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 →

Clearwater (18-19) remained “hot” and beat Lakeland, 6-3, for their sixth straight win.  The Threshers took over sole possession of third place and picked up another half game on rained out Dunedin whom they now trail by 2.5 games. Dunedin hasn’t played a game since being swept last Thursday thru Saturday by the Threshers.

Colton Eastman (1-1, 1.84) battled for three innings.  When the Threshers gave him a lead, he completely shut down the Tigers. Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/14/2019 →

Clearwater (17-19) beat Lakeland, 7-4.  And, it wasn’t even that close.  The Threshers moved into a tie for third place, 3.0 games behind rained out Dunedin.

Damon Jones (1-2, 0.76) who has allowed 3 ER (6 total runs) in 35.1 innings this season, finally got his first Clearwater victory.  He held the Tigers to 4 singles (one an infield hit), an unearned run, one walk, and struck out a career-tying 9 batters.  He threw 86 pitches, 56 strikes (65.1%).  His fastball was virtually unhittable as the Tigers were late on most swings. His curve ball froze batters when they weren’t flailing weakly at it. Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/13/2019 →

No games played on Sunday, one scheduled off day and 3 postponements.

So, here’s some individual stats from each team. Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/12/2019 →

Clearwater (16-19) beat Dunedin, 9-3.

The Threshers swept Dunedin, tightened the North Division, and moved to within 3.5 games of first place.  The Threshers exploded for 9 runs and 19 hits on the road at Jack Russell Stadium.  To give you an idea of the potency displayed last night, the Threshers out-scored and out-hit ALL of their brother affiliates (5 runs, 17 hits) who all played in front of their home crowds, and lost. Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/11/2019 →

Clearwater (15-19) beat Dunedin, 8-4.

The Threshers won another important game.  I hesitate to say, “must win” in May, but they really couldn’t afford to lose anymore ground to the first place Blue Jays.  Last night’s win came in a critical series for the Threshers.  Dunedin is in first place and still has the only winning record in the division.  Last night’s win pulls the Threshers within 4.5 games of first place.  They will go for a sweep Saturday.  TBD is scheduled to start.  With Howard and Young on the IL, maybe they let Damon Jones go on short rest.  Maybe they activate a Jose Taveras type from XST.  Or, maybe they go with a bull pen game since they have a day off on Sunday (Mothers’ Day). Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/10/2019 →

Clearwater (13-19) beat Dunedin, 5-2.

This is an important series for the Threshers.  Dunedin is in first place with the only winning record in the division. Last night’s win pulls the Threshers within 5.5 games of first place.  Continued success this week end will tighten the first half race.

Andrew Brown (2-3, 7.43) rebounded with an extremely solid performance.  Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/9/2019 →

Phillies’ Chairman David Montgomery passed away this morning.  The 72-year-old Montgomery lost a five-year battle with cancer.  He began his career with the Phillies in 1971 and worked his way up into the executive offices.  He was instrumental in the construction of Citizens Bank Park and led the organization during the 2007-11 stretch that culminated with their 2008 World Series Championship.  (Phillies release here) Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/8/2019 →