stacy Long
Montgomery Advertiser


The Montgomery Biscuits were starting batting practice Monday when Johnny Raburn approached hitting coach Mako Oliveras with a regular question.

"Mako, what order are we going in?" Raburn asked.

Oliveras quickly listed how batting practice would proceed: designated hitters, catchers, infielders and outfielders, in that order.

Oliveras then made a joke that had a strong tinge of truth to it.

"Johnny, you do it all, so you stay up here the whole time," Oliveras said.

The Biscuits start the Southern League championship series today in Huntsville and Raburn will be in the starting lineup, but his position will be less predictable.

Raburn has turned into a key player in Montgomery's late-season run because he can play so many positions and play them well.

He has six positions on his 2006 resume -- only center field, pitcher and catcher have escaped him -- and has settled into the middle of Montgomery's order, though he lacks power.

"With a 23-man roster, a guy like Raburn is invaluable," Montgomery manager Charlie Montoyo said. "He can play everywhere.

"He's been one of our MVPs."

And there's so much more to Raburn.

He's a seventh-year pro
who has closer ties to the minor leagues than any other Biscuit and who has played for three different organizations and seven teams, including Huntsville.

Raburn has a brother who is one of Detroit's top prospects and a wife who works for Minor League Baseball.

Ryan Raburn is a second baseman for Class AAA Toledo, which is playing for a second straight International League title.

Wife Heather works in marketing for Minor League Baseball, which means she has some perspective on the transient lifestyle Johnny leads.

They'll soon celebrate their third wedding anniversary. Son Jace will turn 2 this fall.

"I was blessed enough to find a wife who understands what we do every day," Raburn said. "She's very supportive. God blessed me when I was able to find her."

During the season, they don't see each other often. Plans to do so have also been foiled. Johnny was with Class AAA Durham and Heather was set to visit in mid-May, only for Johnny to be demoted to Class AA Montgomery.

The family has visited on each of the Biscuits' trips to Jacksonville since.

"With work and finances, she hasn't been able to come up as much," Raburn said.

The two met when Raburn played for Angels affiliate Rancho Cucamonga in 2002 and married a year later. Through an odd set of job changes, the couple relocated to Florida before the 2005 season.

Heather accepted an offer with Minor League Baseball, which is based in St. Petersburg, Fla. Johnny, who had joined the Brewers' system the year they met, learned he was headed in that direction, too.

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays had taken him in the minor-league Rule V draft.

"Everything was pointing to St. Petersburg, Fla.," Raburn said. "Everything worked out great."

Last year, he spent the whole season in Montgomery, played every infield position and left field, and hit .284. He even pitched once.

This year, Raburn fell two hits shy of a .300 season. He finished at .295 with 47 runs scored and 32 RBIs from all over the field.

"He's played every position out there and he's played them darn good," catcher Ryan Christianson said. "At the plate, he knows hot to make contact, he can bunt, he can move guys over.

"He's very valuable to this team."

Montoyo moved Raburn to the third spot in the batting order recently and has left him there, despite Raburn only having three career home runs. "And all three were luck," Raburn said.

Reasons: his speed (20 steals this year) and his eye (47 walks, 47 strikeouts).

"He can do pretty much everything," second baseman Elliot Johnson said, "and his bat is always going to be there."

Raburn is now hoping to add his first championship ring with his first playoff experience. His brother won one last year at Toledo -- and could add another. Raburn wants to at least keep pace.

"Right now, he's one up on me," Raburn said. "I either want to even it up, or maybe he'll still be one up on me."

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Due to lack of time I post a copy of the game summary written by Jim Tocco, the radio announcer of the Montgomery Biscuits.

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Biscuits lose sloppy Game 1, 6-4


HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- The Montgomery Biscuits lost two leads, walked seven, committed five errors in the field a handed Game One of the Southern League Championship Series to the Huntsville Stars, 6-4, Tuesday night at Joe W. Davis Stadium.

The Stars took the game's final lead in the home half of the eighth. Biscuits closer Jean Machi had come in to preserve a 4-3 lead. The closer allowed a Jeff Eure single up the middle, and as the following two hitters, Lou Palmisano and Ozzie Chavez, tried to move the runners along with sacrifice bunts, Machi could not find the strike zone. He walked both hitters to load the bases. Although Machi would only be around to see one of them score, all three would come home. Errors by left-side infielders Evan Longoria and Reid Brignac scored two runs and a Ryan Braun sacrifice fly scored another.

The sloppy inning was the worst of three consecutive ugly innings for the Biscuits.

Biscuits starter Jeff Niemann entered the sixth inning with a 2-0 lead but lost the lead and a no-hitter in the inning after allowing a pair of singles and three walks, two with the bases loaded. Niemann left the game before the inning ended, ceding to Tony Peguero, who endured a difficult seventh inning.

In that frame, Steve Moss's swinging bunt got him on base as Peguero bobbled the 10-foot hit. Moss scored on an error by second baseman Elliot Johnson.

Still, after the Biscuits handed over the lead, they earned it back.

In the top of the eighth, Justin Ruggiano led off with a single and Evan Longoria doubled for his third hit of the game. Then Michael Coleman bounced a single up the middle to score them both.

The Biscuits built their initial 2-0 lead against Stars pitcher Tim Dillard with individual runs in the third and fifth. Jason Pridie led off the third with a triple and scored on a Johnson single, and Brignac hit a solo homer in the fifth.

Joe Valentine pitched a perfect ninth to earn the save.

Montgomery's quest for the Southern League championship continues Wednesday night at 6:05. Starter Andy Sonnanstine takes on Huntsville righty Corey Thurman

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

09/12/2006

http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com

Devil Rays Headlines

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Devil Rays and the Montgomery Biscuits today agreed on a two-year extension of their current player development contract ensuring the minor league franchise will remain a Devil Rays affiliate in the Class AA Southern League through the 2008 season.
"We're very proud to extend our agreement with the Montgomery Biscuits," said Mitch Lukevics, Rays Director of Minor League Operations. "We've had a wonderful relationship and we look forward to continued success there."

The Biscuits and Rays brought baseball back to Montgomery in 2004 after a 24-year absence. Montgomery tonight, will begin play in the Southern League Championship Series looking for the city's first league championship since 1977.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Montgomery Biscuits beat up the Huntsville Stars to tie the SLCS 1-1.

Until the fifth inning the score was tied 0-0.

In the bottom of the fifth inning the Biscuits exploded for six runs. It all started with a solo shot by Evan Longoria. Afterwards Michael Coleman was hit by a pitch. He reached third base on a ground ball by Patrick Breen. Eventually Coleman could score on sac fly by Ryan Christianson to center. Breen advanced to second on this sac fly.
Then Jason Pridie hit a grounder to left to advance Patrick Breen to third.
The next batter, Elliot Johnson doubled on a line drive to right field; Patrick Breen could score the third run of the Biscuits and Jason Pridie reached third. This wasn't the end of the pounding of Corey Thurman. Reid Brignac also doubled to right field to score Jason Pridie and Elliot Johnson.
Then the Stars replaced Corey Thurman with Matt Yeatman. The Stars had to take one more run before Yeatman could stop the Biscuits' rally. Johnny Raburn hit a double on a line drive to left field. Reid Brignac scored the sixth run of the Biscuits.

The bottom of the fifth started the same as the top; with a solo shot (by Jeffrey Eure). This was the start of a Suns' rally in which they scored another three runs.

In the top of the Evan Longoria walked with two outs. He stole second base while Michael Coleman was batting. Then Michael Coleman hit a homerun over the left field fence to make it 8-4.

In the top of the eighth, Ryan Christianson reached first base on a strike three wild pitch. Jason Pridie homered to right field to extend the score to 10-4.

In the ninth the Biscuits scored their final run of this game. Evan Longoria reached second on a fielding error and on a throwing error by third baseman Ryan Braun. With two outs, Ryan Christianson doubled to left field to score Evan Longoria.

Biscuits' SP Andy Sonnanstine earned the win, by pitching 7 innings, fanning 6 and walking 2. Sonnanstine was touched for four runs.

Tonight is game three in Montgomery.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

A lovely Montgomery sun set.

[adamf]

Biscut fans, Project Prospect (http://www.projectprospect.com) has just scheduled an interview with Evan Longoria. If you have any questions that you want me to ask him, post them here and I'll do my best to get them into the mix.


Adam Foster
Founder of Project Prospect

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Biscut fans, Project Prospect (http://www.projectprospect.com) has just scheduled an interview with Evan Longoria. If you have any questions that you want me to ask him, post them here and I'll do my best to get them into the mix.


Adam Foster
Founder of Project Prospect

I have one.

Does he have any idea why his star is rising so fast?
I mean, two years ago he was regarded as a mediocre ball player at best, and now he is (one of) the top prospect(s) of the Devil Rays' organisation.

Thank you.

[adamf]

I have one.

Does he have any idea why his star is rising so fast?
I mean, two years ago he was regarded as a mediocre ball player at best, and now he is (one of) the top prospect(s) of the Devil Rays' organisation.

Thank you.

Great question! Keep them coming...I'll likely be sending Evan my questions within the next 6 hours - still trying to build up the credibility to get phone interviews.

[ez906]

i'd like to hear about evan's background.

how did he get to where he is now?

[ez906]

:clapping wow, Wow, WOW!!!

one more game to get now! :gt

[adamf]

i'd like to hear about evan's background.

how did he get to where he is now?

I got into that a little bit in the interview, which hopefully will be on www.projectprospect.com by Monday...just depends on Evan's schedule.

[DriftersGM]

Last nights game was another exciting one, even tho it was a seven nothing victory. Mitch Talbot has been outstanding, and seemed unbeatable his last two games.

The crowd has been really into it, despite the fact the numbers are diminished in the seats, the ones there are the biggest supporters and very vocal.

The crowd plays into the game in more ways than one. Gabe, a biscuitfan who dwells on the 1b side, made sure of that last night. When Stars Pitching coach leaned out of the dugout to get a reliever warmed, Gabe leaned over the wall between the coach and his pen. The coach waved at the pitchers sitting on the bench against the wall, but they were oblivious to him. Gabe, however, waved back and said "Heya Coach!". While Gabe did eventually get the bullpens attention for their coach, he did cost em a couple tosses, and by the time they had warmed up it was too late. Just goes to show how friendly Biscuits fans are to the visitors hehehe

Coleman felt that the Stars pitcher had tossed at his head, and thats why he started the bench-clearing in his atbat after the homer.

The patrons along the 1b side just realized last night that the firing of the Durham coaches and manager not only means that Charlie Montoyo will likely go away next year, but so will coaches Mako Oliveras and X. Hernandez.

Hopefully we are about to see the Biscuits become the League Champs, and there will be a good crowd to see it.
Go biscuits!

[DriftersGM]

A couple more pics i have taken this season at the biscuit games

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Thanks for the nice pictures DGM.

It surprises me that with the League Championship Series, there isn't a sell out. I don't get it. Maybe this is because I am a real baseball fan (crazy about the 'Scits) and have no other sport to cheer for.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits took a 2-1 lead in the championship series by beating the Huntsville Stars 7-0.

In another astonishing outing, Mitch Talbot pitched a complete game, fanning 10, walking 2 and collecting only 5 hits.

In the third inning, the Biscuits opened the score like they used to do the last two games, by a homerun. This time it was Ryan Christianson who hit a solo shot to left field. Batting second, Jason Pridie hit a line drive single to left. Pridie advanced to second on a single ground ball to center by Elliot Johnson. Reid Brignac hit a fly out to center to move Pridie to third base. Pridie could score the second run on a force out /FC (1-6) by John Raburn.

The only run of the fourth inning was scored on a solo home run by Michael Coleman.

In the eighth the Biscuits got a rally going.
In Holland we have a saying in baseball: "With two outs, we are standing strong." It is a cliche, but it is oh so true.
With two outs, Justin Ruggiano walked. Then Evan Longoria hit a ground ball single to left field. Justin Ruggiano advanced to second base. Ruggiano scored on a ground ball single to center by Michael Coleman. Evan Longoria reached second base on this hit. An inside the park homerun by Jeremy Owens cleared the bases to seal Huntsville's fate: a 7-0 loss.

Tonight the Biscuits can win the Championship. The starting pitchers will be Jason Cromer for the Biscuits and Manny Parra for the Stars.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Hey, hey, hey...

Bottom third and the Biscuits leading 5-0. :dance :dance

18 outs to go. :gt

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Make that bottom fifth, score Biscuits 10, Stars 2.

I know it ain't over until it's over, but what can go wrong now?

:gt

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Just six more outs.

Score 12-4. :dance :clapping

[ez906]

THEY DID IT!!!

THE
MONTGOMERY BISCUITS
ARE THE
2006 SOUTHERN LEAGUE
CHAMPIONS

CONGRATULATIONS!

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Like the can't miss post of EZ906 already said: The Biscuits are the Southern League Champions of 2006.

They won it in style, beating up the Huntsville Stars 12-4.

In the bottom of the first inning, leadoff batter, Elliot Johnson, reached first on a bunt along the First base line. He reached second on a throwing error.
Elliot Johnson could score the opening run on a line drive to right by John Raburn.
After the first inning Stars’ SP Manny Parra, who struggled mightily, had thrown 27 pitches already.

In the second inning, Jeremy Owens opened the Biscuits’ at bat with a solo homerun to left field, making the score 2-0. Catcher Ryan Christianson struck out swinging for the first out.
Then Jason Pridie struck out swinging for the second out.
The top of the order came at bat again. Elliot Johnson hit a ground ball that touched third base and went to the left field. He advanced to third on this hit, where Charlie Montoyo waved him home. Too bad he was nailed at the plate, thanks to a nice throw by Stars’ left fielder Brendan Katin to shortstop Ozzie Chavez to catcher Lou Palmisano. Parra threw 40 pitches during the first two innings.

In the third inning, Reid Brignac, leading of the third, hit a fly out to left.
With one out, John Raburn hit a high hopper to the left side of the infield to beat the throw at first. Then Justin Ruggiano drew a walk again.
Evan Longoria hit a three run homerun to center, to extend the lead to 5-0.

Jason Cromer struggled a bit in the fourth inning.
Brandon Katin hit a stand up double to start the inning. He could score on a single by Jeffrey Eure. The next batter, Lou Palmisano, hit a sac bunt to third. Evan Longoria fired the ball to first for the first out. Then Chavez hit a infield hit on which Jeffrey Eure could reach third.
The next batter reached first on a FC force out. Evan Longoria fielded the ball and threw to second base. Chavez out at second. Jeffrey Eure could score the second run for the Stars.

In the bottom of the fourth inning the Stars relieved Manny Parra and brought Travis Phelps into the game. With one out, Phelps got into trouble already. Jason Pridie hit a line drive right down right field line on which he reached third.
Then Elliot Johnson hit a two run homerun over the center field wall, to make the score 7-2.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, Justin Ruggiano opened the fifth with a stand up double. Afterwards Evan Longoria got a free pass to first.
Michael Coleman filled in the cleanup role perfectly by hitting a three run homer and took Justin Ruggiano and Evan Longoria with him to make the score 10-2.

In the top of the seventh, Jason Cromer loaded the bases by giving up two walks and one hit.
Then Tony Peguerro relieved Justin Cromer. Cromer struck out 3, walked 5 and earned four runs.
The Stars scored their third run on a hit by Ryan Braun to left field. Then Brad Nelson hit into a 6-4 double play. Reid Brignac fielded the ball, stepped on second and fired the ball to first.
But Steve Moss could score the fourth run of the Stars.

In the bottom of the seventh, leadoff hitter, Michael Coleman hit a triple. The ball went deep to center and ricocheted off the wall. With one away, Jeremy Owen hit a sac fly to right. Coleman scored the eleventh run.
With two outs, Jason Pridie hit a ground ball single to center field. Then Elliot Johnson hit for the cycle with a double, that scored Jason Pridie (12-4). Elliot Johnson is the first Biscuit to achieve this feat.

Bryan Henderson replaced Tony Peguerro and pitched a perfect ninth, striking out two.

The way the Biscuits won this series was overwhelming. Outscoring the Stars 34-12.

The MVP of the championship series was Michael Coleman. He batted .500 (7-14), batted in 9 runs and he hit 3 homeruns.

The city of Montgomery now holds the record for most Southern League Championships with six. All the other championships were won in the seventies by the Montgomery Rebels.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

The Biscuits go crazy after the final out.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

............

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Biscuits fans swarm the Biscuit Basket (the Biscuits fan store) to buy championship memorabilia.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I found this article about Chairon Isenia, the Biscuits catcher who could not participate in the Championship Series due to a concussion.


COMMENTARY: Isenia gets wish, relishes league title

By Tom Ensey
Montgomery Advertiser


The Montgomery Biscuits' first Southern League championship came just in the nick of time.

They smashed Huntsville 12-4 on a Friday in mid-September, football season in Alabama. They held their own against the high schools to fill Riverwalk Stadium a little better than half-full.

If Huntsville had won and forced a final, decisive game tonight, the Biscuits would have been going head-to-head with Alabama and Auburn home football games. It could have been a lonesome evening for the boys of summer.

As it was, they got to celebrate in front of a pretty festive gathering. You had to be glad for them.

And you had to be especially glad for Chairon Isenia.

Isenia has been with the Biscuits since Day 1, three years ago. He was there for the first year, a miserable period of time when the Biscuits finished about 20 games under .500. He's been here for every game, all three seasons.

He's pushing 28 years old, and that's old for a Class AA catcher. The ring may have come just in the nick of time for him, too.

"This is what I wanted to get in my three years here in Montgomery, a championship," Isenia said, watching his teammates celebrate wildly. "My wish was for us to win a championship, to play for this team and help them win it all. And I'm glad that tonight, my wish came true."

Isenia was injured in the last home series, but he went down the way a tough catcher should, blocking the plate against a hard-charging base runner. He got knocked cold.

He didn't touch the field in the championship series until he ran out of the dugout to help hold up the championship trophy.

Isenia played in 78 games and hit only .236, not a great year.

But he's an all-time media all-star.

Isenia was the go-to guy for quotes, win or lose. He's a popular guy in the clubhouse. All the players love him. So do reporters.

He's always even tempered, he's always got something to say, and it's always pretty good stuff.

Friday night was no exception. He was full of good words when he recalled that first, lousy season and talked about the difference in then and now.

"Everything was new," he said. "We weren't sure what to expect, coming to a new city."

Everything was different this year. He knew it from the start.

"This team, from the beginning, from spring training, we've been like brothers," he said. "And that makes the team big. That makes everything big. Everything changed."

The one thing that didn't change was the support from the home crowd, and Isenia, of course, thanked them.

"My wish was to win a championship for Montgomery and all the people who supported us all along," he said.

Manager Charlie Montoyo has been here all three years as well. He recalled that first year, and a much different final game of the season.

"We had a great crowd for the last game of that season, too," Montoyo said. "I'm just glad the people of this city got to see this."

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Here is a link to the site of the TV station that covers the Biscuits games.

http://www.wsfa.com/Global/category.asp?C=1191&nav=menu33_5

You can see some pre game stuff and a couple of shots of the game and the celebration.

It was the first time for me to see any moving pictures of the Biscuits. :o

[ez906]

great site yankeebiscuitsfan!

thanks very much!

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

great site yankeebiscuitsfan!

thanks very much!

You're welcome ez906.

Jim looked good, didn't he? :p

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I guess you will see these all over Montgomery by now... :D

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I found this picture on Flickr.com.

It is the Biscuits celebrating the South Division Championship

[ez906]

thanks YBF.
i sure hate to see this season end!

i'm still on cloud 9,
ez

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

thanks YBF.
i sure hate to see this season end!

i'm still on cloud 9,
ez

So am I ez.

Maybe things will get better if the Yankees will win it all. But if not, 2006 has been a tremendous season.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

When Dianasmoon82 passed away, I wanted to go on with this thread to remember her. But when the season went on I really started enjoying it.
Of course the good season of the Biscuits made it a lot easier.

When I look to the number of views, I think I may say that this is a quite succesful thread (a real good stimulation to go on with it).

Therefore I would like to thank you all. I also would like to thank those who contributed to this thread.

I can't wait for the next Biscuits season.

Again, thank you!! :clapping

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Three players of the Montgomery Biscuits will play in the AFL this fall.

The following players will play for the Phoenix Desert Dogs: Pitchers Jeremy Flanagan, Brian Henderson and Jeff Niemann.

Former Biscuit Wes Bankton will also play for the Desert Dogs.

Actually I expected one more Biscuits' player to be in the AFL: Evan Longoria.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I found this article on www.biscuitsbaseball.com

This is another recognition for the laurelled ball club.

During the spring and summer of the 2006 baseball season, 27-year-old filmmaker Cass Sapir visited all 189 major league and minor league ballparks, making him possibly the first human being to accomplish the feat in a single season. The trip, much of which was completed with his twin brother Tim, raised roughly $30,000 for The Jimmy Fund, a Boston-based charity.

Baseball America's Alan Schwarz interviewed Sapir following the conclusion of his trip. In response to an inquiry of the best ballpark in all of the Minor and Major Leagues, Sapir unhesitatingly named Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium, home of the Montgomery Biscuits.

On Wednesday, Sapir spoke from his home in Providence, RI, about the trip and his favorite of all of baseball's emerald diamonds.

The filmmaker visited Montgomery on Sunday, April 9, the sixth day of a journey that began in Arlington, Texas, and concluded more than five months later. It was an afternoon game and Riverwalk Stadium's first Kids Day of the season. Before 3,523 fans, the Biscuits defeated the Tennessee Smokies, 2-1.

Sapir said that the first thing that struck him was Central Alabama's spring weather.

"It was such a glorious day in early April," Sapir said. "I think it was 85 degrees and sunny.

"It's the same thing when you're younger and go to visit colleges. I think when you're you go and it's pouring rain, you're problably not going to apply to that college, but if it's a beautiful day and there are people out there on the green and they're throwing a frisbee and enjoying themselves, that sticks in your mind. That's not why I selected (Riverwalk Stadium) as my favorite, but that's why it's so memorable, I think."

The Biscuits had just two rainouts during the 2006 season.

With Sapir's trip starting in the South, Riverwalk Stadium was only the fourth Minor League park and sixth overall field he visited. But the impression the stadium made stayed with him for the rest of his journey.

"People were asking me what my favorite stadium was from the second week on, and of course I always expected another stadium to take (Riverwalk Stadium's) place (as my favorite)," he remembered. "And when you ask, 'What's your favorite?', I'd say there are about 25 that someone could name and I'd say, 'OK, I agree.' But Montgomery has the total package. It's everything that's great about Minor League Baseball, just a little bit more."

"In Minor League Baseball, for $5, you're treated like a king," he told Baseball America. "It's the last great bastion of family entertainment. You can bring your family, bring your kids, and feel safe there. Good food, cheap beer, hanging out and watching the game. Pretty simple."

Sapir's initial impression of the eventual Southern League Champions came even before he set foot in the capital.

“I love the name (Biscuits), first off," he said. "I think it’s one of the top five names in all of baseball."

In addition, Sapir was impressed with the inexpensive parking and the ballpark's unique and beautiful setting.

“It’s built into an old train (shed), which I loved. I loved the integration of something that could be an eyesore in a city and turning it completely around into sort of the heart of the city.”

"It’s a stadium that’s built right downtown. And there’s a big sort of debate: do you build these brand new stadiums in the heart of downtown or do you stick them out on an exit somewhere off the interstate somewhere in the suburbs? And I’m thankful that many of the stadiums are moving back downtown and being sort of the heart of a renaissance of the city.

Having seen every park in baseball, Cass Sapir has had an opportunity to see a ballpark spur city development in many different cities. He saw Montgomery as a perfect example of that development.

"I’ve seen it in so many places, and Montgomery does it very well," he said. "(The ballpark) is actually is a perfect jewel in the middle of a city that has so many things going for it. I didn’t know anything about Montgomery when I went there. I didn’t even know it was the capital of the (Confederacy). And of course there’s so much rich history from all different eras in our country. So you go to the game and you can go see the capitol, you can go wherever around the city. I was only there for 24 hours, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Sapir was also charmed by the ballpark's design.

“The architecture is amazing," he said. "The sections are very short. They’re not sloped up really high, they’re not really long. They’re very small sections and it gives it a truly intimate feel, like something you’d see at a Single-A or rookie league park."

Riverwalk Stadium was designed by HOK+Sport, the same Kansas City-based firm responsible for designing Oriole Park at Camden Yards, SBC Park in San Francisco, Jacobs Field in Cleveland and many others.

"The concourse goes all the way around the field, which is such a great touch, and you’ll only see it in the brand new stadiums, but with this concourse, for a general admission ticket, you can hang out in left field, you can sit on the berm in right field or along the foul line, or you could grab a seat for a couple of extra dollars.”

However, the location, architecture, team name and city only take a ballpark experience so far. There was one last intangible that Sapir saw in Montgomery.

“The final reason that (I liked Riverwalk Stadium) ... is the friendliness of the staff and the other fans, on which you really can’t put a cost. When people go around the country and rate the ballparks, they never really list this intangible, which is how friendly is the experience and how warm is it and how welcome do you feel? And that’s something that Montgomery did. Some other parks did too, but Montgomery did it to its fullest extent.”

The people were so warm, in fact, that they provide a perfect example of how a grat experience can color a memory and make it ever more pleasant. Soon, the mind remembers the whole experience as perfect.

The proof is in the pudding. Official game reports from that day, April 9, 2006, have the gametime temperature listed at 64 degrees.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

As we could expect after the 2006 season, Charlie Montoyo will manage the Durham Bulls in 2007. He will take pitching coach Xavier Hernandez with him.

The Biscuits' new manager will be Billy Gardner Jr. The new pitching coach will be Neil Allen.

Here is the link for the rest of the story: Biscuits announce 2007 coaching staff, Trainer (http://www.biscuitsbaseball.com/pressreleases/112906.html)

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Here is another nice action photo

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Sad news. I just heard that Jim Magrane has left the Devil Rays organisation.
The reliable Biscuits' pitcher signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals.

I wish him all the best in his further career.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Two players of the Montgomery Biscuits have a spot on the MiLB top 50 prospect list.

Evan Longoria has been placed nr. 16.

Evan Longoria, 3B, Devil Rays (179)
2006 stats: [R] .424 BA/.487 OBP/.879 SLG [A] .327 BA/.402 OBP/.618 SLG [AA] .267 BA/.266 OBP/.486 SLG
2006 Club: Hudson Valley/Visalia/Montgomery ETA in Majors: 2008 2006 Pre-season Rank: NR

The only reason the ETA isn't next year is because of the depth the Rays have in the system. That being said, if Longoria keeps hitting like he did in his debut last summer, Tampa will make room for him sooner


Reid Brignac is on the 29th spot.

Reid Brignac, SS, Devil Rays (83)
2006 stats: [A] .326 BA/ .382 OBP/ .557 SLG [AA] .300 BA/ .355 OBP/ .473 SLG
2006 Club: Visalia/Montgomery ETA in Majors: 2008 2006 Pre-season Rank: NR
The 20-year-old dominated the California League and hit well in Double-A as well, helping the Biscuits win a title. Short may not be his eventual home, but the Rays have an embarrassment of riches at this point.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Since today, Biscuits Stadium has it's own page on Uncle Bob's ballparks.

Here is the link: http://unclebobsballparks35.tripod.com/riverwalkstadium/

The pics are awesome and the story about the stadium is very positive.

It is worth to take a peek. Actually the whole site is worth watching.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Biscuits' shortstop Reid Brignac and right-hander Andy Sonnanstine, the 2006 organization player and pitcher of the year, received an invitation for the Devil Rays' spring training camp.

Brignac won Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player honors in the California League in 2006 after hitting .326 with 21 home runs and 83 RBIs in 100 games. He ended the season with Double-A Montgomery.

Sonnanstine helped pitch the Biscuits to the Southern League championship, going 15-8 with four complete games and a 2.67 ERA in 28 starts.

[PJ-34]

Wow a AA team getting this much attention...

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Wow a AA team getting this much attention...

Cool isn't it? :o

[PJ-34]

Haha I guess so.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

ST. PETERSBURG -- Evan Longoria has a different look about him than he did the last time he donned a Devil Rays uniform in St. Petersburg.
The Rays had just selected and signed the slugging third baseman from Long Beach State (third overall pick of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft) and brought him to Tropicana Field to show off like a neighbor would a new Mercedes.

Longoria then took batting practice and the "slugging" third baseman hardly inspired anyone with his power, or lack thereof.

Longoria smiled when asked to recall the moment.

"I was just real nervous, that was my first professional baseball experience," he said. "[I was nervous] to come out and get to hit with all the big stars you see on TV. I just wanted to hit the ball. But to finally get out and play in the Minor Leagues was a relief."

Longoria, 21, quickly got busy on a whirlwind trip through the lower levels of the Rays' organization. At Class A Hudson Valley, he hit .424 in eight games with four home runs and 11 RBIs. Class A Visalia was his next stop and again he excelled, hitting .327 with eight home runs and 28 RBIs. By the end of the season, Longoria found himself at Double-A Montgomery, where he finally seemed to get challenged, hitting .267 with six home runs and 19 RBIs in 26 games.

"[At] Double-A, I was kind of blown away," Longoria said. "From what I hear, that is the hardest jump -- from A ball to Double-A, because a lot of those guys are almost ready for the big leagues. They can make that jump. It was a shock. Because you go from high A, where you see one or two really good starters a week, but in Double-A it was every day, someone throwing 92. It was a little bit different."

Other than reaching the end of his rope by the end of the season, Longoria found professional baseball to his liking.

"I really liked playing every day, as opposed to practice [in college]," Longoria said. "I think it's easier to play. Games are more fun. That wasn't too much of a shock to me. That was something I was looking forward to.

"A lot of travel, living out of a suitcase and jumping on planes and buses. It was different. [You] go through so many stages, but it was fun at the same time. [I] got to meet a bunch of guys in the organization."

Longoria has embraced being in his first Major League camp this spring.

"It's cool," Longoria said. "It's exciting. Jorge Cantu's over there, Rocco Baldelli's over there, it's great to be around these guys for my first Spring Training experience."

In addition to the way Longoria hits, he has a different physical look thanks to an added 15 pounds of muscle. Upon seeing Longoria this spring, Rays manager Joe Maddon was prompted to comment: "Whew, did you see Longoria? He looks great."

Longoria attributed the added weight to working out and eating well.

"Just home-cooked food and a lot of good spreads, I guess," said Longoria, noting he's not sure if he's at the right weight just yet.

"I haven't really noticed a lot of difference yet," Longoria said. "It's hard to tell, because we're not playing games yet. I feel stronger. [My] bat's getting through the zone a little better. You never know, but it could turn out to be good. [I just] hope I didn't get too big. I think I'll have to watch that."

Longoria is projected to be the Rays' third baseman of the future. But the Rays won't rush their prized prospect. He is slated to begin the season at Montgomery, where he hopes to hone several aspects of his game.

"I'd like to just get my strike-zone discipline a little better, not swing at so many bad pitches," Longoria said. "That's going to be one of the big keys over the next year: cut down on my strikeouts, have a few more walks, polish up the defense -- you can always get better at that -- just a little more maturity, a little more baseball every day."

Longoria also knows he needs to grasp the thinking game when it comes to dealing with opposing pitchers.

"I think that's something I'm going to have to learn how to do if I want to be successful, especially at the Double-A level and above" Longoria said. "Because those guys are just trying to outthink you. You kind of try to think along with them, the situation of the game."

Longoria believes a key to getting to the Major Leagues will be learning how to hit mistakes.

"The higher you go up, there's not many mistakes, and you have to be able to hit those," Longoria said. "Just being able to recognize where my pitch is and not just swinging at a pitch that's not mine and getting myself out."

Steve Henderson, the Rays' hitting coach, is impressed with Longoria thus far.

"He just needs to play more," Henderson said. "He's got a lot of potential. He's got the bat speed, power. He's not that far off."

It is good to read that he will stay a Biscuit for the time being. :clapping

[Brownie31]

Around here we say the Montgomery Biscuits have brought a new meaning to the phrase "Batter Up"!;)

Browbnie31

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Around here we say the Montgomery Biscuits have brought a new meaning to the phrase "Batter Up"!;)

Browbnie31

Like? You have to explain. I don't get it.

[Williamsburg2599]

Like? You have to explain. I don't get it.
Batter as in the stuff that cake and brownies are before you put them into the oven.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Batter as in the stuff that cake and brownies are before you put them into the oven.

Now I see. I didn't know the other meaning of batter. Yummy!! :p

I hope they don't play like batter, the upcoming season. Otherwise they will be battered.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I found this article about Biscuits' starter Jeff Niemann on MiLB.com.

Too bad we lose him. But that's is part of being a Minor League club.


Rays' Niemann ready to show his stuff

ST. PETERSBURG -- Jeff Niemann stands 6-foot-9, 260 pounds and can throw a fastball 95 mph. Yet the perception is that he's a frail guy prone to injury.
"There's a bit of a stigma on me as far as being the injury guy," Niemann said. "And I'm doing everything I can to reverse that. The only way you can do that is to go out there and pitch every fifth day, go out there and do your job.

"I can't really blame anybody, because of the recent past. It's my job to go out there and prove [the perception] wrong to everybody. That's what I'm looking forward to doing this year."

Niemann is the Rays' top prospect, and the right-hander is closer than ever to realizing the potential that enticed the club to draft him with the fourth pick of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft.

Once Niemann arrives, it could be in a big way. He is the total package when it comes to having the pitching gifts necessary to dominate a game.

"Two good breaking balls, good fastball -- big downward plane on his fastball -- also seems to be very composed and very professional," Rays pitching coach Jim Hickey said.

Unfortunately for Niemann, nagging injuries have interrupted his path to the Major Leagues. The most severe of the injuries involved his right shoulder, resulting in surgery in October 2005 to shave the joint between his collarbone and shoulder. Being on the shelf served up a reality check to the highly touted prospect.

"It's definitely kind of puts everything back into perspective," Niemann said. "You're going to have to work for this; it's not going to be handed to you. You just can't take anything for granted, because you never know."

His inactivity also brought a renewed appreciation for the game.

"You don't know how much you really love something or miss something until it's taken away from you," Niemann said. "When you're in a hospital bed in a sling, it's taken away from you. And you have to start from scratch to get back to where you were in the whole rehab process ... you don't know how it's going to turn out in the end.

"You're not seeing daily results, you're going month to month. So it's tough being a competitive person and looking for improvement in things you do every single day. It's tough. But it's fine now. I'm out there trying to get guys out. I'm not worrying about how things feel or what the ball is doing. I'm getting guys out."

Despite Niemann's high ceiling, he won't start the season with the Rays. Hickey pointed to the right-hander's 108 Minor League innings and said, "He definitely needs more seasoning."

Rays manager Joe Maddon said Niemann could be an impact starter once he arrives in the Majors, adding that Niemann would determine whether he becomes a No. 1, 2 or 3 starter. Maddon wants Niemann to refine his pitching at the Minor League level so that when he arrives at Tropicana Field, it will be for good.

Niemann has quality breaking pitches and an ability to locate his fastball. He still needs to polish his changeup to reach where he wants to go.

"I'm just working on that changeup," Niemann said. "It's coming. I'm getting more confidence in it every single day. Once I get that, I should be more of a complete package."

Niemann explained he is working mostly to keep his arm speed on the changeup the same as when he's throwing his fastball.

"Your mind is saying, 'Throw hard,' but you're trying to throw hard, slow," Niemann said. "You confuse that in your mind. So you're trying to get that feel coming out of keeping your arm going fast -- having the ball come out slow. It's hard to do. Once you get that feel down for it, the control will kind of take care of itself."

One possible scenario for Niemann would see him report to Triple-A Durham to start the season, show that he's healthy, and get a callup before the All-Star break. Niemann won't be drawn into such speculation.

"I don't really think about that," Niemann said. "I just go out there and pitch, wherever that is. I can't control that. The only thing I control is on the mound. Wherever that is, I'm going to do my best."

Bill Chastain is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Today I found the opening roster on Biscuitsbaseball.com

No. Pitchers B/T Ht. Wt. Birthdate Hometown 2006 Season
Nick DeBarr R/R 6-4 225 August 24, 1983 Pleasanton, California Visalia
Richard De Los Santos R/R 6-0 165 June 1, 1984 Elias Pina, Dom. Rep Visalia
Derek Feldkamp R/R 6-4 210 May 9, 1983 Adrian, Michigan Visalia
Jeremy Flanagan R/R 6-3 215 April 14, 1981 Richmond, California Montgomery
Brian Henderson L/L 5-11 195 May 19, 1982 Sugar Land, Texas Montgomery
James Houser, Jr. L/L 6-4 185 December 15, 1984 Sarasota, Florida Visalia
Chris Mason R/R 6-1 190 July 1, 1984 Gastonia, North Carolina Visalia
Jarod Matthews R/R 6-2 212 November 10, 1982 Summerville, South Carolina Visalia
Evan Meek R/R 6-0 215 May 12, 1983 Abingdon, Virginia Lake Elsinore
(SD)/Visalia
Mike Prochaska L/L 6-1 210 May 23, 1980 Durham, North Carolina Montgomery/Durham
Chris Seddon L/L 6-3 220 October 13, 1983 Canyon Country, California Durham
Dale Thayer R/R 6-0 195 December 17, 1980 Huntington Beach, California Mobile/Portland (SD)
Brett Wayne R/R 6-0 183 April 28, 1980 Simi Valley, California Visalia

No. Catchers B/T Ht. Wt. Birthdate Hometown 2006 Season
Josh Arhart R/R 6-1 240 September 13, 1979 Tustin, California Visalia
John Jaso L/R 6-2 205 September 19, 1983 McKinleyville, California HV

No. Infielders B/T Ht. Wt. Birthdate Hometown 2006 Season
Josh Asanovich R/R 6-2 185 January 31, 1983 Apache Junction, Arizona Visalia
Brooks Badeaux S/R 5-10 177 October 20, 1975 Lafayette, Louisiana Bowie/Ottawa (BAL)
Reid Brignac L/R 6-3 180 January 16, 1986 St. Amant, Louisiana Visalia/Montgomery
Evan Longoria R/R 6-2 210 October 7, 1985 Downy, California Hudson Valley/Visalia/
Montgomery
Gabriel Martinez L/R 6-2 180 May 17, 1983 Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico Montgomery
Chris Nowak R/R 6-5 225 February 21, 1983 Pewaukee, Wisconsin Visalia

No. Outfielders B/T Ht. Wt. Birthdate Hometown 2006 Season
Patrick Breen L/L 6-3 215 June 23, 1982 Santa Ana, California Visalia/Montgomery
Shaun Cumberland L/R 6-2 185 August 1, 1984 Pace, Florida Visalia
Fernando Perez S/R 6-1 195 April 23, 1983 Princeton Junction, New Jersey Visalia
Jason Pridie L/R 6-1 188 October 9, 1983 Gilbert, Arizona Montgomery

Only eight players of the 2006 championship team remain. Most of the rest is coming from Visalia which has been replaced by the Columbus Catfish.

The first game of the Biscuits will be at home vs. The West Tenn Diamond Jaxx on Thursday, April 5

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Finally, here it is the new Southern League season.

The Biscuits won their home opener last night 4-0 vs the Diamond Jaxx.

Starting pitcher for the Biscuits was Chris Seddon, just demoted (if you can say so) from Durham.

Seddon owned the Jaxx' batters by allowing just one hit over seven innings and striking out 5.

Except for a HBP by Seddon in the first inning, nothing exciting happened in the first two innings.

In the third Jason Pridie started a rally with a with a line drive single to center. The next batter, Fernando Perez, got a base on balls, moving Pridie up to second. Both runners advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Josh Asanovich.
Both could move on on a groundout by Reid Brignac. (1-0 Biscuits).
Evan Longoria, one of the Devil Rays' top prospects, struck out swinging to end the inning.

In the bottom of the sixth, Reid Brignac hit a linedrive to center off new relief pitcher Aaron Trolia. He could score the second run on a double to left field
by Evan Longoria. Chris Nowak grounded out 6-3. The next batter, Shaun Cumberland, hit a fly out to center on which Longoria advanced to third. Pinch hitter, Patrick Breen, batted in Evan Longoria to make it 3-0. The next batter Josh Arhart grounded into a force out at second base to end the inning.

In the top of the 8th, Evan Meek replaced Chris Seddon. He allowed two hits in one inning, but was helped by a double play (SS Reid Brignac to 2B Josh Asanovich to put out Matt Tuiasosopo at 2nd and batter Rene Rivera at first).

In the bottom of the eighth, Evan Longoria singled on a line drive to left field, with one out. The next batter Chris Nowak got a BB. Shaun Cumberland batted in Evan Longoria on a ground ball single to center. Chris Nowak to second. This run seemed to be the last of the game.

Dale Thayer replace Evan Meek in the top of the ninth to end the game. He allowed one hit by Christopher Minaker, but he struck out two.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits came back in a wild eighth inning after trailing 6-5 in the seventh. In the fourth inning the Biscuits had taken a 3-0 lead. But in the fourth the Diamond Jaxx came back to tie the game. In the top of the seventh, the Jaxx took the lead after a three run inning. The Biscuits managed to score two runs to make it a game again. In the eighth the Skits scored another three runs to secure the win.

During the first three innings both teams did not get past second base.

Remarkable feat was that Biscuits' starting pitcher Derek Feldkamp, struck out seven batters in only four innings. Highlight was the second in which he struck out three batters with the same slow curveball.

In the bottom of the fourth, Biscuits' Fernando Perez hit a infield hit ground ball towards 2B. He advanced to 2B on a groundball single towards 2B by Jason Pridie. Reid Brignac took both runners with him to home plate on a line drive home run over the right field fence. After this home run a spectacular double play occurred.
Evan Longoria singled to center field on a line drive. The next batter, Chris Nowak, hit a line drive that was caught by SS Christopher Minaker, who doubled Evan Longoria off first.

In the top of the fifth inning, the Jaxx tied the game. Matt Tuiasosopo doubled on a line drive to center field. Rene Rivera batted in Matt Tiasosopo on a ground ball single to left field. The following batter Luis Valbuena homered on a fly ball to right field and took Rivera with him towards home plate.

In the top of the seventh, Matt Tuiasosopo, batting leadoff was hit by a pitch by Biscuits' reliever Richard de los Santos. Matt Tuiasosopo advanced to second base on a ground out 4-3. De los Santos then walked Sebastien Boucher intentionally, who stole second immediately after De los Santos was replaced by Nick Debarr. Christopher Minaker got a BB. Right after that, Marshall Hubbard hit a line drive for a double to center field. With this double he batted Matt Tuiasosopo and Sebastien Boucher in and advanced Christopher Minaker to third base. Minaker could score on a wild pitch by Debarr.

In the bottom of the seventh, the Biscuits could close in with two runs.
With one out, Shaun Cumberland singled to right on a ground ball. Next, John Jaso doubled on a ground ball to left field and advanced Cumberland to third.
Then catcher Josh Arhart singled on a line drive to center. Shaun Cumberland scored and John Jaso advanced to third base. Josh Asanovich grounded out (1-3) to score John Jaso to make the score 6-5 for the Jaxx.

In the bottom of the eighth Reid Brignac singled to left field on a line drive. Then Evan Longoria doubled on a sharp line drive to center on which Brignac could score. Evan Longoria advanced to third on a fly out to right field by Chris Nowak. The following batter Shaun Cumberland got an IBB. With runners on the corners, John Jaso hit a dribbler towards the pitcher, who threw the ball to home plate in an attempt to tag out Evan Longoria, who dashed home. But even though the throw was in time, Longoria managed to score by sliding underneath the tag. Because of this fielder's choice, Jaso reached first and Cumberland reached second base. After this spectacular piece of baserunning, Josh Arhart grounded into a force out. John Jaso was out at second (6-3). The second baseman Luis Valbuena tried to make a double play but made a throwing error on which Josh Arhart was save. On this hit/error Shaun Cumberland could touch home plate. This seemed to be the last run of the game.

In the top of the ninth, Dale Thayer replaced Nick Debarr, to close out the game and earn the save.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Here are some moving pictures of the first and second game of the season:

http://www.wsfa.com/Global/category.asp?C=1191&nav=0RdG

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits overcame sloppy play and some base running blunders by Fernando Perez and Jason Pridie.

The Biscuits took an early 3-0 lead in the first ining. Fernando Perez tripled on a line drive to right field. He could score on a sac fly to left field by Brooks Badeaux. With a line drive, Reid Brignac singled to center field. He advanced to second base, with one out, on a single line drive to right field by Chris Nowak. Brignac was batted in by Shaun Cumberland with a line drive to center field. Chris Nowak advanced to second base on this hit.
Josh Arhart hit a line drive single to left field and batted Chris Nowak in with this hit. (Score 3-0)

In the top of the third inning the Jaxx closed in on the Biscuits. Batter Michael Wilson hit the ball to second baseman Brooks Badeaux. But Badeaux made a fielding error on which Wilson reached first base. The following batter Rene Rivera hit a single to left to advance Wilson to 2B. Then Luis Valbuena reached on force attempt, missed catch error by third baseman Evan Longoria, assist to pitcher James Houser, on which Michael Wilson could score. Rene Rivera advanced to 3rd and Luis Valbuena to 2nd. When Christopher Minaker was batting Rene Rivera scored on a passed ball by Josh Arhart. Luis Valbuena went to 3rd. (Score 3-2)

Batting leadoff in the third inning, Reid Brignac reached first base on a fielding error by Jaxx' first baseman Marshall Hubbard. Then in Evan Longoria's at bat, Brignac stole second base. He went to third on a ground ball single to left field by Evan Longoria. Then, 1B Chris Nowak grounded into a double play 6-4-3 on which Reid Brignac scored. Evan Longoria was out at second. (Score 4-2).

In the top of the 4th, Marshall Hubbard hit a line drive double to right field. Matt Tuiasosopo, batting next, also doubled on a ground ball to left field on which Marshall Hubbard scored. Brent Johnson then hit a line drive single to left field to advance Matt Tuiasosopo (tongue twister...:p ) to third. Michael Wilson hit a sac fly to right field to score Matt Tuiasosopo. Brent Johnson went to second base on the throw. (Score 4-4)

In the bottom of the 5th, the Biscuits took a decisive lead. Fernando Perez reached first on a fielding error by shortstop Christopher Minaker. But because of his base running blunder, the Diamond Jaxx could put him out by an action 4-6-3. The next batter, Brooks Badeaux, hit a line drive for a double to center field. The third batter of the 5th inning, Reid Brignac, reached first base on a BB. Then the Jaxx made a pitching change: Juan Sandoval came in for Robert Rohrbaugh. This change was no succes, because Evan Longoria hit a line drive double to left field to bat in Badeaux and Brignac. (Score 6-4).

In the bottom of the seventh, the Diamond Jaxx came close to even the game. With one out, Sebastien Boucher got a BB. With Christopher Minaker at bat, Boucher stole second. Relief pitcher Jeremy Flanagan threw a wild pitch on which Boucher moved to third base. Christopher Minaker batted in Sebastien Boucher on a ground out 6-3. This was the last run of the game. (Score 6-5).

In the top of the eighth, Evan Meek replaced Jeremy Flanagan, to close out the game. Meek struck out Sebastien Boucher for the final out of the game.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Diamond Jaxx could keep pace with the Biscuits for a long time, but in the end it was Evan Longoria who shattered the Jaxx' dreams of a victory against the Biscuits.

With two outs in the eighth, with the score tied at two, Evan Longoria hit a homer of Jaxx' reliever Craig James, to lift the Biscuits to a 4-2 victory. With this win the Biscuits remains the only unbeaten team in the southern league.

The whole game was a close one until the eighth inning. In the first three innings no team scored a run. In the top of the fourth West Tennessee's Jeff Frazier scored a run on a double by Matt Tuiasosopo.

In the bottom of the fourth the Biscuits tied the game with two outs. Evan Longoria and Chris Nowak got back to back walks. Then Shaun Cumberland singeled on a ground ball to center, to score Evan Longoria.

Then in the top of the sixth inning the Diamond Jaxx loaded the bases with consecutive singles of relief pitcher Brett Wayne by Marshall Hubbard, Jeff Frazier and Matt Tuiasosopo. Brett Wayne managed to get the next two batters out. But then Rene Rivera got a BB, so Marshall Hubbard could score the go ahead run.

In the bottom of the sixth the Biscuits evened the score with two outs. Jason Pridie earlier got on base by a BB. After two outs Evan Longoria was hit by a pitch. Chris Nowak hit a ground ball single to right field, to score Jason Pridie.

In the bottom of the eighth, the Jaxx replaced Kameron Mickolio with reliever Craig James. It seemed not a good move. Fernando Perez drew a walk. Perez advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt by Jason Pridie; Pridie out (5-3).
Reid Brignac flied out to left field. Then Evan Longoria hit a homerun over the left field fence, to lift the Skits over the Jaxx (4-2). This seemed to be the game winning run.

Montgomery starter Chris Mason lasted five innings in his Class AA debut, allowing one run on four hits and striking out five. West Tenn starter Doug Fister also lasted five innings and similarly struck out five while giving up one run on two hits in his five innings of work.

The Biscuits are close to sweep the Diamond Jaxx in their opening series.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

A bit late, but better late than never.

Monday night the Biscuits' hope of sweeping the Jaxx in the final game of the season opening series was smashed in two innings. It looked like the people of Montgomery had a hunch that this would happen; only 1,787 specators.

Biscuits' starter Mike Prochaska was touched for 6 earned runs.

He started the game with a walk. Sebastien Boucher reached 1B. Boucher advanced to 2B on a ground out (2-3) by Erik Monzon. Boucher finally scored on a fly ball single by Michael Hubbard, after being moved to 3B by a line drive single of Jeff Frazier. Then Prochaska hit Matt Tuiasosopo with a pitch.
Then Brent Johnson hit a grand slam to score the final runs of the first inning.

The second inning started quite well for Mike Prochaska. He managed to retire the first two batters. But then walked Jeff Frazier. It seemed that everybody was sharing the misery. After a single by Michael Hubbard and double by Matt Tuiasosopo, short stop Reid Brignac commited a throwing error on which Matt Tuiasosopo advanced to third. Both Michael Hubbard and Jeff Frazierhad already scored the sixth and seventh run. Then Josh Arhart let a pitch pass, on which Matt Tuiasosopo could score the eighth run.

In the bottom of the third, Prochaska was replaced by Jeremy Flanagan. He started well, retiring the first three batters he faced.

In the bottom of the third inning, Biscuits' Josh Asanovich was hit by a pitch. Reid Brignac drew a walk. Then with Evan Longoria (who struk out later) at bat, Jaxx' Joseph Woerman threw a wild pitch, to advance Asanovich and Brignac to 3rd and 2nd respectively. Chris Nowak hit a ground ball single to score Asanovich and advance Reid Brignac to 3rd. With Shaun Cumberland batting, Woerman threw another wild pitch on which Nowak could advance to second base. Then Cumberland hit a ground out to first base, but batted in Reid Brignac and advanced Nowak to third base. These two runs seemed to be the last for the Biscuits in this game.

In the top of the 5th, Brent Johnson singled on a line drive to center, and advanced to second base on a fielding error by center fielder Fernando Perez (the Biscuits had quite an off day...). While Christopher Minaker was batting, Brent Johnson advanced to third base on a wild pitch by Jeremy Flanagan. After Christopher Minaker drew a walk, Luis Oliveros hit into a double play (4-6-3), but batted Brent Johnson in for the final run of the game.

The Biscuits are now tied for first place with the Birmingham Barons.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Biscuits' starter Chris Seddon had a good start of the first road game of the season. In the first five innings he allowed only 2 runs and four hits (two doubles and a homerun). But unfortunately he totally lost it in the top of the sixth.

Seddon started the sixth with giving up a double to Drew Anderson. Paul Janish laid down a bunt towards Seddon, on which he could reach first and Anderson could reach third. Batting next, Enrique Cruz hit a line drive single to left field to score Drew Anderson and to advance Paul Janish to second base. This was the end for Seddon. He was replaced by Evan Meek. Meek didn't fare much better. He allowed a sinle line drive to right field by Cody Strait immediately. Janish went to third, Cruz to second. Jay Garthwaite drove in Paul Janish on a ground out (4-3). Then Meek walked the next batter intentionally, without any result it seemed. Caonabo Cosme hit a sac fly to right field to score Enrique Cruz and to advance Cody Strait to third base. The last Lookouts' batter to drive in a run was Ryan Hanigan. He hit a ground ball single to right field to score Cody Strait.

In the fifth inning nevertheless, the Biscuits had taken the lead with a three run rally. Gabriel Martinez hit a three run homer and took Evan Longoria (who got on base on a throwing error) and Josh Arhart (BB) with him.

Due to this loss the Biscuits have fallen to third place, trailing 0.5 game on second place Mississippi and 1.5 game on first place Birmingham.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits could not turn around. They lost for the third time in a row, the second of their road trip vs Chattanooga.

In the second inning the Biscuits managed to score a run by a double (Evan Longoria), a ground out (Shaun Cumberland) which moved Longoria to third and a ground ball single (Gabriel Martinez) to score Longoria eventually.

This was all the Biscuits could achieve during this game.

In the bottom of the second and in the bottom of the third, the Lookouts scored a run each, to take the lead.

In the bottom of the sixth, Chris Dickerson, Cody Strait and Tony Guiterrez each scored a run for the final score 5-1.

Remarkable feat is that relief pitcher Nick Debarr pitched perfect during his outing (2.1 innings).

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

After another loss vs Chattanooga (3-4) the Biscuits managed to win the last game of the series vs the Lookouts.

In the top of the first Fernando Perez could score on a sacrifice fly to left by Evan Longoria, just after he had stolen third base.

In the top of the 4th, Chris Nowak drew a walk and advanced to second base on a single line drive to center field by Shaun Cumberland. The Biscuits got some help by the Lookouts when Gabriel Martinez laid down a sac bunt. Lookouts' third baseman Luis Bolivar failed to catch a bad bunt. On this error, Nowak could score from 2nd and Shaun Cumberland reached third base.
Shaun Cumberland touched home plate after a line drive single to left field by Josh Arhart. Gabriel Martinez reached second base.

In the top of the fifth inning the Biscuits walked away from the Lookouts by scoring another four runs. Batting leadoff, Fernando Perez doubled to center field. Brooks Badeaux hit the ball to center, where the center fielder made an error on which Fernando Perez reached third base. Evan Longoria had a productive at bat, scoring Fernando Perez and moving Brooks Badeaux to third with a line drive double to right field. Chris Nowak hit a sac fly to score Brooks Badeaux, and to advance Evan Longoria to third. With still one out, Shaun Cumberland hit his first homerun of the season and took Evan Longoria with him.

In the bottom of the fifth, Biscuits' starter Mike Prochaska was touched for four runs. With doubles by Marland Williams and Cody Strait, singles by Drew Anderson and Paul Janish and a walk the Lookouts came back in the game. Prochaska didn't finish the inning. He was replaced by Jeremy Flanagan.

The Lookouts really made it a close one in the bottom of the ninth. With one out Drew Anderson got on base by a fielder's choice, J.C Boscan out at second. Then Paul Janish got on base on a ground ball towards second base. Because of a throwing error by Josh Asanovich, He advanced to second base and Drew Anderson reached third. Caonabo Cosme doubled to right field. On this line drive, Anderson and Janish scored the final two runs for the Biscuits.

Dale Thayer, who had replaced Jeremy Flanagan in the bottom of the eighth, closed out the game for the save.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Actually I was about to write a piece about the trouncing by the Barons last night. But then I saw that the Biscuits won the third game of the series @ Birmingham.

This afternoon (tonight for me) the Biscuits won the third game of the five game series @ Birmingham.

In the first inning the Biscuits took the lead on a triple to right field by Jason Pridie. Pridie was batted in by Books Badeaux on a ground out (4-3).

In the bottom of the second the Barons evened the score. Thomas Collare doubled to left field. On a ground out (4-3) by Cory Aldridge, Collare moved to third base. The next batter, Jeremy West, singled on a ground ball to third base to score Thomas Collare. On the throwing error by Evan Longoria that followed on his hit, Jeremy West advanced to second base.

The Barons took a one run lead in the bottom of the sixth on a solo homerun by Thomas Collaro.

Not willing to give up, the Biscuits tied the game in the top of the seventh. Chris Nowak doubled on a fly ball to center field. Shaun Cumberland hit a sac bunt towards the pitcher to move Nowak to third base. Nowak was batted in by Gabriel Martinez, who hit a line drive single to center field.

The score kept moving like a yo-yo. In the top of the eighth the first two Biscuits' batters were put out. Then Brooks Badeaux hit a line drive single to left field. Reid Brignac drew a walk. When Evan Longoria hit a double to right field, Badeaux and Brignac could score both, to make it 4-2.

But the Barons tied the game again in the bottom of the eighth. Christopher Getz and Christopher Kelly were the runners that scored on a double by Thomas Collaro.

The Biscuits scored another two runs in the top of the ninth and then locked the game.

The Biscuits are now 7-6 and three games behind first place Birmingham in the South divsion.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Hi guys. Sorry for my absence, but I was abroad during the weekend and I had a LOT of work to do at the office, so I had to make some extra hours.

Last night the Biscuits won one against the Huntsville Stars 13-6.

In the first inning the Biscuits could score two runs thanks to a BB for the opening batter Fernando Perez (who stole second during Jason Pridie's at bat) and a homerun by Jason Pridie.

In the third, Fernando Perez scored the third run on his solo homerun to left field.

In the fourth inning the Biscuits rallied for two more runs. Chris Nowak hit a lead off home run. Then with one out, Gabriel Martinez hit a single and was advanced to second base on a fly ball single to center field by John Jaso. Martinez moved to third on a fly out to center field by Josh Asanovich. Fernando Perez batted in Martinez for the final run of the fourth ining.

In the top of the fifth, the Stars managed to score their first run of the game.

In the fifth inning the Biscuits scored another four runs. With two outs, Evan Longoria drew a walk. He advanced to second base on a line drive single by Chris Nowak. Then Shaun Cumberland hit a groud ball single to score Evan Longoria and to advance Chris Nowak to third base. Gabriel Martinez batted in Chris Nowak, Shaun Cumberland and himself on a home run.

In the bottom of the sixth, Josh Asanovich doubled on a fly ball to center field. With Fernando Perez at bat, Asanovich moved to third base on a wild pitch. Perez could draw a walk because of the lack of control by Stars' pitcher Luis Villareal. The next batter, Jason Pridie grounded out in a double play (4-6-3), but batted in Josh Asanovich for the Biscuits' tenth run.

The Stars however, refused to give up.

In the seventh they scored four runs, to make it 10-5 for the Biscuits.

The Biscuits scored three more runs in the bottom of the seventh .

The Stars scored their final run in the top of the ninth, to make the score: Stars 6 - Biscuits 13.

Biscuits starter, Chris Mason, used the minimum number of pitches to strike out all batters in the second inning.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits beat the Jacksonville Suns in the opener of a series at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Coming of a lost homestand vs Huntsville, the Biscuits beat the Suns 12-5.

The Biscuits started well in the first inning. Leadoff hitter Fernando Perez drew a walk. He stole second base with Jason Pridie at bat. Thereafter, Pridie hit a single to left field on a fly ball. The next batter, Reid Brignac, homered to right field to plate three runners.
But that was still not to the liking of Evan Longoria. He hit another homerun to make it 4-0. Remarkable was that all the Biscuits runs were scored before Suns pitcher Justin Orenduff managed to get the first out of the inning.

The Suns scored only one run in the first inning on a solo homerun by Luis Maza.

But in the third inning the Suns hit back. On a walk (A.J. Ellis), a triple (Chin Lung Hu), a couple of singles (Luis Maza and Corey Dunlap) and a sac bunt by Xavier Paul, they evened the score 4-4.

In the top of the sixth, the Biscuits had a huge rally that started with a walk by Chris Nowak. Nowak could go to second base on a ground ball single by Shaun Cumberland. John Jaso hit another ground ball to center, on which Nowak could score and Shaun Cumberland went to second. Patrick Breen advanced Cumberland to third base with a fly out to centerfield. Wesley Wright, who had replaced Justin Orenduff in the top of the fourth, then threw a wild pitch, so Shaun Cumberland scored the 6th Biscuits run. Wright gave up a walk to Josh Asanovich; John Jaso went to second base. Wright was replaced by Carlos Alvarez, who went on with what Wright had done: giving up a walk. In this case to Fernando Perez. With the bases loaded Jason Pridie hit a line drive single to right field, so Josh Asanovich and John Jaso could score and Fernando Perez could advance to second base. While Reid Brignac was batting there was a double steal: Perez to third and Pridie to second. Reid Brignac then hit a sac fly to right field, to score Perez and to advance Pridie to third. The last run of this inning was scored by Jason Pridie on a line drive to center field by Evan Longoria.

The Biscuits could score one more run in the seventh and the eighth ining. The only thing that the Suns could do was to score one run in the seventh.

Remarkable feat: Suns' Luis Maza hit 5 for 5.

The Biscuits are now 11-10 and 5 games behind first place Missippi.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

The roller coaster season continues for the Biscuits. So far the team is far from stable. Last nights loss followed a win. And that is the tendency of the season so far.

The Biscuits opened the score in the top of the second inning.
Chris Nowak doubled on a fly ball to center field. Nowak went to third on a ground ball single towards first base by Shaun Cumberland. Then DH, John Jaso hit a line drive single to center field to score Chris Nowak.

The Suns answered immediately.
Anthony Raglani homered to right field and took John Lindsey with him.

In the bottom of the third inning the Suns added another three runs to the score.

In the sixth, the seventh and the eight inning, the Biscuits scored 1,2 and 2 runs consecutively. But unfortunately for them the Suns added another 4 runs in the seventh inning.

Starting pitcher Mike Prochaska took the loss and is now 0-3.

Evan Longoria hit his fifth homerun of the season.

Tonight is the rubber game of this series in Jacksonville.

Afterwards, the Biscuits will play a home series vs. first place Missippi, starting on Wednesday.

The Biscuits are now 12-12 and last in the South Division. But even if they are last, the still have a better record than first place Huntsville of the North Division.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

What I feared, happened. The red hot Missippi Braves trounced the Biscuits in their home opener 9-1. So far the Braves recorded 6 wins out of 20 appearances in Riverwalk Stadium.

The Braves outscored the Biscuits thanks to 10 singles, 1 double and a home run.

Compared to that, the Biscuits managed to get only 7 singles and a double which resulted in the only run in the 9th inning, to spoil the shut out bid of Braves' starter M. Harrison.

The two best hitters of the Biscuits were Evan Longoria (2 for 3) and Reid Brignac (2 for 4).

The Biscuits are now 12-14 and in last place of the South division.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

On May 3, the Biscuits placed Fernando Perez on the disabled list (wisdom teeth).

The Biscuits received 1B/OF Greg Norton from Major League rehab.

The Biscuits also received LHP John Barratt from extended spring training.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits stopped their four game losing streak with a victory over the Mississippi Braves.

In the bottom of the first the Biscuits opened the score on singles by Jason Pridie and Brooks Badeaux. With first and second base occupied, Reid Brignac hit a fly out to center fielder Carl Loadenthal. Because of a throwing error by Loadenthal, Jason Pridie could score the opening run.

But the Braves evened the score on a lead off home run in the top of the second inning by Greg Creek.

In the bottom of the second, the Biscuits responded.
Batting lead off, Gabriel Martinez hit a line drive single to right field. Martinez advanced to second on a balk by Braves' pitcher Francisley Bueno.
Then with one out John Jaso hit a line drive to right field on which Gabriel Martinez could score the second run. With two outs Jason Pridie hit a line drive single to right field and advanced to second base on a fielding error by right fielder Matt Esquivel. John Jaso to third. The following batter, Brooks Badeaux batted in Pridie and Jaso with a line drive double to left field. On another double by Reid Brignac, Brooks Badeaux scored the fifth run for the Biscuits.

The Braves managed to score a run in the fourth, the fifth and the seventh inning to come back in the game.

But the Biscuits showed some spirit by adding another two runs in the bottom of the seventh.
Jason Pridie singled to left field on a line drive. He went to second base on a sac bunt by Brooks Badeaux. Then Reid Brignac drew a walk of pitcher Jose Ascanio. Both Pridie and Brignac could score the final two runs on a double by Chris Nowak.

Final score 7-4.

Winning pitcher for the Biscuits was Chris Mason (4-0) and Dale Thayer earned his fifth save of the season.

The Biscuits are now 13-15 and in last place of the South division, seven games behind first place Mississippi.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Since their inaugural game in 2004, the Biscuits hosted 993,460 fans.

So far the Biscuits have drawn over 300,000 fans every season easily.

The lucky fan who will be # 1,000,000 will get a Biscuits prize pack and an invitation to see the game in the owners suite.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Early game today. So far the Biscuits are leading 6-3 in the fourth.

It ain't over until it's over. But it seems that they will win a series for the second time this season.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Guess what? I just have won two tickets for a Biscuits game of my choice.:clapping :dance

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Bottom eighth. Biscuits leading 9-3!! In the seventh. John Jaso hit a home run over the right field wall and took Evan Longoria and Chris Nowak with him.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Top 9th. Three run homer for the Braves. Score is now 9-6. Like I said: It ain't over until it's over.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Game over. Final out: Caught pop up by SS Reid Brignac.

Final score: 9-6

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Yesterday morning there was another School kids day at Riverwalk Stadium. That meant that Both teams had to get up early. Game start 10.35 AM.

Somehow the Smokies were not awake yet...

In the top of the first the Smokies scored their only run of the game. Sam Fuld hit a ground ball single towards center field. Next thing he did was stealing second base while Jorge Cortes was batting. With one out Fuld could score on a double to left field by Josh Kroeger.

In the bottom of the first the Biscuits took the lead on a walk by Evan Longoria and a homerun by Gabriel Martinez.

In the bottom of the second the Biscuits extended their lead. With one out Shaun Cumberland drew a walk of Smokies' starter Hart. Patrick Breen batted in Cumberland thanks to a double to center field.

It took the Biscuits 3 innings before they scored again. In the fifth they scored another five runs (Josh Asanovich, Jason Pridie, Gabriel Martinez, Chris Nowak and John Jaso).

On singles by Jason Pridie, Brooks Badeaux, a walk by Evan Longoria, a ground out by Gabriel Martinez (on which Jason Pridie scored) and another single by Chris Nowak, the Biscuits scored their final three runs of the game.

With this win, the Biscuits have won five in a row and are 17-15 and four games behind of first place Mississippi.

Winning pitcher was Derek Feldkamp (1-4, ERA 4.67).

Best Biscuits batter was center fielder Jason Pridie with 3 for 5.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Smokies did the same to the Biscuits, like the Biscuits did to them the night before: Beating them up.

The Smokies scored runs in the first (2), the second (2), the fifth (3) and the eighth (2).

The Biscuits didn't come closer to home plate than third base in the fifth inning.

Smokies pitcher Holliman earned his fifth win of the season (5-0). Biscuits pitcher Chris Mason took the loss (4-1).

Best Biscuits batter was DH Greg Norton with 2 for 4.

The Biscuits are now 17-16 and 5 games behind first place Mississippi.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits managed to clinched their second series win in a row, and the third of the season (with a little help from their opponent though).

The Tennessee Smokies took an early lead in the second inning on a single by Matt Craig, a ground out by Chris Robinson (Craig advanced to third on the play) and a homer by Jorge Cortes.

In the bottom of the second, the Biscuits came back to one run. Evan Longoria hit his seventh homer of the season over the left field wall.

In the top of the third, the Smokies extended their lead to 3-1. On a couple of singles and a HBP (Matt Craig), they loaded the bases. With one out Chris Robinson singled on a line drive to right field. Gary Cates could score from third. Jake Fox, who was coming from second base, tried to score as well. But he was nailed at the plate by a sensational throw from right fielder Shaun Cumberland to catcher Josh Arhart.

The Biscuits kept pace again by scoring one run in the bottom of the third inning. With one out, Jason Pridie hit his second triple of the season. He was batted in by Brooks Badeaux, who grounded out (4-3).

In the eighth inning the Biscuits evened the score on a homerun to right field by Jason Pridie.

And then in the ninth, the Smokies were willing to help the Biscuits. With one out Chris Nowak singled on a line drive to left field. Nowak advanced to second on a ground ball single to right field by John Jaso. The next batter, Shaun Cumberland grounded out (3-1). Both Nowak and Jaso could advance one base on this play. Then with one out away from extra innings, Josh Arhart hit the ball to shortstop Carlos Rojas. Rojas misplayed the ball so Arhart could reach first base and Chris Nowak could score the winning run.

Winning pitcher was the closer, Dale Thayer (2-0).

Best Biscuits batter was Jason Pridie (two for four, with a triple and a homerun).

The Biscuits (18-16) are in sole posession of third place in the South Division, four games behind leading Mississippi.

Tonight is the final game of the series vs Tennessee. Game starts at 8.05 PM.

Tomorrow the Biscuits will play in Jackson vs the Diamond Jaxx.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits lost the last game of their home series vs. The Smokies 3-0.

The Smokies scored their runs in the first, the seventh and the ninth innings.

The three pitchers the Biscuits used, all earned one run.

Jon Barrat, received from extende spring training, earned the loss,though he didn't pitch bad. He got one earned run in 6 inning, struck out 3 but walked 5.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Tonight the Biscuits has beaten the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx 12-8 for only 778 spectators.

So far the Bicuits had won only 3 out of 21 games at Pringles Park.

It started bad for the Biscuits. The Jaxx took a 3-0 lead in the first.
With one out Jason Frazier drew a walk. The next batter struck out swingning. Then Marshal Hubbard hit a homerun and took Frazier with him.
Matt Tuiasosopo hit a line drive single towards second base. Then Charlton Jimerson reached first on a bunt towards Biscuits starter Derek Feldkamp, who was late with the throw to first. Rene Rivera singled on a line drive towards left field, to score Matt Tuiasosopo.

In the bottom of the second the Biscuits hung on and came back to 3-2. Batting lead off, Chris Nowak singled on a ground ball to center field. The next two batters flied out to left field. Then Jason Pridie tripled to right field on a line drive. Chris Nowak could score on this hit. Jason Pridie was batted in by Brooks Badeaux, who singled on a bunt on a ground ball towards pitcher Andrew Baldwin.

In the top of the third John Jaso singled to center on a line drive, with one out. The third Biscuits batter, Chris Nowak struck out. Patrick Breen drew a walk, so John Jaso moved to second base. Then Josh Asanovich singled to left field on a line drive, on which John Jaso could score. Patrick Breen was caught in a run down, when Jaxx' left fielder, Sebastien Boucher, threw the ball to third. Second baseman Luis Valbuena applied the tag.

But in the bottom of the third, the Jaxx rattled again. Starter Derek Feldkamp, was touched for another three runs, where after he was replaced by Jeremy Flanagan. Flanagan walked the first batter he faced, but eventually was able to retire the side.

In the fourth the Biscuits scored one more run in the person of Reid Brignac, who was batted in by Greg Norton, who was playing his last game at AA for a rehab stint.

The Biscuits went on. They scored two more runs in the seventh and one more run in the eighth.

Then came the ninth inning, a crazy ninth inning. The Biscuits, leading by one run, got some insurance runs. With one out Jason Pridie tripled for the second time in this game. He was batted in by Brooks Badeaux, who singled to right field. The absolute climax was the three run home run by Evan Longoria, that took Brooks Badeaux and Greg Norton with him.

Even though the Diamond Jaxx scored two more runs in the ninth, Dale Thayer earned his seventh save of the season.

Winning pitcher was Brian Henderson (1-1). Best Biscuits batter today was Brooks Badeaux, going 3 for 5.

[Euro baseball]

I apologize for writing off-topic, but I'm trying to get a hold of Yankeebiscuitfan and I couldn't figure out another way to get a message to him. I'm working on a project that includes some history on Dutch baseball and I was hoping to use some of the information he posted on another thread. If he could e-mail me at southafricabaseball@yahoo.com I'd be very grateful. Thanks and apologies again for being off topic. Josh

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I apologize for writing off-topic, but I'm trying to get a hold of Yankeebiscuitfan and I couldn't figure out another way to get a message to him. I'm working on a project that includes some history on Dutch baseball and I was hoping to use some of the information he posted on another thread. If he could e-mail me at southafricabaseball@yahoo.com I'd be very grateful. Thanks and apologies again for being off topic. Josh

Hi Euro baseball.

I have sent you an PM.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits didn't have any mercy with the Jaxx, routing them 12-4.

In the first inning Brooks Badeaux (line drive single) and Reid Brignac (walk) got on base. Evan Longoria took both home with a homerun over the right field fence.

The Diamond Jaxx could score their first run in the third inning on a homer by Brent Johnson to left field.

In the fourth, the Biscuits had a good rally again. With one out Josh Arhart drew a walk. He advanced to second base on a line drive single to left field by Josh Asanovich. Facing Jason Pridie, Jaxx' pitcher Robert Rohrbaugh, threw a wild pitch. Josh Arhart and and Josh Asanovich both advanced one base. Eventually Pridie drew a walk also, to load the bases. The fifth batter of that inning, Brooks Badeaux, batted in all three runners with a double to right field. Reid Brignac singled to left on a line drive, so Badeaux could go to third base. Brooks Badeaux was batted in on a ground out by Evan Longoria (5-3).

In the sixth inning, the Biscuits scored two more runs. Jason Pridie, the thief of the Biscuits, got on base on a line drive single to left. While Brooks Badeaux struck out swinging, Pridie stole second base. And with Reid Brignac at bat, Pridie even stole third. Reid Brignac was given a free pass to first. When the Jaxx catcher Rene Rivera let a ball pass with Evan Longoria at bat, Pridie tried to get home, but was tagged out by pitcher Aron Trolia. On this passed ball, Brignac reached second base. Trolia gave up a walk to Longoria as well. Chris Nowak doubled on a line drive to left field. On this hit, Brignac scored the Biscuits' seventh run and Evan Longoria could go to third. John Jaso (already the sixth batter of this inning) hit a line drive single to center field to score Evan Longoria.

In the bottom of the seventh, Jeff Frazier welcomed Biscuits' reliever Mike Prochaska with a solo homerun.

In the top of the eighth, Montgomery added three more runs to their score thanks to a homer by John Jaso. He took Evan Longoria and Chris Nowak with him.

In the bottom of the eighth, Mike Prochaska was replaced by Evan Meek. A change that didn't pan out very well. The Jaxx loaded the bases on a couple of singles and a walk. Then Matt Tuiasosopo grounded into a double play (6-4-3), but the runner from third, Brent Johnson could score. The runner from second, Prentice Redman, advanced to third base on this play. Eventually Prentice Redman was batted in on a line drive single by Rene Rivera. This happend to be the last run of the game.

Winning pitcher was Chris Mason, who is now 5-1 with a 2.66 ERA. Best Biscuits batter was Evan Longoria, hitting 3 for 4. Longoria leads the Southern League in homeruns an RBI's. The Biscuits are now 20-18 and six games behind first place Mississippi.

Tonight the Biscuits can clinch the series win with a win over the Jaxx.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

The Biscuits shut out the Diamond Jaxx 4-0, to take the series win.

Biscuits starter James Houser (W 2-0) threw 6.1 shutout innings, striking out 7. Two relievers didn't allow any run as well.

In the top of the second inning, opening batter, Evan Longoria was hit by a pitch on his elbow (in the bottom of the fourth Longoria was replaced by Gabriel Martinez, because his elbow was swollen). On a line drive single to right by John Jaso, Longoria went to second base. Chris Nowak, batting third with no outs, batted in the first run of the game with a line drive single to right field. Jaso could advance to second on this hit. The third line drive single to right field in a row, was hit by Shaun Cumberland. With this hit he loaded the bases. With still no outs, Josh Arhart grounded into a double play (4-6-3) on which John Jaso could score the second run for the Biscuits.

In the top of the sixth, with Gabriel Martinez on third, Chris Nowak hit a sac fly to center field, so Martinez could score the Biscuits' third run.

The Biscuits' final run was scored in the eighth by John Jaso. He was batted in by Chris Nowak who hit a triple.

Best Biscuits batter this time was John Jaso, batting 3 for 3.

This shut out was Montgomery's third of the season.

The Biscuits are now on a three game winning streak and they are tied for second place with Jacksonville, six games behind first place Mississippi.

Today is the last game of this series starting at 11.05 AM CST. After that the Biscuits return home for a five game home stand against the last place Barons, starting Thursday.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Tonight (for most of you guys, this afternoon), the Biscuits were shut out by the Diamond Jaxx 2-0.

Jaxx' starter Joseph Woerman, pitched seven strong innings, allowing only two hits, striking out five and walking four.

The Biscuits came close to scoring a run in the fifth and the ninth. In the fifth the Biscuits loaded the bases with one out, but the following two batters could not produce a hit. In the ninth, had runners on first and second with one out when Shaun Cumberland came at bat. With three balls and no strike, he did not have the patience to wait for a walk. He hit the fourth pitch that Craig James delivered towards center field for a fly out. :grouchy :dismay:

Luckily, the Biscuits got some help from Mobile (beating Jacksonville) and Birmingham (beating Mississippi 6-4). The Biscuits stay tied for second place, six games behind first place Mississippi.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits hosted the Barons in an exciting game, in which both teams took the lead several times.

In the third inning, the Barons opened the score. With one out, Jason Bourgeois hit a line drive to center. With Christopher Getz batting, Bourgeois stole second base. On a ground ball single to center by Getz, Bourgeois scored the opening run.

In the bottom of the fourth, the Biscuits took the lead. Shaun Cumberland hit his second homerun of the season and took Gabriel Martinez, who reached first base on a walk, with him.

In the fifth, the Biscuits extended their lead with one run. Brooks Badeaux scored from second on a base hit by John Jaso.

But the Barons were not willing to surrender. In the sixth they took the lead again. Christopher Getz could score all the way from first base on a line drive double to left field by Jeremy West. The next batter, Thomas Collaro, took West with him across home plate on a home run over the center field wall.

In the bottom of the seventh, the Barons made a defensive substitution and a pitcher change. This didn't work quite well. The opening batter of the Biscuits, Patrick Breen, hit his third double of the season to center field. Then manager, Billy Gardner Jr, came up with some tactics: Breen advanced to third base on a sacrifice bunt by Brooks Badeaux, who was out at first base (3). Then with one out and Evan Longoria at bat, Barons' catcher Donny Lucy let a ball get passed him, on which Patrick Breen could score the tying run.

In the eighth, the first two Biscuits batters got out. In Dutch baseball we have a saying: "With two outs we are standing strong." This seemed to be oh so true for the Biscuits. The following three batters loaded the bases on a single and two walks. With a full count (!) Brooks Badeaux hit a bases clearing double to give the Biscuits a 7-4 lead, which seemed to be the final score.

Biscuits staring pitcher, Chris Seddon, was touched for all of the Barons' four runs and didn't get the win. Reliever, Richard De Los Santos was given that honour. He earned his first win of the season (1-1). Closer Dale Thayer earned his eighth save of the season.

Two Biscuits batters shared the honour of being the best batter of this game.
Both Brooks Badeaux and Shaun Cumberland hit 2 for 3. Badeaux had three RBI's and Cumberland two.

Brooks Badeaux (photo courtesy of Biscuitsbaseball.com)

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

On may 15, the Biscuits have activated LHP James Houser from the DL.

Greg Norton has completed his Major League rehab and will return to Tampa Bay.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I found some breath taking photos of Riverwalk Stadium on Flicker.com

The photographs were made by Sunsurfr.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Here another one.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

.......................

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

The Barons won last night's game vs. the Biscuits thanks to a superb outing by starting pitcher Adam Russell. Over seven innings he just allowed one run on three hits, striking out six and walking four.

In the second, a bunch of fielding errors heralded the loss. With one out Cory Aldridge drew a walk of Mike Prochaska. The following batter (Donny Lucy) hit the ball straight to Reid Brignac, who bobbled the ball instead of making a double play. Both runners advanced a base on a passed ball by John Jaso. When second baseman Josh Asanovich also made an error on a ball hit by Christopher Kelly, both runners could score the first and second run for the Barons.

The Barons added another run to the score in the fourth on a home run by Donny Lucy.

So far the only run of the Biscuits was batted in on a triple by Gabriel Martinez, in the fourth inning.

The fourth and fifth run for the Barons were batted in by Michael Myers, who hit a double to left field in the eighth innning. On this hit Thomas Collaro scored from second base and Donny Lucy scored all the way from first (!).

All the Biscuits could do was scoring one last run in the eighth. Reid Brignac scored from second base on a line drive single by John Jaso to center field.

Winning pitcher was Adam Russell (4-3) and Mike Prochaska was saddled with the loss (1-4). Actually, Prochaska wasn't pitching that bad. He allowed three runs on three hits in five innings. It is clear that the sloppy fielding in the second inning cost him the game.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits took an early lead in the first inning. With one out, the Biscuits took off with a double (Brooks Badeaux) a ground out (3-1) by Reid Brignac on which Badeaux advanced to third, a walk (Evan Longoria) and another double by John Jaso. On this double the two runners from third and first scored.

In the top of the second inning, Corey Aldridge homered on a fly ball to right field.

Jason Pridie got on base in the bottom of second inning on a ground ball single towards second base. Because of a balk by starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez, he advanced to second base. Pridie scored the only run of this inning on a single by Brooks Badeaux.

Jason Pridie batted in two more runs in the sixth. With runners on first and second, he hit a double on a fly ball to right field. Pridie advanced to third on the throw to home plate. Brooks Badeaux hit a sac fly to left field, to drive in the last run for the Biscuits

Corey Aldridge hit his second homer of the game off Christopher Mason in the eighth inning.

With this win, Christopher Mason (6-1) is one of two pitchers in the Southern League, with six wins this season. The other one is Smokies' Mark Holliman.

Christopher Mason pitched seven innings, allowing two runs on four hits. He struck out eight batters and walked one.

The Biscuits are now 23-20 and 6 games behind first place Mississippi.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Today the Biscuits beat the Barons 5-1 behind a solid outing of the Biscuits pitching staff. Starter James Houser earned the win (3-0), struck out two, walked one and allowed two hits. Derek Feldkamp replaced Houser in the sixth and struck out two. Brian Henderson pitched the last two innings, striking out one and allowing one run on three hits. It looks like Derek Feldkamp, normally a starter (W-L record 1-4) has lost his spot in the starting rotation.

The Biscuits started quietly. Only one hit in the first by Reid Brignac.

In the second Evan Longoria scored the first run from third, batted in by Shaun Cumberland, who hit into a double play (4-6-3).

Montgomery started the third inning with a double by Jason Pridie. Brooks Badeaux batted him in on a ground ball single to center field. The following batter, Reid Brignac, struck out swinging on a wild pitch. Badeaux advanced to second base on this. Evan Longoria hit a ground ball double to left field to score Brooks Badeaux.

In the bottom of the fourth, the Barons started with a fielding error on which Josh Arhart reached first base. On a line drive triple to center, Arhart could score the fourth run of the game for the Biscuits.

After this run, the Biscuits' bats remained silent for 3 2/3 innings. John Egbert retired 9 straight Biscuits and Fernando Hernandez retired three. The only revival, was when John Jaso hit his fourth homerun of the season.

The sole Barons' run was scored in the top of the ninth. Jeremy West reached first base on a fielding error by first baseman Chris Nowak. If that wasn't enough, Nowak also made an throwing error, so West advanced to second base. Thomas Colllaro hit a infield single towards third base. Jeremy West went to third on this hit. Then with one out, West was batted in on a line drive single to left field by Christopher Kelly. Thomas Collaro advanced to second base on this hit. The game ended with a nice double play when Ricardo Nanita hit the ball to second baseman Josh Asanovich (4-6-3).

With this win the Biscuits improved their record to 24-20 and clinched their fourth series win in a row. The Biscuits are now tied for second place with Jacksonville, that lost it's game vs. the Carolina Mudcats. Mississippi also lost today, 8-5 vs Tennessee.

Best Biscuits batter today was once again Evan Longoria (2 for 4).

Evan Longoria (photo courtesy of Biscuitsbaseball.com)

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits won a close one vs the Barons.

The Biscuits trailed 2-0 after 2 1/2 innings. For the Barons, Jason Bourgeois, who hit a triple himself, was batted in on a double by Cory Aldridge in the first. In the top of the third, the Barons extended their lead with one run. With one out, Thomas Collaro hit a single, stole second base and advanced to third on the throwing error by catcher John Jaso. He was batted in by Christopher Kelly, who hit a line drive single to center field.

In the bottom of the third, Montgomery scored one run on a wild pitch by pitcher Wes Whisler. Josh Asanovich was the one to touch home plate.

It took the Biscuits three innings to score again. And how... With one out, John Jaso singled. Chris Nowak advanced him to second with a line drive single to left field. Gabriel Martinez batted in John Jaso with a line drive to left field. The next batter, Shaun Cumberland, reached base on a throwing error by third baseman Christopher Kelly. Chris Nowak scored the third run on this error and Gabriel Martinez advanced to third base. The Biscuits got their fourth run in a cheap way. Relief pitcher, Ryan Wing, balked to score Gabriel Martinez.

In the top of the seventh, Thomas Collara narrowed the gap to one run with a homer of reliever, Jeremy Flanagan.

After 7 2/3 innings, Dale Thayer came in for the Biscuits to close out the game and to earn his ninth save of the season.

Relief pitcher Jeremy Flanagan, who lasted only 1.1 innings, earned the win (3-1).

Once again, two batters earned the honours to be the best batter of the game. Both Brooks Badeaux and Chris Nowak batted 3 for 4.

Two streaks came to an end in this game. Batting 0 for 4, Evan Longoria ended his on-base streak at 37 games. Jason Pridie ended his 17 game hitting streak, also batting 0 for 4.

Tonight the Biscuits have a night off before starting a 10 game road trip.
Wednesday night they will play the first game of a five game series at Mississippi. After that series the Biscuits will start a five game series at Hunstsville on Monday the 28th of May.

Reid Brignac making double play in fourth inning (photo by David Bundy, Montgomery Advertiser)

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

James Houser pitcher of the week

James Houser won last weeks pitcher of the week award. Houser was 2-0 and pitched 11 1/3 shut out innings, allowing four hits, walking two and fanning nine.

Houser admitted that he didn't know the Southern League had an award like that.

Mike Prochaska on bereavement leave

Mike Prochaska will be of the team during it's series at Pearl Mississippi. He will attend the funeral of his grandmother who died on Monday, after suffering a massive stroke, three weeks ago.

The plan is to let Prochaska start in the first game of the series and afterwards he will fly to Colorado.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Braves beat the Biscuits in a close game in Pearl, MS.

Braves' starter Lance Cormier (who is on a rehab assignment) kept the Biscuits scoreless for the five innings he pitched. He allowed four hits and fanned four.

The Braves took the lead in the third inning (three run homer by Matt Esquivel), extended their lead with one run in the fifth (solo homerun by Clint Sammons) and never looked back.

Relief pitcher Brad Nelson, who replaced Lance Cormier in the sixth, almost blew the lead. In the eigth, the Biscuits started a rally that resulted in three runs. Nelson allowed three singles to load the bases. He was replaced by Jose Ascanio. He started well. Brooks Badeaux lined out to left field. Reid Brignac hit a sac fly to left, to score Shaun Cumberland. Evan Longoria's tenth double of the season, cleared the bases. The two runners that remained after Cumberland was batted in, scored both on this double. Unfortunately this was the last feat of arms of the Biscuits in this game.

Lance Cormier earned the win, his first of the season (1-1) and Chris Seddon was saddled with his third loss of 2007 (3-3).

Best Biscuits' batter was Jason Pridie, who hit 3 for 4.

Lance Cormier

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Catcher Josh Arhart was placed on the disabled list, because of a bulging disc.

Montgomery received catcher Matthew Spring from the Columbus Catfish, to fill Arhart's spot.

Matthew C. Spring
Height: 6-2
Weight: 215
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 11/7/84 in Phoenix, AZ
Resides: Peoria, AZ
School: Dixie State College of Utah
Drafted: 4th round, 2004

[varybarry]

I've heard good things about Matthew Spring. It will be interesting to see what he can do now that he has a chance to play.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I've heard good things about Matthew Spring. It will be interesting to see what he can do now that he has a chance to play.

Well, in his first AA game he has hit a homerun. :clapping

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits won another close one. This time they had to go deep into extra innings to achieve this.

The Braves took an early two run lead in the first inning. With the bases loaded and one out, Carl Loadenthal scored from third and Brent Lillibridge scored from second on a ground ball single to left field by Diory Hernandez.

The Biscuits cut the Braves' lead to one run in the second inning. They loaded the bases with three consecutive singles (Evan Longoria, John Jaso and Chris Nowak). Instead of building a big lead, Shaun Cumberland grounded into a double play (4-6-3). Evan Longoria scored the Biscuits first run.

In the fourth inning, the Biscuits exploded for a rally. With one out, the Biscuits loaded the bases again; this time with a walk and two singles. Then in only his second at bat at AA, Matt Spring hit a grand slam homerun over the left field fence. After this blast, Josh Asanovich was called out on strikes and Jason Pridie was hit by a pitch. Jason Pridie stole second base (his team leading 11th steal) with Brooks Badeaux at bat. Pridie advanced to third on the throwing error by Braves' catcher Clint Sammons. Pridie scored the final run of the inning on a ground ball single by Brooks Badeaux.

In the sixth, the Braves came back, scoring a run (Mike Rozema) on two doubles.

The Braves tied the score in the seventh. With one out and Nick DeBarr pitching, Matt Esquivel singled on a line drive single to left field. A ground out (4-3) by Diory Hernandez, advanced Esquivel to second base. The next batter, Mark Jurich hit the ball to Shaun Cumberland, who commited a fielding error. Matt Esquivel could score on this error and Jurich advanced to second.
Jurich was batted in by Clint Sammons on a line drive single to left field. The next batter, pinch hitter Josh Burrus, drew a walk of Brian Henderson. Eventually Mike Rozema singled on a line drive to right field, to score Clint Sammons.

No more runs were scored until the twelfth inning. The Biscuits took the lead with one run. Shaun Cumberland singled on a line drive to center field. Matt Spring advanced Cumberland on a sac bunt (1-4). Cumberland reached third on a ground out by Josh Asanovich (4-3). Cumberland finally touched home plate on a ground ball single to the short stop by Jason Pridie.

Dale Thayer pitched the final three innings without allowing a run, striking out three and walking one. He earned his third victory of the season (3-0) with this outing.

Chris Mason, who started the game, had a decent outing. He pitched six innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits, fanning four and walking four.

The best batter of the Biscuits was Chris Nowak, batting 3 for 6.

With this win, the Biscuits closed in one game on Mississippi. The Biscuits are
four games behind the Braves and tied for second place with the Suns.

Tonight the Biscuits will play the third game of this series vs Mississippi. Propable starters are James Houser for the Biscuits (3-0 , 2.48) and Jo-Jo Reyes (4-1, 3.80).

Chris Nowak

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

The Biscuits didn't have their night, last night. A dramatic sixth inning, cost them the game.

By then the Biscuits were leading 4-3. In the sixth with two outs and one runner on first base, the Braves started to hit Jeremy Flanagan. Mat Esquivel stole second base while Josh Burrus was batting. Then the Braves hit two singles (Josh Burrus, who batted int Esquivel and Greg Creek) and drew a walk (Ray Serrano). Subsequently, Van Pope hit the ball towards short stop Reid Brignac, who couldn't make the throw to first properly. Thanks to this throwing error, Van Pope reached third base and all the other runners scored. If that was not enough, pitcher Jeremy Flanagan threw a wild pitch, so Van Pope could score the fifth run for the Braves.

The Braves had two more big innings in the seventh and the eighth, scoring three runs in each.

All the Biscuits could do was scoring one more run in the ninth on a solo home run by John Jaso.

It may be clear that Jeremy Flanagan took the loss, while Braves' starter Jo-Jo Reyes earned his fifth win of the season (5-1). He pitched seven innings, allowing four runs on five hits, striking out six and walking five.

The Biscuits have commited a league leading 41 errors in this season. The only two Biscuits without an error are newby Matthew Spring and first baseman Greg Norton, who played only seven games so far.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Tonight (at least for me), the Biscuits trailed most of the game 2-0. But they had a nice come back victory.

The Braves took a one run lead in the second inning. Diory Hernandez doubled to left and scored on a single by Josh Burrus.

In the second the Braves extended their lead with one run. Carl Loadenthal hit a soft fly ball to left field. Brent Lillibridge hit a ground out to pitcher Mike Prochaska, who threw to second base trying to make a force out, but his throw was not in time. Second baseman Josh Asanovich was able to throw the ball to first in time. Then with two outs, Matt Esquivel singled on a fly ball, and batted in Carl Loadenthal.

The next four innings were scoreless.

Then in the eighth inning the Biscuits exploded for four runs. In the top of the eighth, Braves' starter Kelvin Vila, was replaced by Joe Winkelsas. This seemed to be a bad move.
Patrick Breen, leading off, hit a ground ball single towards second base. The next batter, Josh Asanovich, grounded out (1-3). Breen advanced to second on this play.
With one out, Jason Pridie double to left on a line drive. Patrick Breen scored the first run for the Braves. Brooks Badeaux lined out to first baseman Mark Jurich. With two outs, Reid Brignac drew a walk. Then Evan Longoria hit the ball to shortstop Brent Lillibridge, who couldn't control the ball. Jason Pridie went to third on the play and Reid Brignac to second.
With the bases loaded, John Jaso doubled on a fly ball to center field. Jason Pridie and Reid Brignac scored on this hit. Evan Longoria was waved home as well and cut off man Brent Lillibridge tried to throw him out the home plate. But his throw was out of line and passed home plate. Longoria scored the fourth run on this play and John Jaso reached third. Chris Nowak flied out to end the inning.

But the Braves refused to give up. Brandon Jones singled on a line drive to left field. The next two batters got out. On the ground out by Diory Hernandez, Jones advanced to second. Jones scored on a fly ball single to center field by Josh Burrus.

In the ninth the Biscuits came close to score two insurance runs. But with runners on third and second, the final two batters were put out (K swining by Jason Pridie and a ground out on a bunt (1-3) by Brooks Badeaux.

The Biscuits replaced Brian Henderson with reliever Dale Thayer and brought in Shaun Cumberland in right.
Thayer retired all three Braves batters (pop up to third baseman by Van Pope, strike out by Ray Serrano and a ground out (4-3)by Carl Loadenthal.

With this win, the Biscuits closed in a game on the Braves and are now five games behind. Their record is 27-23.

Best Biscuits batter today was Patrick Breen, batting 3 for 4.

Winning pitcher was Evan Meek and Dale Thayer earned his tenth save of the season.

Starting pitcher, pitched a good game. He left after six innings, allowing two runs on six hits, striking out one and walking three.

Tomorrow night, the Biscuits will start a five game series in Huntsville vs. the Stars, who tied for first place with the Smokies in North division.

John Jaso had three RBI's today (photo courtesy of biscuitsbaseball.com)

[DriftersGM]

heres a vid I took at a recent game, hopefully everyone will enjoy seeing Biscuits manager Billy Gardner Jr getting tossed.

To be fair, the ump totally missed the call, and there were several blown calls in the days before this ejection.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA8thZWDWQs


If ya like this one, I have plenty more from the games Ive seen, including a different view of Longorias game winning homer at the end of last season.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

heres a vid I took at a recent game, hopefully everyone will enjoy seeing Biscuits manager Billy Gardner Jr getting tossed.

To be fair, the ump totally missed the call, and there were several blown calls in the days before this ejection.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA8thZWDWQs


If ya like this one, I have plenty more from the games Ive seen, including a different view of Longorias game winning homer at the end of last season.

Thank you! :applaud:

Send us more, send us more.

This was kinda fun. I have checked Youtube several times for clips of the Biscuits, but I didn't find this one.

I have seen several clips on the site of the TV station of the Biscuits, but those are only highlights and last a minute at most.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits had no chance against the Huntsville Stars. Only 2,422 spectators witnessed the slaughter of the Biscuits.

The Biscuits had a promising start, scoring three runs in the first inning. But that seemed to be all the gas that Montgomery had in the tank.

Biscuits starter, Chris Seddon, lacked control in the first inning already. He threw 2 wild pitches and was touched for five runs, in the first inning only.
After the first he was able to keep the Stars from scoring more runs. He was replaced after the fifth.

The Stars had two other big innings; the sixth, in which they scored three runs and the seventh in which the scored four.

Huntsville collected 18 hits (1 triple and two homeruns). Montgomery managed to collect ten hits, three of them by Jason Pridie (3 for 4 with a double).

The Biscuits are now 27-24 and trailing Mississippi by five games.

Jason Pridie, 3 for 4 with a double (Photo courtesy of Biscuitsbaseball.com)

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

heres a vid I took at a recent game, hopefully everyone will enjoy seeing Biscuits manager Billy Gardner Jr getting tossed.

To be fair, the ump totally missed the call, and there were several blown calls in the days before this ejection.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA8thZWDWQs


If ya like this one, I have plenty more from the games Ive seen, including a different view of Longorias game winning homer at the end of last season.


Are you allowed to film at Riverwalk? I have attended a game at Angel Stadium and people were not allowed to film there.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night it was another close game. Stars starter Manny Parra, pitched a gem in six innings, allowing just one run on seven hits, fanning nine and walking just two. But he still took the loss.

The only run he earned was scored in the fifth inning. Batting lead off, Patrick Breen hit his second triple of the season on a fly ball to center field. Josh Asanovich batted him in with a single to center field.

The Biscuits scored two insurance runs in the eighth inning. Brooks Badeaux got on base on a ground ball single to right field. But he was picked of first base by relief pitcher Carlos Corporan, with Reid Brignac at bat. Brignac managed to drew a walk of Corporan. With still one out, Evan Longoria connected for his eleventh homer of the season, this time over the left field fence.

Chris Mason earned the win, allowing only five hits over seven innings, striking out seven and walking none. Dale Thayer earned his eleventh save of the season.

Best Biscuits batter was Evan Longoria, battin 3 for 4, with two RBI's.

Dale Thayer earned his 11th save (Photo by Julie Bennett, Montgomery Advertiser)

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

While finishing my last article the Biscuits were playing today's game.

Facing the Stars in game three of this series in Huntsville, the Biscuits fell to the Stars 19-4.

Biscuits starter, James Houser (L,3-1), was touched for six runs in only three innings. In the bottom of the second he was touched for four runs on six hits (two doubles, a single, a homer and two more singles).

Houser was replaced by Jeremy Flanagan in the fourth. But this seemed not to be a good move. If the six runs were not enough, the Stars addes seven more runs to their score in the fifth. Flanagan earned five runs on four hits. With one out (sac fly by Ruben Mateo), Flanagan was replaced by Derek Feldkamp.

Feldkamp lasted 2.2 innings, allowing 4 runs on five hits.

In the bottom of the seventh, Brett Wayne was brought in to replace Derek Feldkamp. Wayne ended the game, but was still touched for four more runs on three hits and four walks.

All the Biscuits could do was score four runs, one in the third inning on a homer by Jason Pridie and three in the fifth. Patrick Breen doubled to left field on a line drive. Brooks Badeaux singled on a fly ball to right field. Both were batted in on a home run by Evan Longoria, his twelfth of the season.

Adam Pettyjohn pitched for six innings. He earned four runs on nine hits. He struck out nine and walked one. The relievers (Mark DiFelice for two innings and Marino Salas for one inning) pitched perfect during their outings.

Two Biscuits batters earned the honour of being the best batter. Brooks Badeaux and Evan Longoria both hit 2 for 4.

[DriftersGM]

Actually, Ive never asked if its allowed, I just turned on the camera! I find it hard to believe that they wouldnt allow a family to videotape their trip to the park, but Bud Selig has made me wonder about many a change at games during his tenure.


I will put a new one up this weekend, I always take a short film of each of the starting pitchers warming up in the pen before games I attend. Its not a huge pro-type camera, and I dont usually use it for extended periods during the games, so maybe they just never noticed.

With so many folks at the game on their cellphones, I cant imagine how they could ever keep anyone from taking a short vid of the games, no matter where it was being played.


Mitch Talbot tossing a playoff game beauty in 2006



Biscuits take the field for what would be their final game of 06



Stars Starter warming up pregame, probably Manny Parra, in the visitors bullpen

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

This is not really Biscuits news, but because he is a former Biscuit, I thought I should mention it.

Andy Sonnanstine has been called up to Tampa Bay to fill in a roster spot that was originated because RHP Jae Kuk Ryu was demoted to Durham and RHP Jae Seo was designated for assignment.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night at Riverwalk Stadium, the Biscuits trailed the Mudcats after the second inning, for almost the whole game.

In the second, the Mudcats took a one run lead. Ryan Bear singled to left field on a line drive. He advanced to first on a ground out (6-3) by Vince Harrison. Jai Miller batted in Ryan Bear on a ground ball single to center field.

In the fourth and the fifth the Mudcats extended their lead with one run each.

Biscuits starter, Chris Seddon, earned all of Carolina's runs on nine hits in six innings. He struck out one and walked two.

The two relief pitchers, Derek Feldkamp (two innings) and Dale Thayer (one inning) both allowed one hit.

In the eighth inning, with two outs, the Biscuits' bats woke up. Josh Asanovich hit the ball to shortstop Chase Lambin, who couldn't handle the ball. The next batter, Jason Pridie drew a walk of relief pitcher Mauro Zarate. Asanovich advanced to second base. When Reid Brignac hit his eleventh double of the season, both Asanovich and Pridie could score.

In the bottom of the ninth, Mauro Zarate was replaced by Scott Nestor. He started with walking John Jaso. Chris Nowak singled on a fly ball to right and so John Jaso advanced to second base. Then with one out, Patrick Breen singled on a line drive to right field on which John Jaso could score the tying run and Chris Nowak advanced to third base.
After this hit, Scott Nestor was replaced by Craig Molldrem. Moldrem intentionally walked pinch hitter Brooks Badeaux, to load the bases. The next batter, grounded into a force out (6-2) and reached first on a fielders choice.
With still the bases loaded, but now with two outs, Jason Pridie hit a line drive to left field to drive in the winning run.

Note: This was only the second come back from behind victory for the Biscuits, trailing after eight innings. The Biscuits are now 2-204 if behind when entering their last at bat.

Dale Thayer earned his fourth victory of the season (4-0, 2.00 ERA)

Jason Pridie was the best Biscuits batter with 2 for 4 and the decisive RBI.

Due to the many losses of the last couple of days, the Biscuits (29-27) have fallen back to fourth place, six games behind first place Mississippi.

Like every Sunday, today is kids day at Riverwalk Stadium, so the game will start at 3.05 pm ET. Starting pitchers will be Chris
Mason (7-1, 2.39 ERA) for the Biscuits and Gaby Hernandez (2-6, 4.84) for the Mudcats.

Jason Pridie drove in the decisive run (photo by Jerry Hale/MLB.com)

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits needed two homeruns for the win of game two of the series vs the Mudcats.

In the first, Reid Brignac homered over the right field fence and took Fernando Perez with him.

In the next inning the Mudcats cut Montgomeries lead into half. John Rayburn opened Carolina's inning with a single on a fly ball to left field. Ryan Bear singled to short stop Reid Brignac who made a throwing error on which Rayburn advanced to third base. Johnny Raburn was batted in with Jai Miller's line drive double to left field.

The opening batter of the sixth inning, Evan Longoria, was hit by a pitch. The next two batters got out. John Jaso's line drive was caught by centerfielder Jay Miller. Jason Pridie grounded the ball towards first baseman Grant Psomas. This hit was a part of a hit and run. But Evan Longoria slipped away when he started running, so he decided to get back to first base. Psomas was not able to do the right thing, when he was confronted with two runners at first base. In a reflex he stepped on first base first and then tagged Longoria, who was on the bag already. With this play he wiped out the force out so Longoria was safe. Thanks to this play the Biscuits could score two runs on the following homer by Gabriel Matinez.

In the eighth the Mudcats came back with one run on the homerun by Chase Lambin.

The winning pitcher was Chris Mason, who notched his eight win (8-1, 2.31 ERA) and became the first eight game winner of the Southern League. He allowed one run on six hits, struck out five and walked three.

Dale Thayer earned his twelfth save of the season.

Fernando Perez was the best hitter last night, batting 3 for 4.

Thanks to this win and Mobile's second straight loss, the Biscuits (30-27) are now tied with the Bay Bears for fourth place, six games behind leading Mississippi.

Reid Brignac (on the right) is congratulated by Evan Longoria and Fernando Perez, after he has hit a two run homer in the first.
(photo by David Bundy/Montgomery advertiser)

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

LHP Richard de los Santos was promoted to AAA Durham.

The Biscuits got RHP Jeremy Flanagan from short A Hudson Valley.

Mike Prochaska (LHP) was placed on the temporary inactive list.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Mudcats spoiled a good pitching performance by Gaby Hernandez. He took a two run lead into the seventh inning, when he was replaced after a double by Gabriel Martinez. This double heralded a Biscuits rally.

The Mudcats took an early lead in the second ining on a run scored by Ryan Bear. In the third they added one more run to the score on a homerun by Grant Psomas.

After the double of Martinez in the seventh, he was batted in by Patrick Breen, who hit a line drive triple to right field. Breen crossed home plate on a sac fly by Josh Asanovich.

The Biscuits scored one more run in the eighth when Reid Brignac was batted in by Chris Nowak.

But in the top of the ninth, the Mudcats evened the score on the second homer of the game by Grant Psomas.

After a lot of defensive and pitching changes in the tenth, the Biscuits ended Carolina's at bat with a double play.

Then in the Biscuits' at bat, with one out, Chris Nowak became the hero when he hit his second homerun of the season over the left field wall.

Like so many won games this season, the starter was not the winner. Starting pitcher, James Houser, pitched six good innings, allowing two runs on five hits, fanning seven and walking just one, but Brian Henderson earned the win, his second of the season (2-1).

Best Biscuits batter was Chris Nowak, batting 3 for 5 with two RBI's.

With this win the Biscuits clinched the series win.

Chris Nowak hit a walk off homerun (photo Montgomery advertiser)

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Since today, the two radio broadcasters of the Biscuits, Jim Tocco and Jesse Goldberg-Strassler, have their own blog on Biscuitsbaseball.com

It is a blog with a lot of funny and inside information.

Broadcaster's Blog (http://www.biscuitsbaseball.com/blog.html)

Enjoy.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits won another close game 3-2.

In the first inning it didn't look well for starter John Barrat. He loaded the bases with one out, because of lack of control. Normally when he has an inning like this he will not come over it, but he did this time. The next two batters flied out to left field and to right field.

It took the Biscuits four innings to score their first run. In the fourth, Evan Longoria hit his thirteenth (solo)homer of the season.

Carolina tied the game in the sixth on a solo homerun by Ryan Bear.

In the bottom of the seventh, opening batter, Evan Longoria, drew a walk. He advanced to third on a double to left field by John Jaso. Just like the night before, Chris Nowak became the hero of the game. With a line drive single to right field he batted in both Longoria and Jaso, to make the score 3-1.

Carolina added one more run to their total in the ninth. Also Jai Miller hit a solo homerun to left field.

Despite pitching a good game, allowing one run on three hits in six innings, John Barrat didn't earn the win. That was Bryan Henderson who pitched 1.2 innings and who allowed only one hit. This win was Henderson's third (3-1).

Dale Thayer earned the SL leading 13th save of the season. Thayer is tied with Joey Devine (Mississippi) for the most saves.

With this win the Biscuits improved to 32-27 and are now in sole posession of third place, still six games behind first place Mississippi. The Biscuits didn't close in on the Braves and the Suns, because both teams have also won four straight.

Best Biscuits batter last night was Jason Pridie, who batted 2 for 4, with one double.

John Barrat allowed one run over six innings (photo Montgomery advertiser)

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

This week both Evan Longoria and John Jaso had won player of the month awards for the month of May.

Longoria was laurelled by the Southern League. He hit 317/.410/.584 (avg./obp/ops) in the month with seven home runs and 25 RBIs in 28 games.

Jaso on the other hand received the honours by the organisation of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. John Jaso hit .374/.447/.615.

Strange isn't it?

Here is an explanation by Jim Tocco, that I found on his blog:

Jaso's batting average led the Southern League in May, while Longoria's was not in the top 15.

These awards make sense in a strange sort of way. The Devil Rays honor is awarded by the minor league department, which is mostly looking at numbers to support its award. The Southern League honor is voted upon by the Southern League's field managers.

Most managers that I know don't spend their time looking at a stat sheet. They think about opposing players in the league, and they ask themselves which opponent they fear the most, or which opponent did the most damage to their team. This leads most managers to think of Longoria, easily the most potent offensive threat in the league (Justin Upton notwithstanding).

It's the same reason that Delmon Young won the Southern League's Player of the Month honors in May AND June of 2005. In neither of those months did he have the league's best numbers.

The organizational award, on the other hand, is awarded by the players' bosses. The organization has got to be careful to whom the award their own honor. Although they might also believe that Longoria is still the top offensive threat, they have to be careful not to show favoritism within their own system. That's why, despite all of the preaching about how it's not the numbers that matter, these awards will always go to the players with the best numbers.

It's the old argument about the difference between "Player of the Year" and "Most Valuable Player." In this case, Jaso is May's "Player of the Month" (as the Rays proved), while Longoria is May's "Most Valuable Player" (as the league proved).

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Biscuits left handed pitcher Chris Seddon was designated for assignment on June 5.

So far this season, Seddon's record was 3-4, in 12 games started. His ERA was 4.94. In 71 innings pitched, he allowed 40 runs (39 earned) and seven homeruns, walked 23 and struck out 40. Opposing batters hit a respectable .274 against him.

Chris Seddon (Photo Montgomery advertiser)

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

The brooms can come out of the closet; the first sweep of the season is a fact. The Biscuits completed their sweep of the Mudcats, with a 12-6 win.

The basis of this slaughter, were the first two innings. With runs scored by Fernando Perez, Brooks Badeaux and Evan Longoria, the Biscuits took an early 3-0 lead in the first inning.

But the Mudcats wanted to avoid the sweep, so they evened the score in the second inning. Two homers (one two run and a solo) tied the score for Carolina.

In their second at bat, the Biscuits exploded for a huge rally. Carolina's starter, Jesus Delgado, allowed six more runs. In total he was touched for nine runs of which seven were earned. His replacement, Jarrett Santos, fared much better. He allowed only one run over four innings pitched.

In the fourth and the fifth inning, the Mudcats gained ground on the Biscuits by score two runs in the fourth and one in the fifth. These three runs seemed to be the last for the Mudcats.

The Biscuits were not ready yet. On a solo homerun by Evan Longoria, a triple by John Jaso and a single by Jason Pridie, the Biscuits scored two more runs in the sixth inning.

In the eighth Montgomery added another (cheap) run to the score thanks to a bases loaded walk, drawn of relief pitcher Scott Tyler by Shaun Cumberland.

Once again, Evan Longoria earned the honours of being the best batter, hitting 3 for 4, with a single, a double and a homerun (his fourteenth of the season).

Winning pitcher was Mike Prochaska (2-5, 5.21 ERA).

Thanks to this win and the losses of Mississippi and Jacksonville, the Biscuits came closer the first place and are now tied with the Suns for second place, five games behind the leading Braves.

Tonight the Biscuits will start a five game road series at Mobile AL vs the Bay Bears.

Mike Prochaska (on the right) earned his second win of the season (photo by Karen S. Doerr/Montgomery advertiser)

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I guess you have figured it out already, but the Biscuits have activated Mike Prochaska from the temporary inactive list on Tuesday 6-6-2007.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Last night the Biscuits won their sixth straight game, the first of the road series at Mobile.

In the first two innings the Biscuits scored two runs each. Lead off batter Fernando Perez got on base after a line drive to center field. Perez stole second base with Jason Pridie at bat. There after Pridie drew a walk of starting pitcher Greg Smith. Reid Brignac loaded the bases with a soft fly ball to left field. Then with one out, John Jaso hit a sacrifice fly to centerfielder Justin Upton. On this sac fly Fernando Perez could score the opening run. But on the throwing error by Upton, all Biscuits' runner advanced one base, so Jason Pridie scored the second run for the Biscuits.

In the second inning the Biscuits added two runs to their score, thanks to a triple by Shaun Cumberland, a sac fly by Patrick Breen and a solo homerun by Fernando Perez.

Until the ninth inning the Biscuits did not score any run.

In the meantime, the Bay Bears came back in the game. Emilio Bonifacio started the Bay Bears' fifth inning with a base hit on a bunt. He was batted in thanks to Wilkin Castillo's double.

In the eighth inning, the Bay Bears closed in on the Biscuits. Thanks to a base on balls, given to Chris Rahl and a homerun by Cesar Nicolas, they scored two more runs, but they fell short just one run.

In the Biscuits last at bat, Reid Brignac gave them an insurance run on a solo homer to right field.

Dale Thayer closed the game for his fourteenth save of the season. He allowed one run on two hits in 1.2 innings pitched.

Winning pitcher was Jeremy Flanagan (4-2, 6.26 ERA), who replaced spot starter Derek Feldkamp in the fifth inning.

The best batter of this game was Reid Brignac, batting 3 for 4 with one homerun.

Thanks to this win, the Biscuits improved to 34-27, which is the second best record in the Southern League. Only the Braves have a better record.

Tonight is the second game of this series at Mobile AL.

Reid Brignac batted 3 for 4 with one homerun (photo by the Montgomery advertiser)

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Today the Biscuits received right handed reliever Kevin Lynn from Vero Beach.

BTW. This is the 500th post of this thread. :dance