Friday, May 28, 2010

ONE MAJOR LEAGUE ORGANIZATION IS MAKING THE ATLANTIC LEAGUE ITS OWN FARM SYSTEM

The Friday version of the Atlantic League Notebook, already in the hands of subscribers, included stories dealing with these topics:

What major league team has purchased the contracts of five Atlantic League players in recent days? Those who have played already are doing very well, thank you.

Does is feel like the pace of player sales has escalated? We have the answer.

This brother of a major league pitcher had never started a professional game until Thursday. Do you know how he fared for a division contender?

It is Atlantic League alumni time. Who is doing well on the mound or at the plate?

Subscriptions are only $5.95 for a month or $29.95 for the season. Complete details and signup information are available at www.AtlanticLeagueBaseball.com.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

MORE INSIGHT ON JOSE LIMA FROM ONE WHO KNEW HIM WELL

Highlights of today's Atlantic League Notebook, which has been sent to subscribers, include these stories:

Atlantic League Executive Director Joe Klein's memories of Jose Lima. Hint: He signed Lima to his first contract.

League Founder Frank Boulton weighs in on possible expansion to Texas and other sites.

York is off to its best start. So what is Manager Andy Etchebarren thinking now?

The latest keys players lost to major league organizations.

It is easy to subscribe to the Notebook. Visit www.AtlanticLeagueBaseball.com to learn more. The twice-a-week publication costs $5.95 for one month or $29.95 for the season.

Monday, May 24, 2010

ATLANTIC LEAGUE PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN JOSE LIMA'S LIFE

The tributes have been pouring in regarding the tragic loss of life by Jose Lima, who was only 37.

I was on my way to the Ballpark at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport Sunday when I heard the news on the radio. It seemed like everyone I encountered at the York-Bridgeport Atlantic League game had already heard about it. Each person echoed the same thing. These recollections centered on what a fun-loving guy Lima was, and how people remembered his days in the league when he pitched in New Jersey for Newark in 2003 and Camden in 2008.

"I caught his first game in winter ball, managed him in winter ball and managed him in Kansas City," current New York Yankees bench coach Tony Pena told The New York Post. "Today is a very hard and long day."

Lima had his best two seasons in 1998-99 with Houston, putting up 16-8 and 21-10 campaigns. But he struggled thereafter, bottoming out with a 4-6, 7.77 year with Detroit in 2002.

Needing a re-start his career, Lima went to Newark in '03 where, as I reported in my Independent Baseball Insider column at the time, pitching coach Pete Filson pointed out a flaw in his delivery which was causing the right-hander to lose velocity. Lima won six of seven decisions in eight starts (2.33 ERA) for the Bears before Kansas City bought his contract.

He bolted to a 7-0 start with the American League Central-leading Royals, and the same Tony Pena, his manager, told USA Today's Baseball Weekly: "We're having fun here, and now Lima is part of the fun. Really, his personality is perfect for this club." Lima finished the year 8-3, and he went 13-5 for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2004, then hurled a complete-game, five-hit shutout over St. Louis in the National League Division Series.

By 2008, he was back in the Atlantic League, going 5-5 at Camden. It was more Independent baseball last season, a combined 6-7 between the Long Beach (CA) Armada and the Edmonton (Alberta) Outlaws in the Golden League.

Who could have projected his career and especially his life would end so soon.

"He was a man full of life, without apparent physical problems and with many plans and projects on the agenda," Lima's wife, Dorca, told ESPNdeportes.com.

(Bob Wirz writes about Independent Baseball on various sites, including www.AtlanticLeagueBaseball.com. Fans may subscribe to his Independent Baseball Insider column or his Atlantic League Notebook at www.WirzandAssociates.com or comment to RWirz@aol.com. He has 16 years of major league baseball experience with Kansas City and as spokesman for two Commissioners, and lives in Stratford, CT.)

Friday, May 21, 2010

ATLANTIC LEAGUE MAKING PLANS FOR A WESTERN DIVISION; WE HAVE THE DETAILS IN THE NOTEBOOK

Here are highlights of the Friday Atlantic League Notebook which has been sent in its entirety to subscribers:

Elaborate planning for new Western Division of the league.

With Posada hurt, Yankees looking for catching help.

Valentino Pascucci slams three home runs. A full update of players sold recently to major league organizations.

Former Newark reliever calls it a career.

Subscriptions are $5.95 monthly or $29.95 for the season with full details available at www.AtlanticLeagueBaseball.com.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

ONE PLAYER COMES OUT OF RETIREMENT, ANOTHER GOES IN THAT DIRECTION

Tuesday's Atlantic League Notebook included these stories:

Former Atlantic Leaguer returns from "retirement", now one step from majors.

Two pitchers, both with major league experience, accept player-coach roles in other Independent leagues.

Why this retirement did not surprise.

Who was promoted, demoted or released?

Following Atlantic Leaguers, statistically, with affiliated leagues.

The Atlantic League Notebook is published every Tuesday and Friday through September for subscribers. The price for the entire season is $29.95 (monthly $5.95). You can find out more by visiting www.AtlanticLeagueBaseball.com or www.WirzandAssociates.com.

Friday, May 14, 2010

PARITY SO FAR, BUT INJURIES AND PLAYER SALES ARE TAKING A TOLL

Friday's Atlantic League Notebook, which was emailed to subscribers as it is twice each week, was highlighted by the following:

A rundown on some recent players lost to major league organizations, foreign leagues or injuries. Three players were sold 24 hours earlier.

One example of a Class A player making it in the Atlantic League.

Does offense or defense come back more quickly after a long layoff?

How Tim Raines, Sr. will have his pitchers work to Tim, Jr.

Subscriptions are $5.95 for a month or $29.95 for the season, and are available via www.AtlanticLeagueBaseball.com or www.WirzandAssociates.com.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

IT WAS NOT EASY FOR MICHAEL RYAN PRIOR TO HIS MAJOR LEAGUE PROMOTION

Today's Atlantic League Notebook included the following stories:

The up and down emotions of Michael Ryan before his promotion to the major leagues.

Who is Somerset pushing for the honor of having the most players climb from an Independent league and attain major league status?

Can the Atlantic League help this former New York Mets player once more?

Newark making major changes to improve its pitching.

The Notebook is provided every Tuesday and Friday to subscribers at the rate of $5.95 for a month or $29.95 for the season. Find details and signup instructions in the story to the right.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

MICHAEL RYAN BACK IN MAJORS, DELIVERS PINCH SINGLE

Michael Ryan is finally getting some payback for continuing to battle in the minor leagues and the strong spring training showing he had with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

The Angels gave Ryan his first major league opportunity since 2005 when they made room on their 40-man roster and the active 25-man roster Friday. He has paid one dividend already with a pinch single in the ninth inning Saturday in an eventual 4-3, extra-inning win in Seattle. He was 0-for-1 and played briefly in the outfield in his debut Friday.

The 32-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder spent much of 2008 with Somerset in the Atlantic League, hitting .282 with 20 doubles, 15 home runs and driving in 44 in 65 games before his contract was sold to the Florida Marlins.

"For this organization and (Mike Scioscia) to give me a chance, I'm just so relieved," Ryan told MLB.com. "I'm not going to do anything to screw that up, and whatever they ask me to do, I'm going to give 100 per cent to do it." Ryan's previous major league experience came in 127 games for Minnesota spread over four seasons (2002-05).

Friday, May 7, 2010

SOMERSET AND SOUTHERN MARYLAND BATTLES FEATURED IN ATLANTIC LEAGUE NOTEBOOK

Friday's edition of the Atlantic League Notebook featured, among other items, the following:

The winning streaks of both Somerset and Southern Maryland heading into two weekends of head-to-head play.

A similarity between the injuries keeping Joe Mauer and Long Island's Ray Navarrete on the sidelines.

The big bat of York's new third baseman.

Being alert when a certain Camden southpaw is on the mound.

The Notebook is produced every Tuesday and Friday for subscribers, who pay $5.95 a month or $29.95 for the season. Check out the details at www.AtlanticLeagueBaseball.com or www.WirzandAssociates.com.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

TODAY'S SUBSCRIPTION ATLANTIC LEAGUE NOTEBOOK FEATURES TEAMMATES THEN AND NOW PLUS THREE WALK-OFF HOMERS

Below you will find highlights from today's Atlantic League Notebook:

Can you believe a trio of American League teammates from 1988 have sons who are on the same team in the Atlantic League today? Sometimes, they even hit 4-5-6.

Camden and Southern Maryland get walk-off homers, and a former Atlantic Leaguer tops it all with a pinch grand slam to end a game.

Three games remain in Sparky Lyle's 10-game suspension.

Standing room only crowds help smash single-day attendance record.

Subscribers receive the Atlantic League Notebook via email every Tuesday and Friday. Signups are available for $5.95 a month or $29.95 for the season here or at www.WirzandAssociates.com.