TED LILLY COMES TO ALBUQUERQUE FOR RAHAB

Photo Credit Ron Cervenka ThinkBlueLA.com

Dodgers Ted Lilly will pitch for the Albuquerque Isotopes on Wednesday April 10.  Lillys is recovering from left labrum surgery.

Lilly was originally drafted by the Dodgers in 1996, traded to the Expos in 1998, then traded to the Yankees in 2000.  He was part of a three team deal between the Yankees, the Athletics and the Tigers that sent him to Athletics.  He then was traded to Toronto in 2003.

Lilly sign as a free agent with the Cubs in 2006.  In 2010 he was traded to the Dodgers for former Isotope Blake Dewitt, and Brett Wallach.  Brett Wallach is the son of Tim Wallach former skipper of the Isotopes.

This is not Lilly's first trip to Albuquerque, he pitched here for the Albuquerque Dukes in 1998, while in the Dodgers Minor League system.

Photo Credit Ron Cervenka ThinkBlueLA.com

This is Lillys second rehab start, on April 5, he rehabbed with the Single-A affiliate of the Dodgers Rancho Cucamonga.  In that first rehab start Lilly went Six innings gave up nine hits five earned runs and three home runs.

Lilly will face the Omaha Storm Chasers tomorrow which is the Triple-A affiliated with the Royals.

Photo Credit Ron Cervenka ThinkBlueLA.com

Thank you to Ron Cervenka of Think Blue LA for the photos of Ted Lilly from spring training and his rehab start with the Quakes.  You can go to Ron's blog and forum at ThinkBlueLA.com

WIN NUMBER TWO FOR THE ISOTOPES

Photo Credit Evan Chavez: Matt Magill walking to the dugout before his first Triple-A start

Isotopes 10 Cubs 6

Isotopes chalk  up a second win.  Top prospect Matt Magill in his Triple-A debut goes 4IP 5H 3ER 2K 4BB.

It was a win, and that's what counts.

Alex Castellanos hits the first homerun of the season for the Isotopes.  A two run homer in the fifth.

As I said in yesterdays post, I cant say enough about Elian Herrera, who was 2 for 4 with two runs scored, a double two RBI and a walk.  He also stole a base.

Gordon and Castellanos each stole a base.  It was there second in as many nights.

Steve Ames has was pulled while batting after sufering some sort of injury.  No word on how serious the injury is...

Every Isotopes position player collected a hit.  Gordon, Van Slyke, Angle (two doubles), Gwynn, Wallach and Herrera where all with multiple hits (two each).

Shawn Tolleson got in his work today going two innings giving up NO HITS and NO RUNS, striking out three.

My favorite play of the day was an awesome catch by Dee gordon.   Not only does he make a spectacular catch but he throws out the runner trying to return to first. 

The take the fielsd again tomorrow at 7:00 PM at Isotopes Park.  Scheduled to start for the Isotopes is RHP Blake Johnson.

WIN NUMBER ONE FOR ISOTOPES



Photo credit Evan Chavez: Stephan Fife 2012 at Isotopes Park

Isotopes 10 Cubs 3



Game one of the 2013 for the Albuquerque Isotopes is in the books, and it was a win for the Albuquerque Isotopes. Here are some of my thought on the first game of the season. 

There is alot of talent on this team.  You have prospects like Magill, Ames, Withrow, mixed in with players who have spent time with the Dodgers like Guerra, Fife, Castellanos, Herrera, and Van Slyke.

Fife went four innings gave up six hits and two runs walked one and struck out two.  Aguasviva 1.2 pitched hitless and scoreless.  Castro and Wall each go one inning with no hits no runs.

The mixture of Dee Gordon, Elian Herrera, Alex Castellanos and Scott Van Slyke is going to be very fun to watch. 

Watching Gordon (who looked very fast out of the box and on the bases), and Castellanos on the bases is also going to be fun.  They each stole a base last night.

What can I say about Elian Herrera.  He could become one of my favorite Isotopes this season.  He does what he has to do to have a good at bat.

Castellanos is also going to be a guy to keep your eye on.  He has lots of tools.  He too is becomoing one of my favorite players to watch.

Isotopes have an afternoon game today 2:00 MT.  You Don't want to miss this one because top ten pespect in Dodgers organization Matt Magill will start for Isotopes.  The game will be broadcasted on 1050 AM not 610.

Opening Day 2013

Photo Credit Evan Chavez

I was between Taos NM and Espanola NM when the first pitch was thrown out by Dodger legend Sandy Koufax. I was working so I had to listen to the game on my MLB At Bat app. Yea if you were driving behind me you might have even seen me kinda jump out of my seat, when I heard Koufax was comming out to take the ball from Mattingly.  I have never been to an Opening Day, but it is on my bucket list.

All the excitment in Los Angeles got me pretty excited about our opening Day here in Albuquerque. It's just two days away!

I have learned over the season's to pay close attention to every player on the field because you never know who is going to get the call from the Dodgers.

I remember seeing John Ely, announced and a week later Ely Mania began in Los Angeles. 

I also remeber seeing a guy who had a strange batting stance by the name of Luis Cruz on Opening Day.  Later that season he was called up and never returned to Albuquerque.

Then you have the highly touted players like a you Dee Gordon, and Jerry Sands who both here on Opening Day 2011.

Yes I consider myself very blessed to be able to watch these young men play here in Albuquerque. 

I am also very excited to listen to the first pregame interview and game call by Josh Suchon.  You too who don't live in the Albuquerque Area can listen to Josh on the Isotopes app.

Game time is 6:35 Mountain Time.  gates open at 5:35.  Fleece blacket is the promotion.

Game time will be at 6:35 MT

JOSH SUCHON NAMED ALBUQUERQUE ISOTOPES PLAY-BY-PLAY BROADCASTER

Josh Suchon answers questions from KRQE Channel 13 Van Tate

Josh Suchon was named as the new Albuquerque Isotopes play-by-play broadcaster today.  Many of you from the west coast may know Josh as the co-host of  Dodger Talk 2008-2011.  He also did the pre and post game show for the Dodgers.

Josh would be the third broadcaster in Isotopes history (Mike Roberts and Robert Portnoy).

I like the move. 

Me and Josh Suchon Isotopes Play-By-Pay broadcaster

HERB "BRIEFCASE" SIMPSON

This past season the Isotopes brought to town Herb "Briefcase" Simpson.

Simpson was not only a baseball player but he also served his country in World War II, and was a Harlem Globetrotter from 1947-1949.

Simpson played for the Double-A Texas League Albuquerque Dukes in 1952, 1953, and 1954.

While with the Dukes he hit .331 with 16 homers from the left side.  He had 76 doubles while in Albuquerque.

Simpson also played in the Negro Leagues with the Seattle Steelheads and the Chicago American Giants.

ORBIT DELIVERS A SPECIAL VALENTINE’S PACKAGE FOR THE ISOTOPES FAN

The Isotopes and Buffett’s Candies are teaming up for Valentine's Day. 

Orbit (The Isotopes Mascott) Will hand deliver a half puond of chocolates, from Buffett's Candies, vocher for two reserved level tickets and a personalized Valentine’s Day card to  your loved one.

Drop off locations must be within 25 miles from Isotopes Park.

To find out more head over to the Isotopes website by clicking here, or call the Isotopes at (505) 924-BALL.  

BASEBALL IN ALBUQUERQUE

I would like to recomend the book "Baseball in Albuquerque" not only to people who live in Albuquerque, but Dodger fans also.  This book is a must read!

The book was written by Gary Herron, and talks about the history of baseball in Albuquerque, from the 1882 Maroons, to the Albuquerque Isotopes.

Gary writes about the Double-A Texas League Albuquerque Dodgers, and the Albuquerque Dukes. 

I learned so much from reading this book.  The book also has great pictures too.

One of the cool pictures is scetches by graphic artist Dick Moots of different Albuquerque Dukes logos.

I also learned that Duke Snider managed in Albuquerque in 1967 and lead the team to a 78-62 first placw finish.  Or how about Charlie Manuel hitting 30 homers for the Dukes in 1974.

Here is a good piece of information I learned from te book Three Martinez's pitched for the Dukes Ramon, Pedro, and Jesus.

I could go on and on about the book, but I think you should read it for yourself.

So now that I have read my copy I am going to bring it to the next SABR meetin and have Gary sign it for me.

DODGERS WINTER DEVELOPMENT



Photo credit Evan Chavez



I hope you all had a safe New Year!  It's 2013 and It's going to be an exciting year for Dodgers fans. 

Winter Devlopement Program

The Dodgers sixth annual Winter Development Program begins this weekend in Arizona.  The program is a week of workouts that will focus on fundamentals, and conditioning.  It's held at the Dodgers Spring training complex in Glendale Arizona.

Some the Dodgers top prospects that will attend are Joc Pederson, Chris Withrow, Zach Lee, Chris Reed, Paco Rodriguez, Tim Federowicz, Steven Ames, Matt Magill, Onelki Garcia, Rob Rasmussen, Matt Wallach, and Jeremy Moore.

The event is usally held at Dodger Stadium but because of renovations this years event is being held at Camelback Ranch.

Scott Van Slyke has cleared waivers which means more than likley he will return to Albuquerque with the Isotopes.  Van Slyke was taken off the 40 man roster to make room for Skip Shumaker.  While with the Isotopes last season Van Slyke hit .327 with 67 RBI and 18 homers.

TIM FEDEROWICZ

Photo credit Evan Chavez: Tim Federowicz at Isotopes Park 2012

I was thinking about baseball as I do all the time and wondered, would Dodgers catcher Tim Federwicz be better off spending time here in Albuquerque for another season or should he be the back up with the Dodgers?

I took this picture of Tim Federowicz at Petco Park in 2011

Should the Dodgers sign another catcher as a backup to A J Ellis so Feerowicz can get more expierence down here in Albuquerque?  Is Federowicz the Dodgers future catcher?  Who is Tim Federowicz?

Let me start by saying when Federowicz was aquired in a trade that sent Trayvon Robinson to Seattle I wasn't happy.  I was a big Robinson fan at the time. 

TiNow after watching Federowicz play I am a big fan of him.

Timothy Joseph Federowicz was born on August 5, 1987.  He was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the seventh round of the 2008 draft out of  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  He played from Rookie ball, to Single-A, to advanced A, and then to Double-A while with in the Red Sox organization.

From 2008 (Rookie A, Single-A, and advanced A ball) till being traded to the Dodgers he hit .280 (1699 at bats, 480 hits) with  244 RBI and 41 homers in 1875 plate appearances.

Photo credit Evan: Tim Federowicz at Isotopes Park 2012

While at  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill he was 2006 Freshman All-American (Baseball America) and 2006 Louisville Slugger Freshman All-America (Collegiate Baseball)

While in the Red Sox organization he was Red Sox Minor League Defensive Player of the Month (August 2008), South Atlantic League All-Star (2009), South Atlantic League Player of the Week (June 15-21, 2009), Red Sox ML Defensive Player of the Month (June 2009), Red Sox ML Defensive Player of the Month (June 2011).

Since being traded to the Dodgers he has spent most of the time here in Albuquerque with the Isotopes.  I have had the opportunity to watch him play alot.

I have noticed he is a line drive hitter.  The homeruns I have seen him hit have been line drives.  I like that about him.

My opinion which doesn't mean anything to anyone is to start the season down here in Albuquerque, keep getting the regular at bats.  We know the defense is there and the hitting isn't bad.  I read this on True Blue LA In 2012, the number one catchers in the National League (defined by Baseball-Reference.com as the one who caught the most innings on the team) averaged 96 starts and hit a collective .265/.339/.425. All other catchers in the NL hit .231/.299/.363.  I just don't see any reason why he should be sitting as a backup.

You can read the whole post on TrueBlueLA.com by clicking here

Lets break down what he has done here with the Isotopes.

In 577 plate appearances he has hit .299 (495 AB 148 hits), with 279 RBI, and 44 homers.  He also has hit 41 doubles and his stikeout to walk ratio is 111 to 67.

While with the Isotopes he was a Pacific Coast League Mid-Season All-Star, and a post season All-Star in 2012.

Federowicz has spent some time with the Dodgers.  He made his Major League debut on September 11, 2011 vs the Giants.

While with the Dodgers he has entered ten games and had 20 plate appearances, where he has three hits.

So those of you who Bleed Dodger Blue what path would you like to see Federowicz take?  Do you see him as a backup this season for the Dodgers?  Do you think he is the future catcher for the Dodgers or just a backup?

UPDATE ON DEL CRANDALL POST

Baseball Reference had Del Crandall at 83-58 for the 1983 season.  I wasn't sure about that so I asked fellow Rio Grande SABR member, sports writer for the Rio Ranch Observer, and author the "Baseball in Albuquerque" Gary Harron.  Gary said Del was 41-30 the first half with the Dukes and 3-2 when he got the call from the Mariners. Thanks for the info Gary! 

Del Crandall's final numbers as a Manager with the Dukes at 472-314.

Click here to read the post on Del Crandall.

DEL CRANDALL

Did some searching but found this card of Del Crandall in the closet

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas, and are going to have a happy New Year!

The only news out there is that former Isotopes/Dodgers Jerry Sands and Ivan De Jesus Jr have been traded again, from the Red Sox to the Pirates.

So what do I do when there are no games, or news going on in the baseball world.  I watch DVD's about baseball, or read about baseball.

I was reading up on some of the people who have been inducted into the Albuquerque Baseball Hall of Fame.

In 2008 Del Crandall was inducted.  Crandall was the Manager of the Albuquerque Dukes from 1978-1983, and before that he was the Manager of the  Albuquerque Dodgers from 1969-1970.  The Albuquerque Dodgers were part of the Texas League.

What were some of Crandall's accomplishments? 

• All-time winnigest Manager in Triple-A Dukes history with a record of 428-282 .659 winning percentage (I am not sure about the 1983 season, so numbers are minus that season).
• Managed the Dukes to four Pacific Coast League Championships 1978, 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1983.
• Managed the 1981 Albuquerque Dukes team that had a record of 94-38.  The 1981 team was named by Minor League Baseball as the 11th beast team in Minor League history.
• Named Sporting News Manager of the year in 1981
• Was named the Texas League Manager of the Year in 1970 when he Managed the Albuquerque Dodgers
• In 1970 he lead the Albuquerque Dodgers to a Texas League Championship with a record of 83-58

VIN SCULLY

I was looking around on EBay and found these Vin Scully Cooperstown cards. They are asking for $500 for the autographed one. The other is about $2.00

DODGERS SIGN DALLAS MCPHERSON SIGNED TO A MINOR LEAGUE CONTRACT

Photo Credit Evan Chavez

Dallas McPherson was signed to a Minor League contract today by the Dodgers.  Many of us remember McPherson when he played for the Isotopes in 2008.  Back then the Isotopes were affiliated with the Florida Marlins.

While with the Isotopes in 2008 he set the record for frachise single season homers with 42.  That season he hit .275 with with 98 RBI.  He also has the franchise single season record for walks with 76, but he also had 168 strikeouts that same season.

I read an article on MLB.com from December of 2008 that said McPherson went down to Albuquerque and wasted no time hitting balls out. He had 10 homers in April and 32 in the first half of the season, reaching the All-Star break with a .674 slugging percentage. He slowed down in the second half, with only 10 long balls, but it was enough to lead all of the Minor Leagues and earn a big league callup in September.


The same article went on to say that McPherson hit all 42 homers against right-handed pitching.    That same season he hit back-to-back four times that season, with Jason Wood, Tagg Boxied twice, and Michael Ryan. 
In the 2008 season the Isotopes team hit 197 homers.

I did some digging to see how many of his 42 homers where at Isotopes Park but couldn't find anything at the moment. 

Since his 2008 record setting season, McPherson has 22 homers as season high.

THIS IS AWESOME

JOHN ELY HEADED TO THE ASTROS

I started writing this post Tuesday morning when I got a call from my job, telling me that I had to go to Denver imediatly.  I thought I will finish it when I get back.  Little did I know that John Ely would be traded the very next day. John is one of my favorite players to watch here with the Isotopes, not just because of the pitching perfomance he had while with the Isotopes, but because he was one of the most friendly players with.

I always tried to make it a point to be at the game when Ely was starting, because I believed one day I would witness him pitching a no hitter, or a complete game shutout at Isotopes Park.  I also always made it a point to keep score when he was pitching, because I wanted to have a score card for him to autograph, from when he accomplished it.

It was very fun for me to watch John play here in Albuquerque.  Thanks for the memories.  Here is the post I started before the trade. 

One of the most exciting things that happened through the 2012 season was John Ely's pitching performance.  I have always been an Ely fan.  He is an exciting player to watch.

I hope to one day have Ely sign my score card where I have scored his no hitter or complete game shutout.

I would like to see Ely succeed so bad.  My wife and I laugh at him (in a good way) because when he is not pitching he can't stay still.  My seats at Isotopes Park are by the tunnel where the players walk to the dugout.  When Ely is not pitching he holds the record for most trips to the clubhouse.

Ely put on an awesome pitching performance this season.  Ely was a mid-season Pacific Coast League All-Star, a post-season Pacific Coast League All-Star, recipiant of the Branch Rickey Minor League player of the year, oh and I forgot to tell you he won the Pacific Coast League pitching Triple Crown, which hadn't been done since Don Wall in 1995.

He became the first Albuquerque Isotopes pitcher to win six consecutive starts from July 23, to August 18, 2012.  During those consecutive wins he posted an ERA of 1.96, striking out 36.  Four of the six games were at Isotopes Park, which is considered a hitters park.

Now check these numbers out from that span of six games.

1. July 23, 2012 @ Isotopes Park vs Iowa Cubs 7.1IP, 4H 0ER.  7K
2. July 28, 2012 @ Greer Stadium vs Nashville Sounds 6IP, 6H, 2ER, 4K
3. August 2, 2012 @ Isotopes Park vs Las Vegas 51's 7IP, 5H, 4ER, 4K
4. August 8, 2012 @ Isotopes Park vs Tucson Padres 7IP, 6H, 0ER 8K
5. August 13, 2012 @ Aces Ballpark vs Reno Aces 6IP, 3H 2ER, 6K
6. August 18, 2012 @ Isotopes Park vs 8IP 6H 1ER 7K 

Me and John Ely @ Isotopes Park

Here is another stat I would like to show you.  Many consider Isotopes Park to be a hitters park.  Ely last season was 9-2 with a 2.76 ERA at Isotopes Park. 

His strikeout to walk ratio during the 2012 season was 165K to 36 walks (his k to 9 ratio 8.80).  When he is ahead in the count hitters are hitting 0.87.

I understand the trade which I think was one of the best things that could have happened to Ely. Good luck with the Astros!

About the pictures.  The pictures of John in the blue Isotopes uniform were taken July 18, 2010 at Isotopes Park.  I took about 300 pictures that day, some bad, some very good.  The one with the Dukes uniform were taken on Dukes Retro night at Isotopes Park 2010.  These are some of the good ones.

DODGERS MINOR LEAGUE COACHING STAFF

Photo Credit Evan Chavez: Esteban Lopez at Isotopes Park.  Lopez will a hitting coach with Single-A Ogdon

I did a post on the Albuquerque Isotopes coaching staff, and here is the rest of the Minor League coaching staff.

Field Coordinator: Bruce Hines
Senior Advisor, Player Development: Gene Clines, Charlie Hough
Senior Advisor, Latin America: Ramon Martinez
Hitting Coordinator: Eric Owens
Pitching Coordinator: Rafael Chaves
Outfield/Baserunning Coordinator: Damon Mashore
Infield Coordinator: Pat Listach
Catching Coordinator: Travis Barbary
Assistant Hitting Coordinator: Todd Takayoshi
Assistant Pitching Coordinator: Richard Knapp
Coordinator of Arizona Instruction: John Shoemaker
Campo Las Palmas Coordinator: Henry Cruz
Field Coordinator, Campo Las Palmas: Antonio Bautista

Triple-A Albuquerque:
Manager: Lorenzo Bundy
Hitting Coach: Franklin Stubbs
Pitching Coach: Glenn Dishman

Double-A Chattanooga:
Manager: Jody Reed
Hitting Coach: Orv Franchuk
Pitching Coach: Hector Berrios

Single-A Rancho Cucamonga:
Manager: Carlos Subero
Hitting Coach: Johnny Washington
Pitching Coach: Matt Herges

Single-A Great Lakes:
Manager: Razor Shines
Hitting Coach: Mike Eylward
Pitching Coach: Bill Simas

Rookie-advanced Ogden:
Manager: Damon Berryhill
Hitting Coach: Esteban Lopez
Pitching Coach: TBD

Rookie-level Arizona League Dodgers:
Manager: P.J. Forbes
Hitting Coach: Leo Garcia
Pitching Coach: Kremlin Martinez

Rookie-level Dominican Summer League Dodgers:
Manager: Pedro Mega
Hitting Coach: Keyter Collado
Pitching Coach: Alejandro Pena
Catching Coach: Jose D. Hernandez
Assistant Coach: Rafael Ozuna

2013 ALBUQUERQUE ISOTOPES COACHING STAFF

Photo Credit Evan Chavez

The Dodgers today announced their Minor League coaching staff for the 2013 season.

Photo Credit Evan Chavez

The 2012 Pacific Coast League Manager of the year Lorenzo Bundy will return as Manager of the Albuquerque Isotopes.  Bundy lead the Isotopes to a American League Southern Championship in 2012, with a 80-64 record, a single season franchise record.  He was also lead the team to a franchise record of 48 home wins!  Bundy who is 53 has a lifetime record of 678-706 as a Minor League Manager.  While with the Isotopes he has a record of 150-138.

Photo Credit Evan Chavez: Glenn Dishman at Isotopes Park 2010

Glenn Dishman Joined the Isotopes mid-season in 2010, and will start his third full season as the Isotopes.  Dishman's staff highlites include John Ely winning the pitching triple crown.  Ely is on the third person to accomplish that in the Pacific Coast League.



Found this in a shoe box in the closet



Franklin Stubbs will join the Isotopes as their hitting coach for the 2013 season.  Stubbs was drafted by the Dodgers in the first round (19th overall) in the 1982 draft.  He was an Albuquerque Duke in 1983, 1984, and 1985.  In 1985 while with the Dukes Stubbs hit .280 with 93 RBI and 32 homers.  He also stole 23 bases that season.  While with the Dukes (three seasons), he hit .275 with a 175 RBI and 54 homers.

Stubbs played with the Dodgers from 1984-1989, and was a member of the 1988 World Series team.

It's going to be pretty cool to have Stubbs around the park.  I am already getting excited for the season to start.

BEST WISHES TO JERRY SANDS

Photo Credit Evan Chavez

Watching a player develope into a Major League player here in Albuquerque, and then getting the chance to see him make his debut with the Dodgers is pretty cool.  When I see a player, who I have watched here in Albuquerque, not only grow as a player, but into a man makes me feel kinda proud.

Me and Jerry Sands 2012 at Isotopes Park

I am a season ticket holder for the Albuquerque Isotopes.  My wife and I have two seats in section 113,  which is next to the tunnel where the players walk through, to get from the clubhouse to the dugout, so we see alot.

One of the players I was fortunate to see grow, and make his debut with the Dodgers, was Jerry Sands.

So to see Sands get traded to the Red Sox was bitter sweet.  While I was happy to see the Dodgers aquire, Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Becket, and Nick Punto, it was kinda sad to see Sands go to the Red Sox.

I understand that the why the Dodgers made the move and I think it is the right move to help the Dodgers win.  That is what is most important to me, winning not only during the season, but winning a World Series.  I hope he has much success with the Red Sox.

Photo Credit Evan Chavez:  Jerry Sands and Dee Gordon playing around in the Outfield at Isotopes Park 2011

Jerry gave us some good memories here in Albuquerque.  I remember I took the picture above of him and his partner Dee Gordon, Two young men playing around before an Isotopes game.

Thanks Jerry for always beeing nice to me, and all the fans in Albuquerque. I wish you the best.