SAINT PAUL, Minn.- My first article for my OurSports Central column was published Sunday. To check it out, click the link below to OSC:
http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3329522
Monday, June 19, 2006
"A Host Father's Lesson" On OSC
SAINT PAUL, Minn.- My first article for my OurSports Central column was published Sunday. To check it out, click the link below to OSC:
http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3329522
Friday, June 16, 2006
RailCats Lose 6-1 To T-Bones, Guthrie Has Sound Debut
"Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even. " -Muhannad Ali
Photographs By Niki Paton / Baseball Notions
SAINT PAUL, Minn.- The Gary SouthShore RailCats faced off against the Kansas City T-Bones at the U.S. Steel Yard in Gary, Indiana for their second series with the club in a week.
The RailCats and T-Bones are now even for second place behind the Schaumburg Flyers in the East division standings.
The RailCats were off to a good start tonight with newest RailCat RHP Sazi Guthrie. Guthrie gave up two hits and one run in four innings of work. The run given up by Guthrie came in the form of a home run by Kansas City T-Bones infielder Eddie Pearson in the fourth inning.
RailCats RHP Andy Carter recieved the loss after coming in for Guthrie. Carter struggled through the inning giving up two runs but struck out infielder Eddie Pearson.
T-Bones RHP Johnathan Krysa pitched almost a full nine innings of work before turning over the mound to closer RHP Byron Embry.
The only RailCats run came when fielder Alex Taylor, who had hit Krysa in the back on a hit earlier in the inning came in after a balk called on Krysa.
Krysa became the leader in all-time strike outs for the T-Bones.
Saturday the T-Bones face off against RailCats RHP Willie Glen while the RailCats face RHP Larry Robles at 6pm CST for game two of the three game series at the U.S. Steel Yard.
Photographs By Niki Paton / Baseball Notions
SAINT PAUL, Minn.- The Gary SouthShore RailCats faced off against the Kansas City T-Bones at the U.S. Steel Yard in Gary, Indiana for their second series with the club in a week.
The RailCats and T-Bones are now even for second place behind the Schaumburg Flyers in the East division standings.
The RailCats were off to a good start tonight with newest RailCat RHP Sazi Guthrie. Guthrie gave up two hits and one run in four innings of work. The run given up by Guthrie came in the form of a home run by Kansas City T-Bones infielder Eddie Pearson in the fourth inning.
RailCats RHP Andy Carter recieved the loss after coming in for Guthrie. Carter struggled through the inning giving up two runs but struck out infielder Eddie Pearson.
T-Bones RHP Johnathan Krysa pitched almost a full nine innings of work before turning over the mound to closer RHP Byron Embry.
The only RailCats run came when fielder Alex Taylor, who had hit Krysa in the back on a hit earlier in the inning came in after a balk called on Krysa.
Krysa became the leader in all-time strike outs for the T-Bones.
Saturday the T-Bones face off against RailCats RHP Willie Glen while the RailCats face RHP Larry Robles at 6pm CST for game two of the three game series at the U.S. Steel Yard.
RailCats Sign RHP Anasazi "Sazi" Guthrie
Photograph By Niki Paton / Baseball Notions
SAINT PAUL, Minn.- It's official, today RHP Anasazi "Sazi" Guthrie was signed as the number four starting pitcher for the RailCats 2006 season.
Guthrie started for the RailCats during the 2003 inaugural season with former RailCats Dan Soria, and Tim Byrdak. He'll join the 2006 rotation with Willie Glen, Josh Habel and Jason Shelley.
This evening Guthrie is making his first start for the 2006 RailCats against the Kansas City T-Bones as RHP Johnathan Krysa tries to break the T-Bones all time strike out record.
The game starts at 7:05 CST at the U.S. Steel Yard in Gary, Indiana. If you can't make it to the U.S. Steel Yard tonight listen online here:
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE RAILCATS
Pictured above: Anasazi "Sazi" Guthrie's last game for the RailCats against the former Northern League Saint Paul Saints at Midway Stadium in Saint Paul, Minnesota on August 31, 2003.
SAINT PAUL, Minn.- It's official, today RHP Anasazi "Sazi" Guthrie was signed as the number four starting pitcher for the RailCats 2006 season.
Guthrie started for the RailCats during the 2003 inaugural season with former RailCats Dan Soria, and Tim Byrdak. He'll join the 2006 rotation with Willie Glen, Josh Habel and Jason Shelley.
This evening Guthrie is making his first start for the 2006 RailCats against the Kansas City T-Bones as RHP Johnathan Krysa tries to break the T-Bones all time strike out record.
The game starts at 7:05 CST at the U.S. Steel Yard in Gary, Indiana. If you can't make it to the U.S. Steel Yard tonight listen online here:
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE RAILCATS
Pictured above: Anasazi "Sazi" Guthrie's last game for the RailCats against the former Northern League Saint Paul Saints at Midway Stadium in Saint Paul, Minnesota on August 31, 2003.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Ryan Burnau Update
Photograph By Niki Paton/ Baseball NotionsSAINT PAUL, Minn.- Former RHP Ryan Burnau was signed by the Evansville Otters of the Frontier League today.
Before playing for the RailCats, Burnau pitched in 2005 for the Evansville Otters.
Transactions Bring RailCats Blast From The Past
Photograph By Niki Paton / Baseball Notions
"It's deja vu all over again" - Yogi Berra
SAINT PAUL, Minn.- I used this Yogi-ism almost a year ago to describe familiar faces from the Northern League during the Golden Baseball Leagues inaugural season at Long Beach, California.
Now it seems it is appropriate, "all over again."
It looks like a former RailCat, from the inaugural home season in 2003 will be returning as part of the RailCats 2006 pitching staff.
Manager Greg Tagert is working on the RailCats 2006 puzzle and the current pieces have been laid out.
Wednesday it was made public the bullpen would no longer contain RHP Ryan Burnau, who was released or former RailCats starting RHP Jeff Mault, who was traded to the Frontier Leagues struggling last place Windy City Thunderbolts of Crestwood, Illinois.
Next in the puzzle, the RailCats have signed two new arms for the currently second place Southern Division team bullpen. RHP Andy Carter and RHP Matt Petty who made back-to-back debuts in their first game for the RailCats against the Joliet Jackhammers Wednesday night.
Tagert is in the process of signing former starting RHP Anasazi "Sazi" Guthrie to the 2006 RailCats roster.
In 2003, after trying out for the Northern League, the former Ithaca Bomber graduate played for the RailCats under Manager Garry Templeton.
Guthrie and RailCats LHP Jake Upwood were picked up by the San Diego Padres organization that October.
Guthrie reported for spring training with the Lake Elsinore Storm (A+) before opening the season in Fort Wayne, Indiana with the Fort Wayne Wizards (A) in April of 2004.
Guthrie spent most of the 2004 season with the Wizards before being moved back up to Lake Elsinore in August of 2004.
Guthrie returned to the Padres organization in 2005 and was released during spring training.
After being approached by the Northern League leading Saint Paul Saints and Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, Guthrie signed on to play ball closer to home for the inaugural season of the Golden Baseball League of California with the Long Beach Armada.
On January 20, 2006, Guthrie's contract was traded to the Brockton Rox (Goldklang Group who also own the Northern League Saint Paul Saints) of the Can-Am League.
On May 23, Guthrie was released from the Rox organization and found himself a free agent before trying out for RailCats Manager Greg Tagert Wednesday, June 7th, in Gary, Indiana.
Guthrie threw again Monday and “impressed,” Manager Greg Tagert and pitching coach Chris Mongiardo, according to a RailCats game notes release from June 13th.
If Guthrie was added to the roster, his first game for the RailCats could be this weekend against the Kansas City T-Bones.
Thursday night’s starting pitcher is Jason Shelley against his former Joliet Jackhammers.
*Update: June 16, 2006- The RailCats voided the trade of RHP Jeff Mault and placed him on the Inactive List.
"It's deja vu all over again" - Yogi Berra
SAINT PAUL, Minn.- I used this Yogi-ism almost a year ago to describe familiar faces from the Northern League during the Golden Baseball Leagues inaugural season at Long Beach, California.
Now it seems it is appropriate, "all over again."
It looks like a former RailCat, from the inaugural home season in 2003 will be returning as part of the RailCats 2006 pitching staff.
Manager Greg Tagert is working on the RailCats 2006 puzzle and the current pieces have been laid out.
Wednesday it was made public the bullpen would no longer contain RHP Ryan Burnau, who was released or former RailCats starting RHP Jeff Mault, who was traded to the Frontier Leagues struggling last place Windy City Thunderbolts of Crestwood, Illinois.
Next in the puzzle, the RailCats have signed two new arms for the currently second place Southern Division team bullpen. RHP Andy Carter and RHP Matt Petty who made back-to-back debuts in their first game for the RailCats against the Joliet Jackhammers Wednesday night.
Tagert is in the process of signing former starting RHP Anasazi "Sazi" Guthrie to the 2006 RailCats roster.
In 2003, after trying out for the Northern League, the former Ithaca Bomber graduate played for the RailCats under Manager Garry Templeton.
Guthrie and RailCats LHP Jake Upwood were picked up by the San Diego Padres organization that October.
Guthrie reported for spring training with the Lake Elsinore Storm (A+) before opening the season in Fort Wayne, Indiana with the Fort Wayne Wizards (A) in April of 2004.
Guthrie spent most of the 2004 season with the Wizards before being moved back up to Lake Elsinore in August of 2004.
Guthrie returned to the Padres organization in 2005 and was released during spring training.
After being approached by the Northern League leading Saint Paul Saints and Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, Guthrie signed on to play ball closer to home for the inaugural season of the Golden Baseball League of California with the Long Beach Armada.
On January 20, 2006, Guthrie's contract was traded to the Brockton Rox (Goldklang Group who also own the Northern League Saint Paul Saints) of the Can-Am League.
On May 23, Guthrie was released from the Rox organization and found himself a free agent before trying out for RailCats Manager Greg Tagert Wednesday, June 7th, in Gary, Indiana.
Guthrie threw again Monday and “impressed,” Manager Greg Tagert and pitching coach Chris Mongiardo, according to a RailCats game notes release from June 13th.
If Guthrie was added to the roster, his first game for the RailCats could be this weekend against the Kansas City T-Bones.
Thursday night’s starting pitcher is Jason Shelley against his former Joliet Jackhammers.
*Update: June 16, 2006- The RailCats voided the trade of RHP Jeff Mault and placed him on the Inactive List.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
RailCats: Pitching 2005 Versus 2006
Niki Paton / Baseball Notions
“The big difference between this year's team and last years team is the pitching staff, just wondering what you thought about it.” – Anonymous
SAINT PAUL, Minn.- The quote above is part of a comment recently posted here at Baseball Notions inquiring about my opinion of the pitching staff from 2005 versus today. When seeking out dynamics we have to look at a number of differences, which made up the previous 2005 Northern League Champions RailCats staff.
First, if you are a fan of the RailCats before 2005 you remember and would like to erase the 2004 season from the books completely. There were so many trades, loses and releases during that season even the players were confused as to who was on the bus or in the locker next to them.
In 2005, Manager Greg Tagert came into a very uncertain situation with a team who later were coined the “No Names,” by fielder Anthony Iapoce and 2005 teammates.
Tagert made very few changes throughout the season to the RailCats roster. Major changes that were made either happened early in the season as the teams’ chemistry was coming together finding the niche or towards the end of the season due to injuries and illness in order to remain contenders for a play off spot.
In my opinion, the 2005 RailCats team, coaches, pitchers and hitters alike contributed to the RailCats overall success. When looking at the staff in 2005 versus the 2006 staff you have to take into account total team chemistry. What is the clubhouse feeling? Is everyone too serious? Is there chemistry between the players off the field they can carry out onto the field? Any pitching is dependent on the physical abilities of each player as well as the mental and the same can be said of any position in baseball.
If you really analyze the season for the RailCats in 2005 there were struggles in the beginning as there are now to find that perfect groove. Where is each player going to be strongest? Tagert is a player’s coach who makes an effort to take the pieces of the RailCats puzzle, shake out the box on the table and find the perfect position key to the goal.
In 2005 there were seasoned RailCats such as fielders Curt Lee, Anthony Iapoce, and Scott Samuels as well as pitchers Derek Lopez (previously worked with Tagert in the Frontier League), Dominic Woody and Travis Kerber.
When Tagert came to
The team struggled on away games in 2005 and Bruso’s games for instance, much like with Jeff Mault’s or Josh Habel’s outings so far this season, were challenging. When Bruso pitched the team just wasn’t hitting and vice-versa. Bruso found himself struggling as well and by July Tagert had made the decision to move Bruso to the bull pen such as he has recently moved Jeff Mault to the bullpen.
Willie Glen was signed and became part of the team on the road for the RailCats in 2005, while Cody Fisher came out of the bull pen toward the middle of the season in 2005 and became a starter and one of
If a good coach can find a way to change up the strengths in the pitching rotation and bull pen, creating diversity and finding the right chemistry that is how a team wins championships.
I believe although key members retired after an incredible 2005 season, current players such as pitchers Jason Shelley, with an incredible record playing for Joliet in 2005; Willie Glen, Travis Kerber and others on the roster will be valuable assets for the RailCats this season.
My overall opinion of the 2006 RailCats, wait and see what surprises lay ahead. A few new pitching changes are in store for the RailCats arsenal. Baseball is a thinking mans (woman’s) game, my previous RailCats and baseball experience says; watch Tagert position the pieces of the puzzle. One wrong fit in one position might be a perfect fit in another and the outcome could be another chance at the playoffs or another title.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Gates And Tagert Exchange Congratulations With RailCats
Niki Paton / Baseball Notions
GARY, Ind.- RailCats Coach Joe Gates (left) and Manager Greg Tagert (right) exchange congratulations with players over their first home game win 9-0 against the Schaumburg Flyers at the U.S. Steel Yard on May 28, 2006.
RailCats Win First Home Game 9-0 Over Schaumburg Flyers
Niki Paton / Baseball Notions
GARY, Ind.- Gary South Shore RailCats exchange congratulations over their first home game win 9-0 against the Schaumburg Flyers at the U.S. Steel Yard on May 28, 2006.
Gary SouthShore RailCats Infielder Eric McNamee
Niki Paton / Baseball Notions
GARY, Ind.- Gary SouthShore RailCats Infielder Eric McNamee makes the winning catch at the U.S. Steel Yard in a 9-0 win against the Schaumburg Flyers on May 28, 2006.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Schaumburg Flyers RHP Chris Andel
Niki Paton / Baseball Notions
GARY, Ind.- Schaumburg Flyers RHP Chris Andel throws against the Gary SouthShore RailCats for the third day in a row during their series at the U.S. Steel Yard on May 28, 2006.
DeHart Covers Home Plate As Vericker Slides
Niki Paton / Baseball Notions
GARY, Ind.- LHP Rick DeHart (right) stands by as Infielder Brad Vericker (left) slides into home plate at the U.S. Steel Yard against the Schaumburg Flyers on May 28, 2006.
RailCats Outfielder Andy Rohleder
Niki Paton / Baseball Notions
GARY, Ind.- Outfielder Andy Rohleder (center) slides into the Schaumburg Flyers bullpen while trying to make a catch at the U.S. Steel Yard against the Flyers on May 28, 2006.
RailCats LHP Josh Habel
Niki Paton / Baseball Notions
GARY, Ind.- Gary SouthShore RailCats LHP Josh Habel pitches against the Schaumburg Flyers during opening weekend at the U.S. Steel Yard on May 28, 2006.
RailCats Outfielder Andy Rohleder
Niki Paton / Baseball Notions
GARY, Ind.- Outfielder Andy Rohleder makes an incredible catch at the U.S. Steel Yard against the Schaumburg Flyers on May 28, 2006.
Schaumburg Flyers LHP Rick DeHart
Niki Paton / Baseball Notions
GARY, Ind.- Schaumburg Flyers LHP Rick DeHart pitches against the Gary SouthShore RailCats at the U.S. Steel Yard on May 28, 2006.
Infielder Tanner Townsend And Outfielder Jermaine Allensworth
Niki Paton / Baseball Notions
GARY, Ind.- Infielder Tanner Townsend crosses home plate with a high five ready for Outfielder Jermaine Allensworth after hitting a home run against the Schaumburg Flyers during the 2006 home opener at the U.S. Steel Yard on May 26, 2006.
RailCats Coach Andy Haines And Infielder Tanner Townsend
Niki Paton / Baseball Notions
GARY, Ind.- RailCats Coach Andy Haines exchanges congratulations with infielder Tanner Townsend as he passes third base after hitting a home run at the U.S. Steel Yard on May 26, 2006.
Flyers Pause For National Anthem At Steel Yard
Niki Paton / Baseball Notions
GARY, Ind.- Schaumburg Flyers pause for the singing of the National Anthem at the U.S. Steel Yard in front of more than 6,000 eager fans before playing the Gary SouthShore RailCats in their 2006 Season home opener on May 26, 2006.
Managers Exchange Greetings At Gary Opener
Niki Paton / Baseball Notions
GARY, Ind.- RailCats Manager Greg Tagert exchanges greetings with Flyers Manager Andy McCauley at the RailCats 2006 season home opener on May 26, 2006.
RailCats Outfielder Anthony Iapoce
Niki Paton / Baseball Notions
GARY, Ind.- Former RailCats Outfielder Anthony Iapoce recieved his 2005 Northern League Championship Ring at a pre-game ceremony at the U.S. Steel Yard on May 26, 2006.
2005 Northern League Champions Banner
Niki Paton / Baseball Notions
GARY, Ind.- The RailCats 2005 Northern League Champions banner was unveiled on the center field wall at the U.S. Steel Yard on May 26, 2006.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Northern League Championship Flag Raised
Niki Paton / Baseball Notions
GARY, Ind.- Manager Greg Tagert (middle) and U.S. Steel Yard facility director Mike Figg (right) watch as the Northern League Championship flag is raised in a RailCats pre-game ceremony at the U.S. Steel Yard on May 26, 2006.
RailCats Coaches Celebrate
Niki Paton / Baseball Notions
GARY, Ind.- 2005 Northern League Champion RailCats Coaches Celebrate their winning 2005 season in front of the 5th largest Steel Yard crowd with a pre-game ceremony on May 26, 2006. (Pictured left to right First Base Coach Joe Gates, Hitting Coach Andy Haines, and Manager Greg Tagert.)
RailCats Manager Greg Tagert
Niki Paton / Baseball Notions
GARY, Ind.- RailCats Manager Greg Tagert (left) is introduced and congratulated by RailCats Vice President and General Manager Roger Wexelberg (right) at the U.S. Steel Yard during the pre-game 2005 Northern League Championship Ceremony on May 26, 2006.
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