By Glenn Miller
Fort Myers News Press

Kevin Boles is out after two years as the Fort Myers Miracle manager.
Boles, 32, said Monday he resigned for personal reasons. He had previously
managed two other lower-level teams in the Minnesota Twins farm system
before earning a promotion to the Class A Florida State League.

"I appreciate the four years I was with the Minnesota Twins," Boles said
Monday afternoon as he walked down a jetway at the Salt Lake City airport.
"It's just a personal decision."

The Miracle were 70-70 this year after going 80-60 in 2006, giving Boles a
two-year record of 150-130.

"He did a great job," said Miracle pitching coach Eric Rasmussen.
"Attention to detail. We had a great time. Kevin was and is still all
about getting the players better."

Boles, who has been vacationing in Wyoming and Idaho with his wife,
Kendra, hopes to stay in professional baseball. He's been in contact with
other organizations.

"I've talked to quite a few," Boles said. "Want to see how things
develop."

The Miracle have scheduled a news conference for 2 p.m. Wednesday. The
team didn't initially say what the purpose of the news conference would
be, but with Boles' resignation, it appears his replacement may be named.

"We'll announce it," Miracle general manager Steve Gliner said.

Originally posted on October 23, 2007

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After its 11-7 loss in New Britain, Portand's playoff hopes hinge on a win
over New Hampshire tonight.

By KEVIN THOMAS
Portland Press Herald

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — Before the Portland Sea Dogs take the field for a
sudden-death game today, they had to shake the dust from New Britain
Stadium Monday -- and not look back.

"Unbelievable," said infielder Zach Borowiak, as he walked off the field
following an 11-7 defeat to the Rock Cats.

The Sea Dogs again failed in their quest to reach the Eastern League
playoffs, losing to the Rock Cats for the fifth straight game.

Portland (70-72) could have clinched a playoff spot because the New
Hampshire Fisher Cats (70-72) also lost, 8-6 to Trenton.

New Hampshire also has been a team running away from chances, losing three
in a row.

Today, somebody has to win.

The Fisher Cats play Portland at 6 p.m. today at Hadlock Field (the box
office opens at 8 a.m.). The winner advances to the first round of the
playoffs, Wednesday in Trenton, N.J.

"We have to go and play a playoff game (today). It's a nice problem to
have when you're playing the way we're playing," Sea Dogs Manager Arnie
Beyeler said. "Hopefully it can be like new life."

Beyeler likely will hand the ball to Tommy Hottovy (3-10), who is 1-3
against the Fisher Cats.

Today's New Hampshire starter, Kyle Yates (9-8), is likewise 1-3 against
the Sea Dogs.

In 28 games against each other, the teams split, 14-14. Portland gets the
home field advantage today because it scored more runs against the Fisher
Cats.

Scoring runs is not the main problem for the Sea Dogs. Starting pitching
sunk them in New Britain.

Except for Michael Bowden's start Sunday, Portland's four other starters
this weekend were hit hard. They lasted only 12&38532 innings, allowing 31
hits, 13 walks and 27 earned runs (19.28 ERA).

Chris Smith (6-9) took the loss Monday, allowing 10 runs (nine earned) on
14 hits over 5&38531 innings. Smith is all about location and timing. If
he's a little off, a good team can tee off.

"I threw good pitches and they hit them. I threw balls in the dirt and
they smoked them," Smith said.

"They're not the best hitting team in the league for nothing."

Garrett Guzman, 5 for 5 with six RBI, said Smith "abused me the last time
I faced him. He really didn't look any different. The guys just laid off
his good pitches and hit pitches we could handle."

Portland led in the top of first, on Bryan Pritz's double and Aaron Bates'
home run.

"We finally got off to the lead. We felt pretty good," Pritz said. "But
they're swinging the bats well this week."

Guzman's two-run homer in the bottom of the first tied it. His three-run
double in the second gave New Britain the lead for good.

Jeff Natale's two-run single made it 5-4. But the Rock Cats enjoyed a
five-run fourth and a 10-4 lead.

Portland closed to 10-6 and had the tying run at the plate with bases
loaded and two outs in the eighth.

Jeff Corsaletti, 2 for 20 in the series, flied out to left.

In Manchester, Trenton was enjoying a 15-hit attack in its win over the
Fisher Cats.

"It's awesome to see New Hampshire lose," Pritz said. "Playing as bad as
we have been, you almost expect there is no shot at this point. But we get
one more chance to make the playoffs."

NOTES: New Britain (69-72) finished a half game behind New Hampshire and
Portland. The Rock Cats played one fewer game because their final game at
Erie on Aug. 9 was canceled because of rain. ... Blake Maxwell, called up
from Class A, pitched the final 2&38532 innings for Portland. ... New
Britain's Guzman finished his season with 10 straight hits to bat .312.
... Bill Masse, who managed Trenton to consecutive playoff losses to
Portland the past two years, now manages New Hampshire.

SEA DOGS AND THE PLAYOFFS

THE SITUATION: Portland and New Hampshire tied for second place in the
EL's Northern Division.

WHAT NOW?: The Sea Dogs and Fisher Cats play today at 6 p.m. at Hadlock
Field to decide it.

AT STAKE: A spot in the league playoffs against Trenton; Game 1 is
Wednesday.

TODAY'S GAME

WHO: Sea Dogs (Tommy Hottovy (3-10) vs. New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Kyle
Yates 9-8)

WHEN: 6 p.m.

WHERE: Hadlock Field

TICKETS: Available

September 4, 2007

By TOM PULEO
Hartford Courant Staff Writer

NEW BRITAIN - Behind Garrett Guzman's six RBI, the Rock Cats closed the
season Monday with an 11-7 victory, completing a five-game sweep of
Portland, but were left out of the playoffs by a half-game.

Both Portland and New Hampshire are 70-72, but the Eastern League won't
allow the Rock Cats (69-72) to make up an Aug. 9 rainout at Erie. Portland
and New Hampshire will play a one-game playoff today, with the winner
advancing to the playoffs to face Trenton on Wednesday.

"We had several other chances to make up that ground and we didn't,"
manager Riccardo Ingram said. "But maybe our club will learn something.
How often does something like this happen?"

Guzman closed the season with 10 consecutive hits, raising his average in
two days from .298 to .312.

The All-Star left fielder singled in his final at-bat in the first game of
Sunday's doubleheader, then went 4-for-4 in the second game. Monday, he
hit a two-run homer in the first, a three-run double in the second and an
RBI single in the fourth. He also had singles in the sixth and eighth
innings and finished the season with a team-high 88 RBI.

"I've just been seeing the ball well and not swinging at bad pitches,"
Guzman said.

The crowd of 5,985 boosted the Rock Cats' season total to 341,816,
eclipsing the previous team record of 337,687 set in 2005. The Rock Cats
also finished with an average attendance of 5,341 - besting last year's
mark of 5,052.

After the game, the players emptied the first base dugout, tossing hats,
balls and assorted gear to young fans who hung around on Fan Appreciation
Day.

Ryan Mullins (4-3, 3.99 ERA) gave up four runs - three earned - in six
innings. David Winfree had four RBI, including a three-run double in the
fourth inning.

Portland starter Chris Smith (6-9, 4.41) gave up 10 runs - nine earned -
and 13 hits in 51/3 innings. Jeff Natale, who went to Trinity, had three
RBI on a two-run single in the fourth and a bases-loaded walk in the
eighth.

"They just outplayed us," Portland manager Arnie Beyeler said. "They're
probably the best team in the league right now."

September 4, 2007

By Ken Lipshez
New Britain Herald Press

NEW BRITAIN - The New Britain Rock Cats have set franchise attendance
records for season total and per-game average.

The season total of 341,816 surpassed the previous best - 337,687 in 2005.
The average per game was 5,341, a sizeable jump from last year's franchise
record of 5,052.

The team extended the standard for sellouts in a season to 22 on Saturday
night, when they attracted 7,291, the second highest total of the season.
They sold out 17 times last year, the previous season best. The largest
crowd of the year came on July 21 when the Rock Cats and Trenton Thunder
played in front of 7,394.

"It is enormously gratifying for everyone associated with Rock Cats
Baseball to be received with such warmth and enthusiasm by the families
and fans of our region," Rock Cats' president and CEO Bill Dowling said.
"We are blessed and deeply grateful."

The Rock Cats finished fifth in the league behind Reading, Portland,
Trenton and Akron, which have finished first through fourth every season
since 2001. The last time New Britain finished as high as fifth was in
1988 when the EL was an eight-team league.

09/03/2007

By Ken Lipshez
New Britain Herald Press

NEW BRITAIN - Despite the summer-like climate, the reality is that the New
Britain Rock Cats' season came to an end Monday and it was time to say
good-bye.

And while there will be no playoffs, the Rock Cats packed up their bats
and gloves with their heads held high. Some will return next April, but
the good-bye for Garrett Guzman surely will be more lasting. After two
seasons here, he'll be going on to bigger and better things.

Guzman assertively applied an exclamation point to an all-star season with
five hits and six RBI in leading the sizzling Rock Cats to an 11-7 win - a
season-high seventh straight - and completing a five-game sweep of the
Portland Sea Dogs before 5,985 in the final bow at New Britain Stadium.

"We had several opportunities to just go through the motions but I was
proud of them for coming out here and playing hard," manager Riccardo
Ingram said.

The Rock Cats finish the season at 69-72, just one-half game behind
Portland and New Hampshire, both 70-72. While the Sea Dogs and Fisher Cats
(8-6 losers to Trenton Sunday) will do battle in a one-game Northern
Division Championship Series play-in tonight, the Rock Cats can only look
at what might have been.

"We thought we'd be playing a little more," said Ingram, who reminded
players before the game about the missed opportunities during the year.
"You hear it all the time but this is a case where it happened. Maybe this
is one of the better lessons that can be taught."

The Rock Cats played one fewer game than their divisional rivals due to a
rainout of the Aug. 9 game at Erie, which could not be made up. According
to Eastern League president Joe McEacharn, play-in games are played only
in the event of a tie for second place.

"They just outplayed us," Portland manager Arnie Beyeler said. "Of the
people we've played the last two weeks, they're probably the best team in
the league right now."

Regardless of the club's fate, Guzman (5-for-5, 3 runs, HR, double, 6 RBI)
leaves town wishing he could keep on swinging. Guzman, the lone Rock Cat
elected to the EL Baseball Writers Association All-Star Team announced
Saturday, ended with 10 hits in his last 10 at-bats.

"I'm seeing balls and I'm not swinging at bad pitches right now. I'm
getting balls I can handle and not missing them when I get them," said
Guzman, who went 12-for-20 (.600) in the series. "It's a good feeling when
you go up to the plate feeling like that."

Guzman finished with a .312 batting average, 14 home runs and 88 RBI,
which should be good enough for a ticket to Triple A.

"Hopefully. You never know," he said. "I've seen some pretty good seasons
and guys come back here. I just wanted to do good and it's up to (the
Twins) where I go."

Said Ingram: "Any statement about leaving he made today. I don't try to
predict what's going to happen next season but 10 for his last 10? That's
unbelievable. ... He wanted to show everybody he's hit his way out of this
league."

After falling behind 2-0 in the first inning, the Rock Cats shellacked
Portland starter Chris Smith (6-9).

Guzman erased the deficit with a two-run homer in the home half after a
single by Rashad Eldridge.

"I had seen a couple pitches. It was a 2-1 count and I wanted to get a
pitch I could drive, not necessarily hit out," Guzman said. "I was sitting
somewhat on location and he got a ball up there."

He added a three-run double in the second to give New Britain the lead for
good.

The Rock Cats administered a five-run pounding in the fourth. Kyle Geiger
(2-for-3) led off with a double. After a walk and an error, Guzman drove
in the first run with a single, giving him all the team's RBI to that
point.

Brock Peterson (4-for-5) drilled an RBI single. David Winfree (4-for-5, 4
RBI) followed with a three-run double to give New Britain a 10-4 lead.

Starter Ryan Mullins (4-3) pitched six innings, allowed four runs (two
earned) on five hits, walked two and struck out five.

Smith gave up 14 of New Britain's 17 hits and nine earned runs in 5 1/3
frames.

Portland got within four by scoring twice in the eighth off Tristan
Crawford, but New Britain got one back on Winfield's RBI single in the
home half.

Aaron Bates hit his second homer of the series and fourth of the season in
the first inning for Portland. Hamden native Jeff Natale drove in three
runs.

CATS TALES: Guzman is a consensus EL All-Star having been elected to the
league's team last week. ... Guzman is tied for seventh place with Doug
Mientkiewicz on the franchise's season RBI list. Steve Hacker set the club
record of 97 in 1999. ... The Rock Cats had never swept Portland in either
a four- or five-game series ever before. Their last three-game sweep of
the Sea Dogs came Aug. 30- Sept. 1, 2002. ...


09/03/2007

By Ken Lipshez
New Britain Herald

NEW BRITAIN - When the Portland Sea Dogs arrived in town, their playoff
destiny was in their own hands.

With one game left in the regular season, destiny has walked through the
door and is about to slam it shut on the Sea Dogs with a healthy push the
New Britain Rock Cats.

Brock Peterson hit a grand slam in the second game and drove in six runs
on the day Sunday as the Rock Cats swept a doubleheader, 3-2 and 12-3, to
increase their winning streak to a season-high six games before 5,589 at
New Britain Stadium.

The Sea Dogs (70-71) came into the five-game set against New Britain with
a 1½-game lead over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats for second place, the
final postseason slot in the Northern Division.

The teams now are in a flat-footed tie for the position, so it all comes
down to the final game of the season today. New Hampshire hosts Trenton,
while the Rock Cats and Sea Dogs wrap up their series beginning at 1:35
p.m.

The Rock Cats (68-72) continued their remarkable run in doubleheaders,
having swept eight and split five this season for a record of 21-5.

Manager Riccardo Ingram's first thought was about the Rock Cats falling
just a few breaks short of the playoffs.

"You just want to find a 10-story window, just jump and say, 'Why? Why did
it come to this,'" he said. "The Connecticut series (losing 4 of 5 at home
Aug. 23-26) was the difference. ... Seventy wins at this point would have
(put us) in the mix."

But Portland manager Arnie Beyeler, Ingram's former minor league teammate,
has cornered the market on frustration.

"They're playing loose and easy and having some fun," Beyeler said. "I
don't know what we're doing out there but it doesn't look like anyone is
having much fun."

With Portland desperately trying to stop the bleeding in game two, the
Rock Cats scored four times off Felix Diaz in the first inning on
Peterson's slam, his team-best 15th homer of the year.

"The guys in front of me (Brandon Roberts, Rashad Eldridge and Garrett
Guzman) put me in a great spot," Peterson said. "You can't ask for
anything more - first inning, bases loaded, no outs.

"He threw a first-pitch changeup for a ball. After that I knew he had to
come with his fastball. I just told myself I didn't want to be late on
it."

New Britain continued to pour it on in the second. Kyle Geiger rifled a
leadoff single, took second on a fielder's choice and scored on a single
by Eldridge (3-for-4, 3 runs). Guzman (4-for-4, 2 RBI) followed with a
hit, bringing up Peterson.

Diaz (4-4), who threw seven innings of one-hit ball against Trenton in his
last outing, glanced a fastball off Peterson's shoulder and was ejected
promptly by home plate umpire John Tumpane.

"I'm not sure if it was really on purpose but it looked really bad - hit a
grand slam and the (next) pitch you get hit," said Peterson, who has been
hit by pitches 18 times this season. "I was kind of expecting it, to tell
you the truth. I just had a feeling it was going to happen."

The Rock Cats continued to hammer away against the Portland bullpen. David
Winfree pounded a two-run double, Felix Molina slapped an RBI single and
New Britain had a 9-0 lead after two.

Rock Cats starter Jesse Floyd retired the first nine Sea Dogs. His shutout
bid went by the boards in the fifth when Jay Johnson hit his second homer
of the series and fifth of the season. Andrew Pinckney also homered for
Portland.

Roberts hit his third homer of the season, a solo shot in the fifth.

Floyd (7-9) tossed a route-going five-hitter, didn't walk a batter and
struck out eight.

In the first game, the Rock Cats took the early initiative, striking twice
in the second inning. Peterson doubled to the right field wall and scored
on a one-out triple by Winfree. Winfree scored on a sacrifice fly by Matt
Allegra.

Portland bounced back to tie the game in the fourth against Josh Hill.

Johnson singled sharply to left and scored on a gap double by Pinckney.
John Otness' single make it 2-2.

Eduardo Morlan (1-0) replaced Hill with two down in the sixth and put out
the fire. He went on to twirl 2 1/3 innings of hitless ball walking one
and striking out four.

The Rock Cats staged their game-winning rally in the sixth. Starter
Michael Bowden (8-6) had retired eight in a row when he walked Eldridge
with one out. Guzman singled to right and Eldridge slid into third ahead
of the throw.

Peterson's fly to medium right was enough to score Eldridge.

Ingram entrusted the one-run lead to Armando Gabino, who has been
outstanding since joining New Britain August 8. Gabino retired three of
the four Sea Dogs he faced to notch his fourth save.

Gabino has now logged 16 innings in Double A without giving up an earned
run.

CATS TALES: Guzman, now batting .304, has a virtual lock on a .300 season.
He would have to go 0-for-8 today to lose that distinction. ... Today's
probables: Portland RHP Chris Smith (6-8, 3.83) vs. New Britain LHP Ryan
Mullins (3-3, 3.95). ... Portland would host New Hampshire Tuesday in a
one-game playoff if the teams wind up in a second-place tie after today's
action.

Playoffs gone, but attendance battle rages on for Rock Cats

While all eyes are focused on the scoreboard today to see whether the
Portland Sea Dogs or New Hampshire Fisher Cats will gain the final
Northern Division playoff spot, Rock Cats administrators will cast a
glance at the turnstiles.

The Rock Cats, Fisher Cats and Altoona Curve have been waging a battle for
fifth place in the Eastern League. Reading, Portland, Trenton and Akron -
all with bigger ballparks - hold the top four slots.

The Rock Cats are drawing 5,331 per game. Altoona, which finishes on the
road today, is at 5,318. New Hampshire, at home against Trenton, is at
5,317.

From a total attendance standpoint, New Hampshire has drawn 366,811 in 68
openings. Altoona finished with 356,339 in 67 openings.

New Britain, at 335,831 in 63 openings, needs just 1,857 to break its
all-time total of 337,687 set in 2005. The Rock Cats will finish with
their highest per-game average, shattering last year's norm of 5,052.

09/03/2007

By TOM PULEO
Hartford Courant Staff Writer

NEW BRITAIN - The Rock Cats swept a doubleheader from Portland Sunday to
win their season-high sixth consecutive game after falling out of playoff
contention.

"You want to find about a 10-story window and just jump and say, `Why?'"
manager Riccardo Ingram said, referring to a 2-7 stretch recently against
the two bottom teams in the Northern Division. "Why did it come to this?"

New Britain won the opener 3-2 and then routed Portland 12-3 in the second
game before 5,589 at New Britain Stadium.

More than help New Britain, the sweep kept Portland (71-72) from clinching
a tie for the final playoff spot in the Northern Division.

Portland is tied with New Hampshire - a 5-4 loser against Trenton - with
one game remaining. If the Sea Dogs and Fisher Cats finish the season
tied, Portland would host a one-game playoff Tuesday at 6 p.m.

"The Rock Cats are playing loose and easy and having some fun," Portland
manager Arnie Beyeler said. "I don't know what we are doing out there, but
it doesn't look like anyone is having much fun."

In the opener, Brock Peterson's sacrifice fly in the sixth inning broke a
2-2 tie. Eddie Morlan (1-0) pitched 21/3 innings of hitless relief in his
Double A debut.

Portland's Michael Bowden (8-6, 4.28) gave up three runs and five hits in
six innings. The Rock Cats went up 2-0 in the second on David Winfree's
RBI triple and Felix Molina's RBI single.

In the second game, New Britain (68-72) jumped to a 4-0 first-inning lead
on Peterson's grand slam off Felix Diaz (4-4, 5.59). When Peterson came to
bat in the second, Diaz hit him on the shoulder on the first pitch and was
ejected by plate umpire John Tumpane.

Beyeler was forced to insert Tommy Hottovy - the pitcher he planned to use
this week in the first game of the playoffs - as New Britain built an 11-0
lead after three innings.

Winfree had a two-run double off Hottovy. Brandon Roberts homered in the
fifth off Jose Vaquedano.

Jesse Floyd (7-9, 5.05) pitched a complete game, allowing a solo homer to
Jay Johnson in the fifth and two-run homer to Andrew Pinckney in the
seventh.

The sweep improved New Britain's record in doubleheaders this season to
11-5 with eight sweeps.

"Seventy wins at this point would have us right there," Ingram said. "And
we have 68."

Today's 1:35 p.m. game is "Fan Appreciation Day" at New Britain Stadium.
The team is offering $1 tickets and will give out free T-shirts and a
grand prize of tickets to the 2007 World Series.

Defenders 7, Baysox 6: Carlos Sosa ripped a tiebreaking double and
Connecticut held on to win in Bowie, Md.

Tied at 5 in the eighth, Julio Cordido led off with a single off reliever
Felix Romero (2-7) and took second on Jake Wald's sacrifice. Todd
Jennings' single moved Romero to third before Sosa brought both home.

Sosa (4-for-4) hit an RBI double in the sixth. Tyler Von Schell had a
two-run homer and three RBI for the Defenders (62-78) and John Bowker
(1-for-3) extended his hitting streak to 16 games.

September 3, 2007

By TOM PULEO
Hartford Courant

Manager Riccardo Ingram's Rock Cats - outside the playoff picture again -
are not interested in other teams' postseason chances during the season's
final weekend.

"I don't think anybody is playing spoiler roles," Ingram said Friday after
New Britain beat Portland 10-5, trimming the Sea Dogs' lead over New
Hampshire to a half-game for the second and final playoff spot in the
Eastern League's Northern Division. "You have to come to play. These games
matter to people and they're on the schedule and we're going play them
hard every night. You don't do anything differently. It's just the
integrity and the competition of this league."

The 2006 Rock Cats went 64-78 and finished last for the first time since
2000 despite having three former first-round draft picks on the Opening
Day roster.

The 2007 team, with fewer marquee players, enjoyed better chemistry, but
was 65-72 through Friday, 41/2 games behind Portland with four games
remaining.

The season peaked July 20 with a doubleheader sweep of first-place Trenton
- a day that saw the Rock Cats rout starter Joba Chamberlain, now in the
Yankees bullpen. New Britain climbed back to .500 (47-47) for the first
time since June 16, but promptly dropped six straight.

"We were close," Ingram said. "We feel like we're a better team. We didn't
do some things to keep ourselves in contention, and we're all a little bit
disappointed about that."

Closing The Gap

The Connecticut Defenders drew 195,235 fans this season, an increase of
24,428 over last year. They averaged 3,003 a game, the franchise's highest
total since 2002, but are last in attendance again among 12 Eastern League
teams. First-year general manager Charlie Dowd attributed the improvement
to lower concession prices, better promotions and a hard-working staff.

"We are delighted with the success," he said. "We recognize that this is a
first step. One of the goals of the organization is to be more responsive
to our fans."

The Defenders and Norwich recently settled part of a lease dispute as the
city council prepares to vote Tuesday on planned improvements to Dodd
Stadium

Dowd and Stadium Authority chairman Michael Jewell signed an agreement
Friday that will credit the Defenders about $79,000 for lease payments in
order to pay for improvements the team made before the July 11 Eastern
League All-Star Game.

The Defenders still owe the city more than $150,000 in overdue lease
payments.

Early Winter For Perkins

Twins lefthander Glen Perkins, 24, is done for the season after struggling
to rehabilitate a shoulder strain with the Rock Cats. He was 0-2 with an
11.05 ERA in 71/3 innings over three outings. He gave up five home runs
among 11 hits. Perkins had a 3.80 ERA in 12 relief appearances with the
Twins before injuring the shoulder in May.

Closer Gets Call

Rock Cats closer Tim Lahey, 25, was promoted Tuesday to Triple A Rochester
and replaced on the roster by Eduardo Morlan. Lahey was the Rock Cats'
leader in wins (8-4, 3.45) and saves (13). The Twins drafted him as a
catcher out of Princeton in the 20th round in 2004 and converted him to a
relief pitcher two years ago. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound righthander allowed
78 hits, walked 33 and struck out 56 in 781/3 innings. Morlan, 21, was 4-3
with a 3.15 ERA and 18 saves with Fort Myers.

Envelope Please ...

Trenton's Alan Horne is the Eastern League pitcher of the year. The
6-foot-4, 195-pound righthander was 12-4 with a league-leading 2.91 ERA in
1481/3 innings through Friday. Horne, 24, had struck out 161 and walked
53. Portland righthander Clay Buchholz - who pitched a no-hitter for the
Red Sox Sunday night - was third in the voting. Other end-of-season
All-Stars include Defenders outfielder John Bowker, Rock Cats outfielder
Garrett Guzman, Binghamton utility player Mark Kiger and Binghamton DH
Brett Harper. ... First-year Erie skipper Matt Walbeck was manager of the
year. The SeaWolves were 63-47 through Friday and in first place in the
Southern Division. Walbeck, 37, played seven games for the 1996 Rock Cats.


September 2, 2007

By Ken Lipshez
New Britain Herald Press

NEW BRITAIN - Some come to the ballpark yearning for offense. The more
homers, the better.

Others prefer a taut pitchers' duel that carries until the game's final
delivery. It's the epitome of what makes the game great.

But it's safe to say that nobody buys tickets to see walks, and the second
biggest crowd of the season got an eyeful.

The Rock Cats benefited from 11 of the game's 17 walks and four wild
pitches Saturday to further damage the Portland Sea Dogs' playoff hopes
with a 7-5 win before 7,291 at New Britain Stadium.

In spite of the loss, second-place Portland (70-69) retains a half-game
lead over New Hampshire in the race for the final Northern Division
playoff spot. New Britain (66-72) has won four straight.

"The game had a poor tempo and slow pace early because both guys had
trouble finding the strike zone," Rock Cats manager Riccardo Ingram said.
"It's a matter of being patient and having enough discipline to take the
walk and hopefully find a way to get a few clutch hits."

Portland left-hander Daniel Haigwood was locked in a monumental struggle
with his command from the beginning.

He walked the first two batters in the game which led to Brandon Roberts
scoring on a groundout by Brock Peterson, giving the Rock Cats a 1-0 lead.

It was much worse in the second. Haigwood, who is on the Red Sox' 40-man
major league roster, yielded an infield hit to Matt Moses and walked Matt
Allegra. He got the next two hitters on fly balls but forced in a run by
walking Roberts and Rashad Eldridge.

Garrett Guzman persevered through a foul ball off his already sore right
ankle and lined an RBI single to right. With the Sea Dogs short on
pitching, Haigwood walked in two more runs by passing Peterson and David
Winfree. When the second inning ended, the Rock Cats had a 5-0 lead and
Haigwood had thrown 70 pitches.

But the Rock Cats haven't been comfortable with such prosperity all
season. Starter Oswaldo Sosa issued a one-out walk in the fourth. Aaron
Bates and Bryan Pritz rifled singles and Jay Johnson hammered a three-run
homer to pull the Sea Dogs within a run. Sosa was gone after four.

"Last time out he had the same issues," Ingram said. "We had a lead for
him and he got behind in the count and got into deep counts throwing a lot
of balls. It's tough when the guys show resilience and the patience to get
a lead and let a guy go through the game when we have bullpen available.
Let's give someone else a shot. Sosa didn't do what he was supposed to
do."

The Sea Dogs tied the game in the sixth against New Britain reliever Angel
Garcia on a run-scoring double by Salvador Paniagua. Garcia (1-0) gave up
a run on two hits, walked two and fanned three. The 6-foot-7 right-hander
has given up a run in each of his last eight appearances.

Former Central Connecticut State University hurler Barry Hertzler replaced
Haigwood in the third and retired nine straight, but a leadoff walk to
Allegra in the sixth led to New Britain's go-ahead tally. With the bases
loaded and two out, Hertzler's wild pitch allowed Allegra to score.
Hertzler (3-2) was the hard-luck loser, despite yielding just two hits and
a run in four innings.

New Britain added an insurance tally in the seventh on back-to-back walks
and an RBI single by Kyle Geiger.

Jose Mijares retired seven of the eight players he faced to earn his ninth
save.

CATS TALES: When the stadium PA announcer informed the crowd that Red Sox
pitcher Clay Buchholz was working on a no-hitter, the team expressed its
disdain since ex-Cat Scott Baker didn't get the same courtesy on Friday.
"I think it's absolutely bush for the simple fact that Scott Baker had
thrown a perfect game through eight innings yesterday, they didn't mention
one thing and he pitched here in New Britain a few years ago," Guzman
said. "They announce Clay Buchholz and show his highlights of getting a
no-hitter. I think it's terrible of the front office." Ingram added, "I
understand this is Red Sox territory but that's how those guys are going
to react. Their goal is to be in Minnesota someday and this is a Minnesota
affiliate so guys are going to get upset." ...Probables for today's
doubleheader: Portland RHP Michael Bowden (8-5, 4.27) and RHP Felix Diaz
(4-3, 4.17) vs. New Britain RHP Josh Hill (3-2, 4.32) and RHP Jesse Floyd
(6-9, 5.12). ...

09/01/2007

By TOM PULEO
Hartford Courant

NEW BRITAIN - The Portland Sea Dogs, fighting for an Eastern League
playoff spot, rallied from a five-run deficit to tie the score in the
sixth. But the Rock Cats played spoiler, beating the Sea Dogs 7-5 Saturday
before 7,291 at New Britain Stadium.

"We're not trying to be spoilers," Rock Cats manager Riccardo Ingram said.
"We're just playing the games on our schedule. Portland happens to be the
team that's in here, and we're trying to win every game."

The Rock Cats pulled ahead 6-5 off former Central Connecticut pitcher
Barry Hertzler, who threw a wild pitch with the bases loaded, allowing
Matt Allegra to score in the sixth. Hertzler (3-2, 2.98 ERA) retired the
first nine batters he faced before running into trouble in the sixth. Kyle
Geiger's RBI single in the seventh made it 7-5.

Angel Garcia (1-0, 7.97) gave up one run in 22/3 innings of relief to get
the win.

Despite the loss, Portland (70-69) remained a half-game ahead of New
Hampshire for a playoff spot in the Northern Division. Trenton beat New
Hampshire, 3-1.

New Britain (66-72) scored its first six runs on four hits, getting four
runners home on two bases-loaded walks and two wild pitches.

Portland starter Daniel Haigwood, rusty after a month on the disabled
list, walked seven and threw two wild pitches through two innings as the
Rock Cats built a 5-0 lead.

"It wasn't a pretty ballgame, but we took advantage of it and were able to
work the walks," Ingram said.

Haigwood walked Brandon Roberts and David Winfree with the bases loaded in
the four-run second. Allegra scored on a wild pitch and Guzman had an RBI
single.

New Britain led 1-0 on Brock Peterson's fielder's choice grounder in the
first.

The Rock Cats' Oswaldo Sosa didn't allow a hit until the fourth inning -
when Portland scored four times on a Bryan Pritz RBI single and Jay
Johnson's three-run homer to left field.

Portland tied the score on Salvador Paniagua's RBI double in the sixth.

Clay Buchholz, who pitched a no-hitter for the Red Sox Saturday, threw six
shutout innings against the Rock Cats at New Britain Stadium on April 24.
New Britain won 5-4 in 10 innings.

September 2, 2007

Portland remains a half-game ahead of New Hampshire in the race for a
playoff spot when the Fisher Cats also lose.

By KEVIN THOMAS
Portland Herald Press

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — It sounds funny to say this after a game in which
Portland pitchers walked 11 batters, but the Sea Dogs are still in
control.

Even though the New Britain Rock Cats beat the Sea Dogs 7-5 at New Britain
Stadium Saturday, Portland still leads in the playoff race because the New
Hampshire Fisher Cats also lost -- 3-1 to Trenton at Manchester.

The Sea Dogs (70-69) remained a half-game ahead of New Hampshire (70-70)
in the race for the last playoff spot in the Eastern League Northern
Division.

Portland's magic number is 3. The Sea Dogs could clinch a spot today with
a doubleheader sweep of the Rock Cats and another New Hampshire loss to
Trenton.

If Portland does not clinch today, the race will go to the final day of
the regular season on Monday.

Portland overcame a 5-0 deficit Saturday, but New Britain recovered to get
the win.

Portland starter Daniel Haigwood dug the hole for the Sea Dogs, allowing
five runs in two innings on two hits, seven walks and two wild pitches.

"We just gave them too much," Portland Manager Arnie Beyeler said.

Haigwood, 23, was on the disabled list throughout August with a strained
groin muscle. An erratic left-hander, Haigwood has struggled with his
command all season. Because of high pitch counts, he's averaged only 41/3
innings a start.

He was wilder on Saturday. Of Haigwood's first 12 pitches, 10 were balls.

Two walks and two groundouts gave New Britain a 1-0 first- inning lead.

In the second inning, Haigwood walked in two runs. Another scored on a
single and a fourth came via a wild pitch.

The Rock Cats led 5-0 and Haigwood was done after two innings and 70
pitches, just 32 strikes.

Portland recovered. The Sea Dogs got a four-run fourth on Bryan Pritz's
RBI single and a three-run homer to left field by Jay Johnson.

In the sixth, Salvador Paniagua doubled to score Andrew Pinckney as
Portland tied it, 5-5.

Meanwhile, reliever Barry Hertzler pitched a solid four innings, saving
the bullpen and keeping Portland in the game.

"He picked us up big and got us where we needed to be," said Beyeler, who
will have some pitching left for today's doubleheader.

Hertzler, a local favorite from Central Connecticut State University,
pitched three perfect innings before yielding a run in the sixth on a
walk, two singles and a wild pitch, as the Rock Cats regained the lead,
6-5.

New Britain made it 7-5 off Hunter Jones in the seventh on two walks and a
single.

NOTES: The Sea Dogs have only three outfielders after Cory Keylor was
called up to Triple-A Pawtucket. ... In the eighth inning with two outs
and no one on base, Pinckney began jogging to first base after grounding
to the mound. Pitcher Jose Mijares dropped the ball but still had time to
throw out Pinckney. ... New Britain is a Minnesota Twins affiliate, but
the stadium erupted when it was announced former Sea Dog Clay Buchholz had
pitched a no-hitter for the Boston Red Sox against the Baltimore Orioles.

THUNDER 3, FISHER CATS 1: Juan Miranda and Cody Ehlers homered to lead
visiting Trenton past New Hampshire.

Miranda lined a solo shot in the fourth inning and a run-scoring single in
the eighth.

Ehlers hit his solo homer in the ninth for the Thunder (81-59).

Trenton reliever Kevin Whelan (4-2) allowed two hits and a walk in 11/3
scoreless innings. Michael Gardner allowed a hit in the final 12/3 innings
to get his second save.

Dustin Majewski hit his 13th homer in the third for the Fisher Cats
(70-70).

SEA DOGS AND THE PLAYOFFS THE SITUATION: The Sea Dogs lead New Hampshire
by a half- game for the final playoff spot. The Dogs' magic number is 3.
WHAT'S LEFT: Portland has three games left (a doubleheader today); New
Hampshire has two. IF THEY TIE: The teams will play at 6 p.m. Tuesday at
Hadlock Field to decide it.

TODAY'S GAMES WHO: Sea Dogs (Michael Bowden 8-5 and Felix Diaz 4-3) at New
Britain Rock Cats (Josh Hill 3-2 and Jesse Floyd 6-9) WHEN: 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: New Britain (Conn.) Stadium

September 2, 2007

The Sea Dogs remain a half-game ahead in the race for the Eastern League's
final playoff spot.

By KEVIN THOMAS
Porland Press Herald

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — The New Britain Rock Cats pressed the pause button on
the Portland Sea Dogs' push to the playoffs, beating Portland 10-5 before
6,192 at New Britain Stadium on Friday night.

The Sea Dogs (70-68) are still in the driver's seat for the Eastern League
playoffs, but they are on the edge of that seat. The New Hampshire Fisher
Cats (70-69) scored a run on three singles in the bottom of the 11th
inning, beating Trenton 6-5 on Friday night in Manchester, N.H.

The Fisher Cats, a half-game behind Portland, have three games to play.
Portland has four left, including a doubleheader Sunday.

In Friday's game, Portland starter Justin Masterson continued his rough
stretch, allowing five runs over four innings, on seven hits, three walks
and a hit-batter. Masterson had come to the Sea Dogs sizzling on July 9.
He gave up only six runs in his first six starts and was 4-0.

In Masterson's last four starts, he has allowed 22 runs and is 0-3.

"He's a sinkerball pitcher and when those pitches are elevated, they stay
a little bit more straight," catcher John Otness said. "For Justin to
pitch well, his ball has to be sinking down."

Reliever Andrew Dobies (4-3) followed Masterson and retired five of the
first six batters four by strikeout. The one hit was a leadoff, fly-ball
double to deep left in the sixth.

With two outs, Eldridge Rashad walked on eight pitches. Three singles – a
liner to left, a soft fly to center and a bad-hop bounce to right –
followed and the Rock Cats were on their way to a four-run inning and a
9-5 lead.

Sea Dogs Manager Arnie Beyeler was not pleased with the execution in the
field or on the mound.

"We didn't make a couple of plays that I thought should have been made,"
Beyeler said of fly balls that dropped in left and center. "And if we're
laying fastballs in there, we're going to be backing up all night. They
are not going up there to take. They swing the bat."

The Sea Dogs' offense showed some spark, but not at the right time. Both
teams had 14 hits, but Portland also left 14 on base. New Britain left
eight.

"We got a couple of two-out hits but we didn't get a couple when we needed
them," Beyeler said. "Little things mean a lot in big games."

Beyeler criticized himself for sending home Otness from first base on an
Iggy Suarez double with no outs in the second inning. Otness was thrown
out. Suarez (4 for 4) eventually scored on a Zach Borowiak sacrifice fly
for a 3-2 lead.

Portland got two runs in the first on Aaron Bates' third home with the Sea
Dogs, a two-run shot to left. Portland made it 4-2 in the fourth with
three straight singles (Otness, Suarez and Borowiak) and Jeff Corsaletti's
double-play grounder, scoring Otness.

New Britain took a 5-4 lead. Portland tied it in the sixth when Tony
Granadillo doubled in Suarez. But New Britain took over in the bottom of
the sixth.

Portland loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth, but Corsaletti
grounded out.

NOTES: Three Sea Dogs continued their hot ways at the plate. Otness has an
eight-game hitting streak (batting . 406). Bryan Pritz is batting .348 in
his last 31 games. Suarez has a .336 average over 28 games.

TODAY'S GAME

WHO: Portland Sea Dogs (Daniel Haigwood 3-5) vs. New Britain Rock Cats
(Oswaldo Sosa 1-4)
WHEN: 7:05 p.m.
WHERE: New Britain Stadium, New Britain, Conn.

By Ken Lipshez
New Britain Herald

NEW BRITAIN - The matchup was billed as a compelling late-season duel
between pitchers who have endured some lapses, enjoyed some high times and
should have promising futures.

Portland Red Sox right-hander Justin Masterson won his first three Eastern
League starts and was the Eastern League pitcher of the month for July,
but has lost in three of his last four outings.

Rock Cats right-hander Anthony Swarzak withstood a shaky start, dealt with
a 5-game suspension and currently is ranked seventh on Baseball America's
latest prospect hot sheet.

To say the pitcher's duel didn't develop is putting it mildly.

The Rock Cats, looking to play the spoiler's role in Portland's postseason
bid, dunked the Sea Dogs, 10-5, before a sellout crowd of 6,192 at New
Britain Stadium.

Masterson, 5-0 with a 1.58 ERA in July, failed to get past the fifth
inning for his fourth consecutive start. He allowed seven hits, five runs,
three walks and hit a batter before leaving after four.

Swarzak, 5-2 with a 2.40 since his return to New Britain June 27, yielded
four runs, eight hits, walked four and struck out three.

Both starters were long gone when the game was decided.

The Rock Cats, who have won three straight, broke a 5-5 tie by batting
around for the second time in the game. Matt Allegra led off with a double
and was at third with two out when Garrett Guzman, Brock Peterson and Matt
Moses rapped consecutive RBI singles off Andrew Dobies (4-3). Felix Molina
drove in a fourth run to give the Rock Cats a 9-5 lead.

The offensive display began in the Portland first when Tony Granadillo
walked and scored ahead of a line-drive homer by Manhattan-born Sox first
base prospect Aaron Bates.

The Rock Cats (65-72) tied it in the home half.

Brandon Roberts, flirting with .300 after a dreadful start, led with an
opposite-field single. Rashad Eldridge follosed suit.

Roberts took third on a flyout and scored on a groundball by Peterson.
Moses stroked a two-out RBI single up the middle.

The Sea Dogs scored again off Swarzak in the second with a double by Iggy
Suarez (4-for-4, walk) and Zach Borowiak's sacrifice fly the key blows.
They made it 4-2 in the fourth on a double-play grounder with the bases
loaded.

New Britain batted around against Masterson in the fourth to take a 5-4
lead. Three walks, including a bases-loaded pass to Guzman, and a hit
batsman fueled the rally. David Winfree and Molina (3-for-4) had the only
hits in the three-run uprising.

The Sea Dogs knotted the game in the sixth off Tristan Crawford (8-5) on
an RBI double by Granadillo.

Portland stranded 15 runners, at least one in every inning.

CATS TALES: The Rock Cats have now surpassed last year's win total
(64-78). ... The lights went out in the visitors' bullpen in the eighth
inning so Portland pitchers had to cross the field and warm up on the home
side. ... The sellout was New Britain's franchise-best 21st of the season.
... The bottom third of the Portland order went 8-for-11. ...

08/31/2007

By TOM PULEO
Hartford Courant

NEW BRITAIN - Left fielder Garrett Guzman continues to show why he is the
only Rock Cat to make the Eastern League's end-of-season All-Star team.

Guzman drove in the go-ahead run Friday as New Britain defeated the
Portland Sea Dogs 10-5 before 6,192 at New Britain Stadium - the 21st
sellout of the season.

Guzman's opposite-field single in the sixth was part of a four-run inning
as the Rock Cats took a 9-5 lead. Brock Peterson, Matt Moses and Felix
Molina hit RBI singles.

Guzman also drew a bases-loaded walk in the fourth as the Rock Cats scored
three to take a 5-4 lead.

"He just puts up quality at-bats," manager Riccardo Ingram said of Guzman.
"He's the three-hole hitter on this club and we feel pretty good when he's
up."

At 5 feet 10, 175 pounds, Guzman is small for a power hitter. But his
quick, compact swing has served him well in his first full season with the
Rock Cats. He is batting .298 with 13 home runs and a team-high 80 RBI.

Tristan Crawford (8-5, 5.06 ERA) pitched two innings of one-run relief to
get the win. Andrew Dobies (4-3, 5.35) took the loss in relief of Justin
Masterson.

Portland (70-68) leads New Hampshire by a half-game for the second and
final playoff spot in the EL North.

New Britain (65-72) scored five runs off Masterson, the Eastern League
player of the month for July and one of Boston's top pitching prospects.

The 6-foot-6 righthander, ranked by Baseball America as the Red Sox's No.
13 prospect, gave up two runs in the first on Peterson's RBI groundout and
Moses' RBI single.

New Britain scored three more in the fourth. Masterson walked Guzman to
allow the go-ahead run. Molina had an RBI single and Brandon Roberts an
RBI groundout. Roberts hit an RBI triple in the seventh that made it 10-5.

Rock Cats starter Anthony Swarzak gave up four runs and eight hits in five
innings. He struck out three and walked four, throwing 101 pitches.

All-New Britain team: To mark the 25th year of Eastern League baseball in
New Britain, the Rock Cats announced the franchise's all-time team before
the game. Voting by nearly 6,000 fans chose the team, which is led by
Roger Clemens, Curt Schilling, Jeff Bagwell, Joe Mauer and Francisco
Liriano. The New Britain franchise was affiliated with the Red Sox in
1983-1994, and since then the Twins.

September 1, 2007

Pitcher Mulvey sent to Triple-A

By Michael Sharp
Press & Sun-Bulletin

BINGHAMTON -- Give them this: Down seven runs in the sixth inning, the
Binghamton Mets at the very least made it very interesting.

The B-Mets charged back to cut the deficit to one, but despite
opportunities, never could get all the way back in a 7-6 loss to New
Britain on Thursday night before 2,377 fans at NYSEG Stadium.

Afterward, B-Mets pitcher Kevin Mulvey was promoted to Triple-A New
Orleans, for whom Binghamton manager Mako Oliveras said he's expected to
start Sunday.

"That's what I'm writing in my report," Oliveras said, turning away from
his laptop in the manager's office, "that we've got to tip our hats to
this bunch of kids, because ... there's nothing at stake, we're out of the
race.

"But the way they've been playing the last two weeks, at least myself, I'm
very proud of this group of kids. They have shown me a lot of character, a
lot of love for the game. And I feel very proud and honored to be in
charge of this bunch of guys."

Perhaps befitting their 60-77 record, the B-Mets couldn't get that key
third out to prevent the Rock Cats' three-run second inning, nor could
they get that one more key hit with the bases loaded and one out in the
sixth.

Trailing 7-0 midway through the sixth, Binghamton rallied with three in
the sixth, another in the seventh and two more in the ninth before Jamar
Hill's deep drive to center landed in Brandon Roberts' glove -- at the
warning track -- to end the game.

Brett Harper, Caleb Stewart and Edwards Guzman each drove in a run during
Binghamton's three-run sixth. But with the bases loaded and one out, New
Britain reliever Eduardo Morlan came on to strike out Hill and induce a
fly out from catcher Mike Nickeas, ending a golden opportunity to cut the
deficit even further.

Guzman finished 2-for-5 with three RBI, including a two-run single with
two out in the ninth, and Harper went 2-for-5 with a run and two RBI. Jose
Sanchez took the loss, allowing eight hits and seven earned runs over
five-plus innings. He struck out eight.

AROUND THE HORN

Mulvey, who will be making his first Triple-A start, has posted an 11-10
record with a 3.32 ERA and 110 strikeouts in 151 2/3 innings for
Binghamton. He was named New York's sixth-best prospect by Baseball
America at the start of the season. "We are very proud of that," Oliveras
said of his promotion. "That was one of the main goals, from the start, to
get him better. And I think he did. It's just a matter now of continuing
what he's been doing." ...

A day after being named Eastern League Rookie of the Year, Akron first
baseman Jordan Brown earned Most Valuable Player honors from the league
Thursday.

Hartford Courant
Staff Reports

Armando Gabino pitched the final two innings for his third save as the New
Britain Rock Cats held on for a 7-6 victory over the Mets Thursday night
in Binghamton, N.Y.

The Rock Cats opened a 7-0 lead with three runs in the third and two each
in the fifth and sixth.

Brandon Roberts, Garrett Guzman and Kyle Geiger each drove in two runs for
the Rock Cats.

Yohan Pino (2-4, 5.13 ERA) gave up six hits and three runs in 51/3
innings. Eduardo Morlan gave up a run in 12/3 innings. Jose Sanchez gave
up seven runs and eight hits in five innings for the Mets.

August 31, 2007

Parnell leads Binghamton to split in doubleheader

By Michael Sharp
Press & Sun-Bulletin

BINGHAMTON -- The 1990 American League Rookie of the Year appears to be on
his way to Binghamton, while Pedro Martinez reportedly could be next.

The New York Mets assigned veteran catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. to the B-Mets
on Wednesday, the same day Binghamton split a doubleheader with the New
Britain Rock Cats at NYSEG Stadium.

Meanwhile, the New York Mets' Web site and The New York Times reported
Martinez could make his final rehab start in Binghamton on Monday, but
that the more likely location is in Brooklyn with New York's Single-A
affiliate in the New York-Penn League.

Following Wednesday's doubleheader, which Binghamton opened with a 3-0
victory, then closed with a 3-2 loss, B-Mets manager Mako Oliveras said
Alomar Jr. is expected to arrive today, and that, if so, he will play
tonight when Binghamton closes its series with New Britain.

The Most Valuable Player of Major League Baseball's 1997 All-Star Game,
while playing then with Cleveland, Alomar Jr. has played six games with
New York this summer, hitting .158 with a double and a run. He has spent
much of his season with Triple-A New Orleans, posting a .292 average and
four homers in 45 games.

He would seem likely to return to the big club once major league rosters
expand on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Wednesday at NYSEG Stadium, Bobby Parnell helped get the
doubleheader started off right for the B-Mets, throwing 6 1/3 scoreless
innings. He flirted with a no-hitter until Brock Peterson led off the
fifth inning by lining a single up the middle.

Overall, Parnell allowed three hits and four walks, striking out three.
Jamar Hill, who finished 2-for-3 with two runs, broke a scoreless tie in
the fourth inning with a solo homer to center field.

Lino Urdaneta later got the final two outs to earn his third save and
stretch Binghamton's scoreless innings streak to 16 innings.

That streak, though, would come to an end in the nightcap, as New Britain
struck for three straight two-out RBI singles in the third inning.
Binghamton rallied with two runs in the bottom of the third, both coming
off a Miguel Negron double, but couldn't get any closer.

Associated Press

Righthander Joshua Hill allowed two runs and three hits in five innings,
helping the Rock Cats beat the Mets 3-2 for a split of a doubleheader
Wednesday night in Binghamton, N.Y.

Righthander Armando Gabino pitched the final two innings for his second
save. Hill (3-2, 4.32 ERA) struck out three and didn't walk a batter.

The Rock Cats scored all three of their runs in the third inning as Brock
Peterson, Matt Moses and David Winfree had RBI singles.

In the opener, righthander Robert Parnell and Lino Urdaneta combined on a
three-hitter in the Mets' 3-0 victory. Parnell gave up all three hits in
61/3 innings. He walked four and struck out three.

Lahey to Triple A: The Twins promoted Rock Cats All-Star reliever Tim
Lahey to Triple A Rochester. Lahey, 25, a righthander, appeared in 50
games, going 8-4 with a 3.45 ERA and 13 saves. He led the team in games,
wins and saves.

August 30, 2007

By New Britain Staff report

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. - Playing their second doubleheader in three days, the
New Britain Rock Cats split Wednesday night with the Binghamton Mets,
losing the first game 3-0, but taking the nightcap, 3-2.

In the second game, New Britain grabbed a 3-0 lead in the third on three
straight RBI singles by Brock Peterson, Matt Moses and David Winfree.

Binghamton answered right back with two runs in the home half on a Miguel
Negron two-run double.

Josh Hill went 5 innings for the win. Armando Gabino earned his second
save with two innings of scoreless relief.

In Game 1, the Mets Bobby Parnell (5-5) kept the Cats off the scoreboard,
combining with Lino Urdaneta (3rd save) for a 3-hit shutout.

Binghamton grabbed single runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings for
the win.

New Britain put two runners on in the top of the seventh before Urdaneta
came on to close the door.

Ryan Mullins (3-3) took the loss.

Lahey promoted

The Rock Cats announced Tuesday that closer Tim Lahey has been promoted to
Triple-A Rochester and will be replaced on the roster by Class A
right-hander Eduardo Morlan.

Lahey, a converted catcher, moves on as the Rock Cats leader in wins and
saves. He compiled an 8-4 record, a 3.45 ERA and recorded 13 saves. In 78
1/3 innings, he allowed 78 hits, walked 33 and struck out 56.

The 25-year-old right-hander from Worcester, Mass., was the Twins
20th-round pick in the 2004 June draft out of Princeton.

Morlan, 21, was 4-3 with a 3.15 ERA and 18 saves for the Twins high-A Fort
Myers club. The Cuban-born Morlan was their third-round pick in 2004.

08/29/2007

Hartford Courant
Staff Reports

Miguel Negron and Brett Harper homered and drove in three runs each to
lead the Mets over the Rock Cats 8-0 Tuesday in Binghamton, N.Y.

Harper hit a two-run home run, his 24th, and Wilson Batista (3-for-5) also
homered in the first inning against Glen Perkins (0-2).

Perkins lasted two innings, allowing six runs and seven hits.

Negron made it 8-0 with a two-run homer, his fifth, in the eighth.

Mets starter Michael Devaney (6-8) gave up six hits, walked one and struck
out three in six innings.

Garrett Guzman went 2-for-4 for the Rock Cats.

August 29, 2007

By Ken Lipshez
New Britain Herald

NEW BRITAIN - While the plight of the 2007 Rock Cats will be illustrated
by inconsistency, the future in New Britain would appear to be bright.

The Fort Myers Miracle, the Minnesota Twins' high Class A affiliate and
primary pipeline for the Double-A Rock Cats, rebounded from a miserable
first half in the split-season Florida State League race to enjoy a
competitive second half.

The Beloit Snappers, Minnesota's full-season Class A squad in the Midwest
League, won their division in the first half to clinch a postseason spot,
and reinforced the accomplishment with a solid second half. The Snappers
are managed by popular former Rock Cats catcher Jeff Smith, who carved out
a reputation in New Britain for his service to the community.

Perennial Appalachian League power Elizabethton (short-season Class A) is
up to its old tricks, dominating its division and just waiting to engage
its usual postseason rival Danville Braves. And at the bottom of the
chain, the Gulf Coast League (Rookie) Twins qualified for the postseason
playing in the hot Florida afternoons at the Twins' complex in Fort Myers.

Twins general manager Terry Ryan, a visitor to New Britain this past
weekend, spends more time with his affiliates than several of his
colleagues put together. It's part of his time-proven plan of keeping his
small-market club competitive, making up for lesser resources with some
old-fashioned elbow grease.

Ryan, who was also here at the end of May, said that his second trip
through holds greater implications as he prepares his foundation for the
future, both immediate and long-term.

"The last trip is much more important than the first because I'm starting
to make decisions on who's going to make (the 2008) 40-man roster, who's
going to the Arizona Fall League and we've got a couple six-year free
agents here," Ryan said. "We have a couple guys who should go to winter
ball."

Any Rock Cats players placed on the 40-man list will be protected from the
Rule 5 draft, which enables other clubs to snatch players who have played
three or four years of pro ball, depending how old they were when they
were drafted.

The AFL, owned and operated by the 30 major league teams, metes out up to
six slots to each organization for games between early October and
mid-November. The experience is regarded as a possible precursor for
prospects expected to challenge for a big-league spot the following year.

If a player has six minor league seasons in with a club, he has the right
to sign as a free agent with another club. Ryan is making notes on which
he'd like to keep and which are expendable.

Ryan's minor league agenda also helps him determine which, if any, players
may be productive additions to the big league club after Sept. 1, when
minor league regular seasons are ending and active major league rosters
expand from 25 to 40. A player must be on a club's 40-man roster by Sept.
1 to be eligible for postseason play.

Last year, Ryan tabbed left-handed pitcher Glen Perkins and infielder
Alexi Casilla to make the New Britain-to-Minnesota jump.

"Last year I never would have thought that I'd take Casilla and Perkins
but I did," Ryan mused. "This year it could be the same. I may end up
reaching down here and grabbing a guy."

Ryan cited numerous peripheral decisions that shape the offseason, which
also could be made easier by his August visit.

"As you go through the winter - who needs to be protected, who you don't
want to trade, who might in the plans sooner rather than later, some of
the make-up, some of the disciplinary issues, some of the affiliation
issues, meeting with the manager, the coaches, the strength guy and the
trainer," Ryan said.

"We make sure we give some direction to these guys for when they go home
in September. Here's what we expect when you come back to Fort Myers in
March."

08/28/2007

Pitcher has looked good since coming off disabled list

By Brian Moritz
Press & Sun-Bulletin

BINGHAMTON -- After a month on the disabled list, Michael Devaney has come
back throwing better than he has all season.

Devaney picked up his second consecutive victory on Tuesday night,
spinning six shutout innings to lift the Binghamton Mets to an 8-0 victory
over the New Britain Rock Cats in the third game of an Eastern League
series at NYSEG Stadium.

Devaney (6-8), who missed a month with a sprained right elbow, scattered
six hits over six innings. He struck out three and walked just one.

"I feel better, that's a lot of it," Devaney said. "I was throwing in a
lot of pain for about a month before I went on the DL. Now, I'm kind of
refreshed. You kind of miss getting out on the field when you're on the
DL."

Devaney has a 4-8 record when he went on the DL on July 23 with a strained
ulnar collateral ligament. He returned to the mound last week out of the
bullpen against Portland, then threw five good innings in a victory at
Trenton on Thursday.

It was more good stuff for Devaney on Tuesday.

"He pounding the strike zone," B-Mets manager Mako Oliveras said. "At the
beginning (of the season), it seemed to me that he didn't trust his
fastball enough. He's starting to do that now, and it's paying off."

Devaney retired 14 of the last 18 batters he faced.

"Today, I had good control of my cutter and my sinker," Devaney said. "I
worked myself out of a couple jams, which was real helpful."

Devaney had plenty of run support. The B-Mets roughed up rehabbing major
leaguer Glen Perkins, chasing the left-hander after scoring six runs on
seven hits in just two innings.

Wilson Batista and Brett Harper each hit first-inning home runs to give
the B-Mets a 3-0 lead. Batista and Harper also each had an RBI in the
second inning, with Harper's RBI fielder's choice giving the B-Mets a 6-0
lead.

After the game, B-Mets closer Carlos Muniz was promoted to Triple-A New
Orleans. Muniz was 2-4 with a 2.45 ERA and 23 saves on the season.

Negron plays a role in all 6 runs in victory

By Brian Moritz
Press & Sun-Bulletin

BINGHAMTON -- With one week left in what has been a long and trying
season, the Binghamton Mets showed a little spark of life on Monday night.

The B-Mets rallied from an early four-run deficit to top New Britain, 6-5,
in the opening game of an Eastern League doubleheader at NYSEG Stadium.

Miguel Negron drew a bases-loaded walk off New Britain reliever Jose
Mijares to score Jamar Hill and give the B-Mets the victory.

New Britain won the second game, 6-2, to salvage a doubleheader split.

"Our goal is to finish the season strong," Negron said. "You can't give up
on the season. There are a lot of people from the staff of the
organization here this week, and we have a lot of free agents on the team
and we want to come back next year."

It was fitting that the final run came on a walk. New Britain's three
pitchers combined to walk 11 B-Mets hitters. And it was fitting that
Negron brought in the winner.

Negron had a hand in all six B-Mets runs in the first game. He drove in
three and scored the other three, hitting a pair of doubles and drawing
three walks.

The victory came one day after the B-Mets rallied to top Trenton in 14
innings on the road.

"That shows you the character of my players," B-Mets manager Mako Oliveras
said. "To be in the position were in and come back, it shows you that
they're playing for what I write in their (season-ending) reports and that
they respect baseball."

Negron, who hit .229 and drove in 15 runs in 36 games with Triple-A New
Orleans, has been one of the B-Mets' steadiest players of the season. His
50 RBI at Double-A are the third most on the team, behind sluggers Brett
Harper and Caleb Stewart.

In Monday's opening game, he sparked the B-Mets comeback from a
third-inning, 5-1 deficit.

He drew a lead-off walk in the bottom of the third, stole second and
scored on Wilson Batista's double.

In the fourth, he hit a two-run, two-out double and later scored on a
passed ball to make it 5-4. In the sixth, he hit his second double of the
game and later scored when New Britain shortstop Trevor Plouffe botched a
Mike Carp ground ball.

In the seventh, Mike Nickeas drew a one-out walk to load the bases with
one out. Pinch-hitter Caleb Stewart struck out looking for the second out
to bring up Negron.

Negron worked the count full, then took ball four high and away.

Sal Aguilar overcame a poor start to throw six innings with four
strikeouts and a walk. Brandon Nall (2-0) pitched a scoreless seventh
inning to pick up the win.

In the second game, Brett Harper hit an opposite-field home run to left
field in the third inning to give the B-Mets a 2-1 advantage. But New
Britain scored three runs off B-Mets starter Robert Paulk (2-4) in the
fourth inning to take the lead. Luke Hughes hit a two-run double and also
scored a run for the Rock Cats.

AROUND THE HORN

Rehabbing major leaguer Glen Perkins is scheduled to start for the Rock
Cats tonight. Perkins, who is coming back from a left-shoulder injury, has
pitched 5 1/3 innings in two starts with New Britain this month. He made
12 appearances with the Twins to start the season before getting hurt. ...
Before the game, Raul Valdes was placed on the disabled list with a sore
shoulder. Marcelo Perez, who was on the disabled list with a sprained
right ankle, was activated from the DL and pitched 3 1/3 innings. ...
B-Mets pitching coach Ricky Bones said that the starter for the second
game of Wednesday's doubleheader has yet to be determined. ... Drew
Butera, who played 30 games with the B-Mets this season before being
traded to Minnesota at the July trading deadline, returned to NYSEG
Stadium as New Britain's catcher. Butera started the first game and was
1-for-3.

Hartford Courant
Staff Reports

Luke Hughes drove in three runs to lead the Rock Cats to a 6-2 victory and
a split of their doubleheader with the Mets in Binghamton, N.Y., Monday.

The Mets won the opener 6-5 on a bases-loaded walk to Miguel Negron in the
seventh.

New Britain (62-70) went ahead to stay in the second game on Hughes'
two-run double in the fourth.

Rock Cats starter Jesse Floyd (6-9) went five innings, allowing two runs
on six hits and striking out six. Tim Lahey pitched the final two innings
for his 13th save.

In the opener, New Britain's Jose Mijares entered the game in the sixth
with the Rock Cats leading 5-4 but blew the save.

David Winfree homered for the Rock Cats in the fourth, his 12th of the
season.

New Britain, which outhit Binghamton 12-6, took a 3-0 lead in the first
and never trailed until the decisive walk.

August 28, 2007

Norwich Bulletin
Staff Report

NEW BRITAIN -- Carlos Sosa's three-run homer in the seventh inning put the
Connecticut Defenders ahead for good in their 6-4 win over New Britain
Sunday.

Trailing 4-2 in the seventh, Julio Cordido led off with a double and moved
to third on Jake Wald's single. Cordido was caught in a rundown on Dayton
Buller's ground ball to third, but Sosa followed with his homer for a 5-4
lead. John Bowker added an insurance run with his 20th homer in the ninth.

Sosa and Simon Klink each had two hits in the win.

Brooks McNiven (7-5) allowed four runs, three earned, on 10 hits over
six-plus innings. Brian Anderson pitched the ninth for his league-leading
27th save.

By Ken Lipshez
New Britain Herald

NEW BRITAIN - Anthony Swarzak has been a rock since returning to New
Britain.

The Rock Cats have been able to count on the highly touted right-hander
for a solid start every fifth day.

Unfortunately, he can't come out of the bullpen, too.

Swarzak pitched six strong innings and left the New Britain Rock Cats with
a two-run lead Sunday but the bullpen gave it back as the last-place
Connecticut Defenders surged to a 6-4 win before a sellout crowd of 6,192
at New Britain Stadium.

The 20th sellout extends a franchise season standard. The previous high -
17 - was set last year.

Swarzak was dealt a 50-game suspension for violating the minor league drug
policy on April 19.

He stayed in shape at extended spring training and joined Class A Fort
Myers when his time was up.

He rejoined the Rock Cats on June 27 and has developed into one of the
league's top starters, posting a 5-2 record, a 2.38 ERA, allowing just 61
hits and 14 walks in 75 2/3 innings and striking out 66.

On Sunday, Swarzak allowed just four hits, walked none and fanned five.

The two runs he allowed were unearned. A positive mental approach is key
to his success.

"I'm trying to stay focused, taking every pitch like it will be the last
one I throw," he said. "You never know. You get to that fifth, sixth
inning you walk a guy and one pitch later you give up a home run. I'm
trying to make that not happen. It happened so many times earlier this
year. I'm just trying to make quality pitches."

When Swarzak left the game, the Rock Cats (61-69) held a 4-2 lead,
courtesy of a two-run homer off the bat of Luke Hughes (2-for-4) in the
sixth inning. With Frank Mata (0-4) on to pitch the seventh, the Defenders
hitters cut loose.

A double by Julio Cordido and bunt single by Jake Wald set the table for
leadoff hitter Carlos Sosa, who powered his eighth homer of the season
over the center field wall.

John Bowker added a solo homer off Angel Garcia in the ninth - his 20th of
the year - to give the Defenders (56-76) a two-run cushion.

The size of the cushion didn't matter. For the second straight day, the
Rock Cats showed no life in a comeback situation. After giving up late
leads in the two games, New Britain hitters went 2-for-17.

"You can't get frustrated because there will be times you'll give up six
runs in two innings and they'll battle back and give you the win," Swarzak
said. "It comes and goes. Guys are out there trying. They're playing for
their families back home. Nobody likes to lose. Nobody's playing flat.
Guys are just making quality pitches."

The Defenders took four out of the five games in the series to all but
bury the Rock Cats' postseason dreams.

"We talked about being professional and finishing the season by making
sure we were prepared, going out and playing hard and not leaving anything
on the field," Defenders manager Shane Turner said. "I told the guys in a
couple weeks you're gonna be home and you'll wish they were right back
here, so play like you want to be here. And they have."

Garrett Guzman had two hits to raise his average to .303 and his 75th RBI
of the year. Brandon Roberts went 3-for-5.

CATS TALES: The Rock Cats dropped from fifth to seventh in attendance
Saturday despite drawing over 6,000. Both New Hampshire (7,712) and
Altoona (7,318) passed the Rock Cats by. The per-game average of the trio
is within 13 fans per night. ... The 20th sellout extends a franchise
season standard. The previous high was 17 last year. The four-day series
with Connecticut drew 23,855 fans.

08/27/2007

By ZAC BOYER
Hartford Courant

NEW BRITAIN - Connecticut's John Bowker didn't expect anything different
against the Rock Cats this weekend, but both he and his team walked away
with their heads held high.

Bowker hit his 20th home run Sunday and helped the Defenders wrap up a 6-4
victory at New Britain Stadium. The Defenders won four of five in the
series.

"I never really try to go out there and hit a home run, but it's a good
hitters' park and we've put a lot of good swings on balls," Bowker said.
"No matter what, we're always playing each game as a new game and new
challenge, and we're always going out there and competing every day."

Bowker had three homers and two doubles in the series as the last-place
Defenders left the fourth-place Rock Cats 51/2 games out of second place
and a playoff berth in the Eastern League North. The Rock Cats have 11
games left over eight days.

Trenton clinched the division on Sunday.

Bowker's home run, a solo shot to right in the ninth, was insurance for
the Defenders after they took a 5-4 lead on a three-run homer by Carlos
Sosa off Frank Mata in the seventh. The Defenders hit 10 homers in the
series.

"We allowed way too many long balls in this series without making
adjustments, and that can't happen," said Rock Cats manager Riccardo
Ingram. "You've got to change something in your pitch plan."

Rock Cats starter Anthony Swarzak went six innings, allowing four hits and
two unearned runs.

But Swarzak got his pitch count up above 100 and Mata allowed a double and
single and got a fielder's choice out at the plate in the seventh before
Bowker's homer.

Defenders righthander Brooks McNiven (7-5) worked through jams in the
first and second innings and lasted into the seventh. He allowed four
runs, three earned, and 10 hits, but didn't walk a batter. Kelvin Pichardo
pitched two shutout innings and Brian Anderson worked the ninth for his
27th save.

The Rock Cats broke a 2-2 tie in the sixth when Luke Hughes hit a two-run
homer off McNiven.

It was Hughes' ninth homer, but overall it was not a fun series.

"We have a good-hitting lineup and a good-pitching lineup as well, so to
go out there and lose four out of five is definitely upsetting," he said.

August 27, 2007

Pitcher Rebounds From Suspension

By TOM PULEO
Hartford Courant

NEW BRITAIN - Anthony Swarzak glowered like a storm cloud when the
visiting manager left the dugout to argue a call in the Rock Cats' home
opener in April

"You know it hit the bat [handle]," Swarzak hollered at the plate umpire
in a brash display for a kid making his first Double A start, but no
rookie slip.

Swarzak, 6 feet 3, has always taken as much shelter as joy in the game of
baseball. The diamond diverted him from Fort Lauderdale's side streets,
distracted him when his father went to prison and guided him around high
school's sharp corners.

"Anthony's on a mission," said Gary Lucas, the Rock Cats' pitching coach,
who met Swarzak in 2005 in low-Class A Beloit (Wis.). "He's got an inner
fire that manifests itself on the day he pitches. It's a personality trait
that may have been built in."

The pitcher's mound shifted under Swarzak on April 20 when the Twins
suspended him for 50 games for testing positive a second time for
marijuana, considered a drug of abuse in the minor leagues.

At age 21, he tumbled overnight from a top prospect into fodder for an
ongoing national story, lumped together with steroid-taking pitchers in a
FoxSports.com story, "Dirty Dealers."

"I screwed up and I'm dealing with it now every day," Swarzak said
recently. "Somebody always has something to say about it. It gets
frustrating. But you have to take the punches and show people you still
want to be a prospect, that you still have your head screwed on tight."

Swarzak spoke publicly for the first time about his two positive drug
tests, which he said occurred in spring training in 2006 and 2007. He said
he smoked pot recreationally with friends at offseason winter parties in
Florida and didn't consider getting caught.

"I did it just before I came to spring training, a few weeks before," he
said. "I think it stayed in my system a little longer than most other
people. It wasn't a problem. It wasn't an addiction thing or anything like
that. It was just a recreational kind of thing."

Since returning June 27 from Class A Fort Myers, Swarzak has pitched his
best ball of the year. He had 11 strikeouts in seven innings in a loss to
the Connecticut Defenders July 25 and pitched 81/3 shutout innings as New
Britain beat the New Hampshire Fisher Cats 2-0 Tuesday. He is 5-4 with a
3.23 ERA.

"I feel like I'm more dedicated," Swarzak said. "It's time to grow up and
start making adult decisions and just try to move on."

Swarzak's father, Roy, a home improvement contractor in Fort Lauderdale,
said his son's mistakes shrink in proportion to his response.

"It humbled him," Roy Swarzak said. "I think that's a really important
quality to have in an age when the money is so huge and life is bigger
than you expect."

Growing Up Fast

On media day in April, Swarzak welcomed his role as the Rock Cats' new
stopper, a power righthander rated by Baseball America as the Twins' No. 5
prospect. But beneath the surface he was feeling the same insecurity as
any other young professional moving up.

"I didn't know if I could compete in Double A," Swarzak recalled. "A lot
of it was just confidence."

On April 13 in the home opener, Swarzak struck out the side in the first
inning, displaying good command of his 92 mph fastball. In the second he
jammed a New Hampshire hitter with a ball that plunked at least the bat
handle.

The umpire at first signaled foul ball, then reversed his call to hit
batter after Fisher Cats manager Bill Masse came out to argue.

"I heard the ball hit the knob," Swarzak recalled. "Now the manager wants
to come out and change his mind and I got a man on first to deal with. ...
I was just saying, `Don't let him influence you.'"

The reaction was not out of character for Swarzak. At New Britain Stadium,
Swarzak's locker displays no baseball cards, girlfriend pictures or other
scrapbook items popular with minor leaguers.

"Anthony loves baseball, but he treats it as a job," Roy Swarzak said.
"Anthony is not an angry person. He doesn't walk around getting into
confrontations. But a pitcher has to have that edge on the field."

Swarzak was 6 when his parents divorced, 10 when his father went to prison
for about two years for a crime that Roy Swarzak called "financially
related." Anthony lived with his mother, Leslie, a waitress who raised him
and the couple's four daughters.

"I always kept my distance; I was always at the ballpark," Anthony said of
his childhood. "We definitely had to grow up a little faster. But I made
it through. My sisters made it through. Everyone is fine."

Swarzak said he remains close with both parents and considers them
positive influences.

"When my dad came back it was like he never left," he said. "He always
stayed in my life. He's a pretty tough guy. He really doesn't take much
from anybody and maybe that rubbed off on me. My mom, she's a great woman,
always worked hard. I think I get that from her - do whatever it takes to
keep my head above water."

Swarzak enrolled briefly at Northeast High in Fort Lauderdale, then
transferred to Nova High, a magnet school in Davie, Fla., with a top-50
national baseball program.

"The high school I was supposed to go to was real rough," he said. "I was
failing two of my five classes. I probably wouldn't be where I am today if
I stayed there."

As a senior, Swarzak led Nova to the first state title by a Broward County
public high school in 57 years. The Twins selected him in the second round
(61st overall) in the 2004 draft. He turned down a scholarship to LSU to
sign for $575,000.

Time Of Reflection

Swarzak lasted only three innings in the Rock Cats' home opener. He
started the season 0-2 with an 11.12 ERA in 52/3 innings. A week later he
was done, suspended for 50 games, standing at his locker apologizing to
his family, teammates, coaches and the Twins.

A few days later, Lucas took his suspended pitcher to lunch and tried to
explain the stakes.

"Anthony maybe had to discover that the window is very, very small," Lucas
said. "It's tough enough to get through when you're on track. You can't
get through with a monkey on your back. I tried to get him to take a look
at his character and stop and think. The jobs are precious. You only get
so many opportunities."

During his suspension, Swarzak returned to the Twins' extended spring
training facility in Fort Myers, Fla., to run miles under the hot sun and
rethink his commitment to baseball.

"I didn't really focus on pitching at first," he said. "I wanted to get in
the best shape I could possibly be in. I was just focusing on becoming a
professional player, about every aspect."

Swarzak returned with the Fort Myers Miracle on June 13 and made three
starts, with a 2.30 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 15 2/3 innings. That won him
a promotion to New Britain, which was no guarantee.

Swarzak said he has changed.

"I know I can't do it," he said of smoking marijuana. "I have the
opportunity to be a role model to a bunch of little kids across the county
and be a professional athlete, and I need to act like it."

August 26, 2007