Clearwater (22-24) handed a victory to Daytona, 8-7 in ten innings. 

Andrew Brown (6.89) pitched five innings and gave up 3 runs on 7 hits and a walk.  He struck out four.  Grant Dyer (0.81) pitched two scoreless innings.  Then, Zach Warren (5.50) and Luis Cedeno (3.86) took over.  Warren walked the first batter on 5 pitches.  He walked the next batter on 6 pitches after starting off 0-2 and throwing 2 wild pitches during the at bat.  He got two strike outs but wild pitched the runner on first into scoring position.  Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/22/2019 →

Clearwater (22-23) beat Daytona, 2-1. 

The Threshers are three games into an eleven-game road trip.  This week, the AAC tournament is being held at Spectrum Field.  The Threshers go to South Florida after they wrap up their four-game Daytona series Wednesday.  They return home on May 31st. Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/21/2019 →

Clearwater (21-23) lost to Charlotte, 9-3. 

Game One: Colton Eastman (1-2, 3.05) pitched six innings.  He gave up four runs on seven hits and a walk.  He struck out eight.  He was the victim of two home run balls that accounted for three of the Tortugas’ runs. Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/20/2019 →

Clearwater (20-22) lost to Charlotte, 9-3. 

All nine runs given up by Threshers’ pitchers came on 5 HR.  Damon Jones (1-3, 1.80) was victimized by 3 of them.  He went 4.2 innings, gave up 5 runs on 7 hits, walked two, and struck out seven.  Luis Cedeno (3.18) gave a solo shot in 2.1 innings.  He walked one and struck out two.  And, Zach Warren (4.15) gave up a 3-run shot in the ninth.  His line was 2.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K. Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/19/2019 →

Clearwater (20-21) beat Charlotte, 7-4. 

Ethan Evanko (1-0, 2.38) came up big for the Threshers last night.  In what was probably a bull pen game, Evanko threw five innings for the home team.  He needed just 54 pitches (36 strikes, (66.7%).  He allowed one hit, no runs, walked two, and struck out three. Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/18/2019 →

Recently, there was a discussion regarding fastball velocity in the Comments Section.  I have long avoided posturing on one side or the other.  I have often been concerned for the young men I meet at the Complex who either don’t have or don’t develop fastball velocity above 90 mph.  I’ve listened to both sides.  How low velocity is a tough thing to overcome.  And how pitchers like Maddox, Glavine, Moyer, and a few others past and present were/are able to get by with low-velo fastballs.

Well, tonight I saw an example of why velocity is very important.  Our pitcher threw strikes. A lot of strikes.  And he got pounded.  He’s reputed to have decent command, but a sub 90s fastball. Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/17/2019 →

All four Affiliates won last night.  Second time that has happened this season.  Before I go into the recaps, though, let me mention one thing I forgot in yesterday’s “ramble”.  It’s probably a big reason for some of the perceived hitting problems.  I didn’t think it should be, so I’ve overlooked it.  But, after further thought, let me offer it up for you to consider. Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/16/2019 →

Judging by the tone of comments lately, I think it bears repeating that the minor leagues are about development, not game outcomes.  More so at Reading than at Lehigh Valley which is essentially spare parts for the big league club.  As you move down each level, you can expect there to be more concern with development. Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/15/2019 →