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@bridgeportbluefish
#JackieRobinson #baseball #mlb #cityisland #KCMonarchs #BrooklynDodgers #Daytona #42 (at Jackie Robinson Stadium)
#Latergram #BridgeportCT #Wires #power #railroad #traintracks Took this from the McDonald's parking lot on State St & Fairfield Ave days before moving to Florida. #the stack #smokestack #inkwell #vignette
Ramblings At The Start Of A New Bluefish Season
Tonight the Bridgeport Bluefish will begin their 19th season as one of only two of the Atlantic League’s remaining inaugural teams--the other being the Somerset Patriots. Ironically, that’s about the only thing these two teams have in common. The Patriots have basked in the glory of 6 league championships, 10 division championships, and attendance numbers that only the most loyal of fan bases can keep churning out. On the other hand, the ‘Fish have one lone championship so far back in their history most present day fans have no recollection of it. And, although increasing every year, attendance is where you’d expect it to be for a team that hasn’t finished over .500 since 2011.
Alas, the great thing about baseball, especially independent baseball, is that you get to start over every year. So it will be for the Bridgeport Bluefish. Tonight’s first game vs the Sugar Land Skeeter, new Manager Luis Rodriguez will lead a mostly new ball club with the expectation of nothing less than a championship. Bridgeport will be low on returning players, but high on talented players with a variety of backgrounds and profiles.
We won’t see the likes of Atlantic League Player of the Year Welington Dotel or the bullpen dynamic duo Patrick Mincey and Eric Draxton, but hearing new names like Josh Vitters, Endy Chavez, David Carpenter, and Jonathan Albaladejo might keep a fan from longing for what were sparks in a very dark 2015.
In putting the 2016 team together, GM Jamie Toole and manager Luis Rodriguez had to balance talent and age. Last season, the Bluefish lost too many talented young players too early in the season. The teams’ winning momentum at the start of the season soon dwindled after losing players to affiliated ball and Mexico. The biggest difference from last season is a shift to older, more experienced players. More importantly, they have relevant experience--time at the triple-A and major league level. Expect a slicker set of position players and a more durable pitching staff. Another priority for Toole was to boast a strong defense. Although he didn’t quite fulfill his wish of having an entire infield of “Luis’”, he’s put together a team any fan will be happy to pay to see.
For fans here in the tri-state area, you’ll want to get to the ballpark to see Endy Chavez. Now 38, Chavez is known for his spectacular, home run robbing, inning ending double play in Game 7 of the 2006 National League Championship for the New York Mets. What will matter to Fish fans is if he can still move those legs and flash the leather. He’ll have to be the everyday centerfielder with guys like Carlos Sosa (34), Dan Johnson (36), and Luis An. Rodriguez (35) around, that DH spot might be a bit crowded. Former Houston minor leaguer Ruben Sosa Jr and Detroit top ten prospect Wilkin Ramirez can be expected to start in left and right field respectively. Respectable offense can be expected from all three.
The infield might be a bit more unstable depending on the everyday roles and durability of a few older players--Luis An. Rodriguez, Dan Johnson, Carlos Sosa, and Luis Hernandez. Rodriguez is a work horse and has proven reliable in the past as a Bridgeport Bluefish and as a winter league player. He was last season’s second baseman, no reason why he wouldn’t be this year’s as well. Dan Johnson should be the DH, since no one at his age should be playing the field let alone doing it while he’s trying to become a knuckleball pitcher. That leaves 34 year old Carlos Sosa, who’s stats show no playing time in the last 4 seasons, to cover first. If we’re talking about improving from last year, well, Barnum’s own beloved Tom Thumb could play the position and be an improvement over last year’s Andres Rodriguez.
As the Atlantic League spring training season is practically nonexistent, I suspect the infield will still need some time to settle in offensively as well as defensively. GM Jamie Toole is most excited about third baseman Josh Vitters; no doubt Toole’s enthusiasm is rooted in his connection to Chicago. The former Cubs prospect was expected to play left field for them, but defensive limitations and offense impatience curtailed his progress with the Cubs and was later released by Colorado. Vitters didn’t play in 2015, but his triple-A stats are encouraging (.264/ .321/ .438).
None of it is settled yet, players will shift, leave, be traded or release, new players will arrive. It all starts with Game 1 and won’t settle until a champion is crowned. This Opening Day I’ll be watching on ESPN3 and (maybe) bridgeportbluefish.com. Since the start of the Atlantic League I’ve been excited for Opening Day; no amount of losses will keep me from enjoying a new season of hope and cheering for MY Bridgeport Bluefish!
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One more thing: Please consider donating to this Go Fund Me account my wife set up for one of her clients, a young lady from Bridgeport, CT, with cerebral palsy. Tiffany Johnson is trying to get to summer camp. She’s been to this camp for the past 19 yrs and it has really been a highlight in her life as it accommodates for all her needs and is a place where she doesn’t feel so different. This year the trip is in jeopardy as the state is no longer funding her stay. Click for more info and to give, any bit helps and PLEASE share with your friends and family, thanks!
https://www.gofundme.com/tiffanyjohnson
Out With The New, In With The Veteran
The Bridgeport Bluefish have parted ways with Ricky VanAsselberg (pictured to the right) and announced the team’s veteran catcher, Luis Rodriguez, as the team’s new manager (pictured to the left). With Luis Rodriguez, the Bluefish hope to have a manager with a greater ability to recruit the type of players that can spark excitement in the ballpark and ultimately win.
When it comes to experience, not many have the resume Rodriguez has. The catcher spent over 9 seasons in affiliated ball, most of which included time at the Triple-A level with the Toronto Blue Jays and the Boston Red Sox. Although his Atlantic League debut was with the Long Island Ducks in 2004, Rodriguez has been part of the heart of the Bluefish for the last 8 seasons. His playing time has dwindled since his best offensive season in 2012, but it’s been hard to take him off of the field as he’s been one of the league’s best catchers. He shut down over 30% of attempted steals across his entire career. There is no doubt he’s been a leader on the field for much of his time with the Bluefish already.
Ricky VanAsselberg’s first and only season as manager of the Bluefish was dismal to say the least. His feistiness on the field was refreshing, but off the field dynamics led to the loss of some good players and many questions from fans left unanswered as none of the moves resulted in a better team. From the start, VanAsselberg brought ball players he knew from his time with other Independent Leagues to the Bluefish. While a few were solid players--Welington Dotel, Patrick Mincey, and John Alonso, one was probably the worst in the league and never made his way OUT through the revolving door roster--Andres Rodriguez. No doubt there may have been some feathers ruffled when the guy batting under .200 and limping out to the field was starting and hitting ahead of what were obviously better choices. When all was said and done, we had lost guys like James Simmons, Fred Lewis, Sean Burroughs, and Bryant Nelson to other Atlantic League teams. All the Bluefish had to show for it was a 56-83 losing season.
As a Puerto Rican Bridgeport native and a Fish fan from the start of it all, I’m hoping that a latin manager can bring electricity to the field and in turn to the fans. Baseball with a latin flair is known for excitement and passion--two things Harbor Yard can use since aura and mystique left soon after the 1999 season.
A day late, but here's a rare selfie in honor of @theseasides 365th post. The series highlighted my Bridgeport's beautiful #SeasidePark #BridgeportCT #beach From one Bridgeport Insta to another, thank you.
FREE Vouchers for up to 8 FREE tix to the @bptbluefish game tonight at 7 pm, I'll have them at Tiago's downtown, hit me up
Get out to the ballpark tonight! Great race for a postseason spot, series vs the first place team starts tonight! @atlantic_lg @bptbluefish @mayorbillfinch #baseball #atlanticleague #milb #mlb #postseason #baseballdiamonds #bridgeportCT #stadiums #sports #familyfun #mondaymadness #bridgeportbluefish #theballparkatharboryard #harboryard #bluefish Lucky fans can find B.B. Bucks hidden in their "$500 Hot Dog" wrappers. Feed Your Face with an all-you-can-eat buffet in the Karma Club for just $19.99. For MOMdays, all moms will get a free Box Seat Ticket with the purchase of a Kid's Box Seat Ticket.
Any idea when Carson is set to pitch ? Pretty much blown away by that guy right now and don't know where to look
Should be tomorrow
Bluefish At A Glance
The Bridgeport Bluefish are tied for 2nd place with the Somerset Patriots; both are 21-19 and just one game behind the first place Long Island Ducks.
While Bridgeport continues a 7 game series against the Sugar Land Skeeters through Sunday, the Patriots will be facing the York Revolution (22-17) and the Ducks will be playing the last place Camden Riversharks (17-23). To say this will be a pivotal weekend for all three teams would be an understatement.
Sabatella/Burroughs Post-Trade Watch
OF Bryan Sabatella for the ‘Fish: .279/.360/.302, 8 for 19 in current series vs Sugar Land
INF Sean Burroughs for the Ducks: .370/.412/.457, 10 RBI, 5 R
Offense
OF Welington Dotel’s on-base streak ended on August 16 at 14 games.
Guess who’s hitting .300 since the start of the York series on August 13th? 1B/DH ANDRES RODRIGUEZ (9 for 30)!! How cute.
3B Wilson Batista has been an offensive leader since joining the ‘Fish in July with a .307 batting average and hitting .333 in the month of August. Batista had spent time in the Mexican League and with the Atlantic Leagues Barnstormers coming to Bridgeport.
Pitching
Reliever-turned-starter Rob Carson has only given up one earned run in his last 4 starts. In those 26.1 innings, he struck out 34 batters.
Reliever Scott Shuman has given up only one earned run in his 17 appearances since signing with the Fish on June 30th (15.2 IP, 19 K).
Current Series Bluefish vs Skeeters, 1-3
Bluefish ace Rob Carson pitched 8 phenomenal innings for the win in Game 1.
Games 2 & 3 were riddled with Bridgeport errors; 6 errors led to 7 unearned runs for the Skeeters across the two games. The Bluefish stranded 17 runners on base in the process.
Game 4 marked starting pitcher Cory Riordan’s Bluefish return and was possibly his worst start. He gave up 6 earned runs by the 5th inning. Riordan was pulled out of the 5th inning after giving up back to back homeruns without having gotten the first out.
Tonight should be newbie starting pitcher David Anderson’s second start for Bridgeport. Anderson’s debut was promising (5.2 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 6 BB). That start was on August 15th against the York Revolution, a better offensive team than Sugar Land. Sugar Land’s Matt Wright (6-7, 4.41 ERA, 1.47 WHIP) is due to start. The Bluefish have faced Wright twice; in early June they were shut down by Wright, in mid-July the Fish owned him. Looks like tonight can go either way.
Watch tonight’s game live on ESPN3, coverage starts at 7:45 pm.
Bridgeport Bluefish GM Jamie Toole On Nelson Release:
GM Jamie Toole comments on Nelson release and after Nelson's tweets:
“We have always and will always make roster decisions that we feel impact our club in a positive manner. The responsibility of being a professional baseball player is more than simply being productive in the lineup and that stat column.”
INF Bryant Nelson was released by the Bluefish yesterday. The veteran’s AVG, OBP, and SLG were all over .300 since joining the Bluefish. Nelson followed the release with some interesting tweets:
@AtlanticLg I've played in the league a long time and I love the opportunities it gives, but how can this be justified? @BPTBluefish
— Bryant Nelson (@PrinceBN)
August 16, 2015
@AtlanticLg @BPTBluefish so I was basically just released because I know my rights as a player. Hitting .320 and from worse to first? Hmmmm
— Bryant Nelson (@PrinceBN)
August 16, 2015
Bluefish At A Glance
Here’s what you need to know as the second place Bridgeport Bluefish (19-14) dig deep to keep pace with the first place Somerset Patriots (20-13). Last night’s game slipped away from the ‘Fish in extra innings. After starter Matt Iannazzo held York to just one run, a combination of the bullpen, the team’s shotty defense, and more than 5 runners stranded was to blame for the loss.
Bluefish batters #1-4 went 3 for 23 with only 1 walk and 3 strike outs. The rest of the lineup had plenty of hits, but mostly came up short. Again, what becomes apparent is their need for a slugger and, really, smarter situational hitting. Something is a bit off when the best hitter on the team tries to bunt in the 10th with no outs and a runner on first. Even if he was successful in moving the runner, the guy after him was 0 for 5 by that time of the night. Why leave it up to the next guy when you’re the one usually getting on base? Needless to say, it didn’t work. It was a heartbreaking loss after 13 innings.
Oh yeah, here’s the “glance” I promised. I got carried away up there.
RF Welington Dotel on base streak:13 games; hitting streak: 10 games.
Sabatella/Burroughs watch: Sabatella 3 for 14, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 SB, 2 CS; Burroughs 4 for 15, 3 RBI, 1 HR
Bluefish take a HUGE hit with starter DJ Mitchell placed on inactive list. He’s injured and will need at least 10 days out.
Two new lefty relievers were signed today to bring some fresh arms after the bullpen served 7 innings last night (7 pitchers).
Reliever Erik Draxton has given up 3 earned runs in his last 5 appearances after not having given up any runs in the month of July (9 appearances).
RHP Rob Carson is shining as a starter. He had not started since 2011, but seems to be doing well in his new role with the Bluefish after 5 starts (26 IP, 2 ER, 41 K).
Thoughts On the Burroughs/Sabatella Trade
The Bluefish are currently in an intense battle for first place with the Somerset Patriots. This may or may not have brought on a head scratcher of a trade recently. On August 10th, this early morning tweet from Bridgeport Bluefish GM Jamie Toole popped up:
Big news coming later this morning regarding @BPTBluefish roster! Can't SabaTELLya yet but stay tuned. #GeauxBluefish
As expected, even from my vacation in Plymouth, MA, I was on it. Before the announcement, Bryan Sabatella was the only name I came up with, but a quick glance at his profile left me wondering why the acquisition called for a pre-announcement. To start with, it was an intraleague trade, those usually aren’t anything to get worked up about. What made it even more of a head scratcher was that he was on the Long Island Ducks. The DUCKS--Bridgeport’s “cross-sound rival”, the team that needs Somerset to keep Bridgeport out of first place so they can ride the wild card to the post season, and of course, the team that holds first place in Frank Boulton’s heart. Bridgeport, historically, has been his ugly step child ever since his ownership group took the team over in October 2008. For all those reasons,
By about 9:30 am, the details were announced. The Bridgeport Bluefish traded 3B Sean Burroughs for OF Bryan Sabatella. Social media chatter about the trade was immediate and plentiful. A few people asked what I thought about it, so here goes.
At a glance, the Bluefish were losing one of their best hitters this year (.321/.389/.389) and last (.344/.401/.430). They were gaining a rightfielder with decent production (.277/.338/.338). What I was really hoping to see when I checked out Sabatella’s stats was a homerun hitter, now THAT would have warranted some excitement, THAT’S what could help the wavering starters. No such luck.
Fans that follow the teams a little more intensely, however, know that Sean Burroughs probably has about 20 more healthy games left in him this season. He performs when he’s on the field, but any given day, he’ll go down and not be able to contribute to the team for the next 5 games. It was the same story last year when he only played in a hair over 50% of the games. This season Burroughs is on pace for the same number of games. At this point in his career, Burroughs should have been a full time DH in an attempt to get more games out of him.
On the other hand, with Sabatella the Bluefish FINALLY have 4 (legitimate) outfielders and a healthier body than the one they lost. Ultimately, I have no real complaint about the trade. Its just hard to let go of the icky feeling that Long Island gave a guy to Bridgeport that can potentially help keep themselves out of the postseason. Is Frank Boulton sacrificing his Ducks to let Bridgeport bring a championship back to HarborYard? Or, since the Ducks already have the best offense in the division, maybe the trade is trivial for them. Maybe they’re just clearing the way for the return of OF Lew Ford.
Ultimately, the deal is done. We won’t know who was on the plus side of the trade until the rest of the season plays out. There will be plenty more roster changes to come. Bridgeport has its own outfielder that might return at the end of the Mexican League season as well. Long Island is so far ahead in the Wild Card standings that their fate is really left up to the Bridgeport Bluefish and the Somerset Patriots. The Bluefish are in charge of their own fate and that’s how it should be. The postseason will only come with a grand improvement in their starting pitching. After that, actually winning a championship will require a slugger and plenty of heart.
My choice for last night's player of the game: Starter Robert Carson. Original photo by Frozen Moments Photography https://instagram.com/p/6IGxlYSbPo/
The ‘Fish Are Back And In It To Win It
Back in June, I wrote about Bridgeport’s lack of a big bat--a slugger if you will. By mid-June they were well into their rapid plummet to last place, where they finished the first half. Luckily, all is not lost, the roster continues to evolve. Fast forward passed the All Star break to the present and, somehow, they’ve turned things around enough to be tied for first place for the second half reboot.
In the wake of losing starter Mike Antonini and 2B Luis Rodriguez, the organization made several moves in hopes of building a stronger team, knowing the first half was gone and a team that was once the biggest loser can turn around and head to the postseason.
Now 24 games into the second half and Bridgeport is tied for first with the Somerset Patriots. Core players like Welington Dotel, John Alonso, Eric Draxton, and Pat Mincey have found a way to mesh with newer guys like Bryant Nelson, Eric Niesen, Steven Ames, and Kameron Loe. Add to that the return of Sean Burroughs from the DL and Ricky VanAsselberg just may have found the right combination to bring back champion caliber play to the Park City.
Since the All Star break, they’ve won 4 out of the 7 series played, including sweeps of both the Camden Riversharks and the Long Island Ducks. Today they leave Long Island having split the series against them 2-2.
Here’s a quick run down on who’s helping the cause:
Offense
RF Welington Dotel leads the league in BA (.325).
1B/DH John Alonso and Dotel are the team’s RBI (46 and 42 respectively) and runs scored leaders.
CF/SS Josh Prince had a 16 game on-base streak until August 1st when he went 0-for-5 against the Ducks.
2B Bryant Nelson has improved his average to .324 for the year since joining the Fish in July; he had a .286 average with the Barnstormers before that. He batted .357 in Bridgeport’s last two series.
Pitching
DJ Mitchell continues to lead the team’s rotation in ERA (2.82), wins (5), and strikeouts (76).
Reliever Pat Mincey has solidified his role as the team’s closer after accumulating 11 saves in the month of July.
Reliever Eric Draxton continues to be one of the best in the league with a 2.15 ERA in 37.2 innings.
You’ll need a magnifying glass to find reliever Eric Niesen’s ERA, now a tiny 0.77 in 23.1 IP with 12 SO per 9 innings.
Up Next: The Fish are back home Aug 5th through the 8th vs the Lancaster Barnstormers. Wednesday (Aug 5th) will feature the Bobby Valentine Bobblehead Giveaway, so make sure you get your tickets soon and get there early. The giveaways have been going pretty quick.
Watch today's game LIVE with me!
Keeping busy at the airport. @bptbluefish #Catcher Jobduan Morales. He participated in the #2015 @atlantic_lg #Allstar game. #baseball #MLB #milb #Astros #HoustonAstros #bridgeportCT #bridgeport #snapseed #phonto #HarborYard #PuertoRico #Boricua #dorado
Awesome night for #baseball #bridgeportct @bptbluefish #sports (at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard)