06.17.2010: Charlie Henderson and the 'Stache Man

Saturday's starter, Charlie Henderson, is the first Lunker to step "Inside the Dugout," a feature this blog will continue to include as we let you go behind the scenes into the lives of the Lunker players.

Inside the Dugout: Charlie Henderson

Also, check out the mustache of tonight's start Matt Florer. Six days in and this is what he's working with...He plans to let if flow all summer long.








Joining Matt is Adam Kogling. Together, they are...THE 'STACHE BROTHERS





Another entry tonight on the way back from Alex!

06.16.2010: Let's Start a Streak!

Media Update: Tomorrow we will have our first player profile with Charlie Henderson!

Yesterday's off day was great. Got some office work done and afterwards took a nap for the first time in forever. I love the long days, don't get me wrong, but the midday rest was great. Got back to the office today ready to go.

Last night featured some putt-putt, pizza, and playoff basketball...the three essential p's to life...right?

Tonight, the Lunkers are going for a third straight overall, and a fourth straight against the Alexandria Beetles who they swept to begin the season. Two straight walk-off wins were certainly exciting for the fans and the team, and hopefully the off-day didn't take away from the momentum.

Nick Anderson is on the mound tonight, pitching, once again, in front of his hometown fans. It must be really cool for Nick, from Brainerd, to play for Brainerd and represent his town. He is a proud alumnus of the Brainerd Warrior baseball program, which is soon to begin its quest for a state championship.

Watched South Africa play its second World Cup game against Uruguay in the clubhouse with assistant coaches Dan Lipari and Jeremy Etchemendy. Come on Bafana Bafana!!!

Juan Padilla is scheduled to join the team today...that leaves only Mick Gaston as the only full-year member not yet here. He has a wedding to attend before he makes his way to Brainerd.


Hot Sports Opinion of the Day: We continue our "Young Core" debate, analyzing the AL East today.

Just a refresher on criteria: I am only analyzing players 27 and younger on each team's 40-man roster based predominantly on their MLB production and what it might project to...

Winners
AL East: Tampa Bay
AL Central: Detroit
AL West: Texas

NL East: ?
NL Central:
NL West:


Atlanta Braves: There are almost no guarantees in the game of baseball, especially when it comes to individual players. Barring injuries, though, Jason Heyward is about as close as they come. Heyward has shown he can cut it at the plate. He has a plus arm and can run a bit. A lot of times you hear people defend young players who struggle by saying they need experience or that it takes time, but if you look hard, the truly great players--and I mean the absolute elite--are successful from the start and don't need that year to adapt. Heyward is one of those guys. The separating factor? He is only 20! Heyward or Strasburg? I can't guarantee I'd take Strasburg over an everyday player as talented as Heyward.

Then there is Tommy Hanson (23), one of the games brightest young pitchers. He, like Heyward, has produced from the start of his career. He strikes out more than a batter an inning and does not have control issues. Is there a team with a better batter-pitcher combo under the age of 25...or, in their case, 23?

At 23, Jordan Schafer has had that "adjustment period." Despite homering in his first ever game, Schafer was sent down in 2009 when he was struggling to hit over .200. In 2010, Schafer is hitting only .235 in the minors, which is definitely a disturbing red flag. What's more? He is without a homer.

Those were the trio of hyped young studs...Two-for-three, so far, isn't bad.

As far as established players, 27 year old and Yunel Escobar highlight this group. Although, its tough to predict the longevity of a catcher as far as offensive production goes, and Yunel Escobar is struggling at the plate, still without a home run in 2010.

Outside of these five, there isn't anything to write home about. Jair Jurrjens is pretty darn good, but has had health issues. Melky Cabrera is solid, but not a star, and Jo-Jo Reyes has never really developed.

In terms of quantity, the Braves are not near the top, but their top-tier quality is incredibly impressive.

Youth Leader: Heyward, no doubt.

New York Mets: The lack of direction this franchise has had of late in showing. David Wright and Jose Reyes, both 27, fit in the discussion, but I don't know if that they are even as promising as they each were once regarded, Reyes, in particular, with his health issues and lack of plate discipline. People certainly envisioned him becoming a .300 hitter one day, and he has not delivered. Wright is still an elite player, as he gives you the total package, but is he one of baseball's very best? Is he a top five player in the game? I don't think so. Top 10? Maybe. Top 15? Certainly. Either way, he isn't good enough to make up for the lack of substance outside of he and Reyes.

Ike Davis is proving he is likely the first baseman of the future and while he does provide some hope on the youth end, he doesn't have much help. While Mike Pelfrey is finally starting to fill his potential, the only other pitching product worth noting is Jonathon Niese. Fernando Martinez is young (21), but struggled his first go-around. Is he another toolsy player with potential that doesn't develop for the Mets (read: Lastings Milledge)? Too early to tell, but certainly not worth discounting. Chris Carter is now 27, and no longer a true prospect. Jeff Francoeur, 26, has tons of potential, its just a matter of finding whatever he needs to find in order to duplicate his promising 2006 and 2007 seasons in Atlanta.

The problem with the Mets is that they have questions, but not a lot of depth as protection. The true pieces are Wright, Reyes, Davis, and Pelfrey. Only Davis is younger than 26 of those pieces. Their farm not a part of the 40-man isn't that strong, either.

Youth Leader: David Wright, although Ike Davis is pretty impressive early on.

Philadelphia Phillies: They are an interesting case. They have good talent in their farm when you look at players four or five years away. Their 40-man, though, is pretty weak. Cole Hamels, 26, is a pretty darn good lefty. Kyle Kendrick, 25, has demonstrated that he is a decent rotation guy, but has not developed into a two or a really good three. J.A. Happ had a great 2009 but he is already 27, and older than Hamels. Other than that? Junior Mayberry? He's been a disappointment. And when I say beyond those four there is no one, I mean it. Antonio Bastardo is good but, once again, he is a reliever that is certainly replaceable and not a piece that makes anyone go crazy.

Give them some credit, though...they were in the World Series last year.

Youth Leader: Hamels? I guess?

Florida Marlins: The youth is there, the question is whether they can keep them. The new stadium should certainly help them move away from being a team that has to go for it once every five years and even in years they don't "go for it" they are always competitive. The strategy has seemed to work: two World Series titles in the last 15 years and they have not lost a playoff series yet.

Their crop begins with Hanley Ramirez who, at 26, is one of the best players in the game And then it continues with 26 year old Josh Johnson, one of the best pitchers in the game.

Mike Stanton, 20, just made his debut so the jury is out on him, but he comes with tons and tons of potential. At 23, Chris Volstad is a guy I think will continue to imrpove. It starts with his improved consistency this season. He has failed to go at least five in only two starts this season and has gone at least six in nine of 13 starts.

The jury is still out on Cameron Maybin and Andrew Miller. Maybin has all the tools, but still has too many poor at-bats and strikes out way too much for someone with his speed. Andrew Miller, a hard-throwing lefty, came with high hopes but has spent 2010 in the minors with an ERA near 7.00. He has time to turn it around, but it needs to happen quickly.

Their depth separates them from other teams. In addition to those we have just mentioned, they still have 27 year old Ricky Nolasco, who, if he could ever find some consistency, could be a star. Then, there is Gaby Sanchez, who is showing he can cut it at the plate. Anibal Sanchez, also 26, continues to get better and, presently, is a pretty darn good number two.

Youth Leader: Can't go against Hanley, but Josh Johnson does make it tough.

Washington Nationals: Bryce Harper will get consideration, but not a ton. One thing to consider about Harper is that he is so young and has yet to experience failure. One things scouts love to see is how a player responds to failure. Often times, players with huge expectations like Harper have greater trouble responding to failure than others...he has not been challenged yet, so how he does in the minor league ranks will be very telling. Do I think he will be a star? Yes, but that is something to consider.

Stephen Strasburg and Ryan Zimmerman might be the only batter-pitcher duo 25 and under to challenge Heyward and Hanson. What do you think? Zimmerman is a 1.000+ OPS guy and is a very good fielder. Strasburg, so far, has excelled. You probably know about those two, though, but they are not alone. Drew Storen, 22, is their closer of the future with dynamic stuff. Ian Desmond, 22, is likely their shortstop of the future and is certainly holding his own and then some in his rookie campaign.

Other than that, though, on their forty-man their is not a much else. They do, however, highlighted by Harper, have a very strong farm.

Youth Leader: Strasburg

And the winner is...the Atlanta Braves. Shocking that I didn't pick the Nationals? Yes. Why? I think Heyward is the best overall prospect in baseball, better than Strasburg. And, while Strasburg, according to scouts, has great mechanics, scouts think Hanson has some of the best mechanics in baseball, such that injury concerns should not be an issue.

2. Washington Nationals: They win almost in any other division.
3. Florida Marlins: Check their track record
4. New York Mets: They got some hope...sort of
5. Philadelphia Phillies: They are winning now...

06.15.2010: Late-Inning Magic

Two walk-off wins in a row and the team is back to within a game of .500. They added two more likely regulars yesterday, Chadd Krist and Stephen Wickens, and wouldn't you know it: Krist hit the game-tying RBI single in the 8th and Wickens, who picked up three hits, scored the winning run in the ninth. Tommy Reyes, another likely everyday player, arrived yesterday and will be eligible tomorrow against Alexandria. I can't wait to see tomorrow's lineup--it will be very exciting to see the team (almost in full force) play everyday.

It's an off-day for a players but there is work to be done for the front office. I have continued doing prep work for upcoming opponents and had to work on the Lunker Report this morning. I hope to get the opportunity to listen to a bunch of audio later today, allowing myself the ability to critique my work over the last few days. At least I got to sleep in today--I got out of bed at 8:25...hey, it's the latest all summer.

It is raining once again. Is this a typical summer in Brainerd? 5 minutes of sun sandwiched in between hours upon hours of grey clouds and rain? I hope not!

Hot Sports Opinion of the Day: We continue our "Young Core" debate, analyzing the AL East today.

Just a refresher on criteria: I am only analyzing players 27 and younger on each team's 40-man roster based predominantly on their MLB production and what it might project to...

Winners
AL East: Tampa Bay
AL Central: Detroit
AL West: ?

NL East:
NL Central:
NL West:

Texas Rangers: Yes, this is my favorite team, but it doesn't change the fact that they have regarded as having one of the strongest youth movements in baseball over the last three years. They have quantity and quality--and, for the record, their 40-man only tells the half of it.

Ian Kinsler, a 30-30 player last year, just barely makes the cut at 27. Is he a susperstar? No. Is he an All-Star? Yes, although not this year due to his ankle injury. Scott Feldman is not having nearly the same year in 2010 as he did in 2009, so its tough to say whether he is a legit 17-game winner, but his presence is, at the very least, considerable.

They definitely have their share of questions. Will Chris Davis ever be an effective MLB player or will he always be dominant at AAA, only to be exposed at the next level? How long until Justin Smoak emerges? He is a rookie, so struggles in the batting average department are expected. But he is a switch-hitting first baseman with power from both sides of the plate.

Michael Kirkman and Pedro Strop come with tons of potential, though we will have to see where it takes them.

Tommy Hunter has been brilliant in 2010 and looks like he will be around for a long time--maybe not as an ace, but as a strong two or a very good number three.

What's going to come of Jarrod Saltalamacchia? He is no longer looking like the prime pickup in the Teixeira trade. At the time, scouts predicted he'd be a 30/100. And as a switch hitting catcher, that's impressive. But, so far, he has done nothing that even suggests that it is possible, and he also has had some serious health issues.

The real core? The trio of Elvis Andrus, Neftali Feliz, and Derek Holland. Though hurt, Holland (23) has looked much better in his second year in the bigs and it appears as if he is headed in the right direction. Whether a starter or a reliever, Neftali Felix will make a huge impact in the big leagues and he is demonstrating that in 2010. His stuff is barely hittable, highlighted by his 101 mph heat. And then there is Elvis, arguably the best defensive shortstop in the majors, and a .300/50 stolen base candidate...he is only 21!

Oh, and we forgot about the speed-demon in centerfield, Julio Borbon, who, at 24, is starting to come around at the plate after a slow start.

Here is the thing with Texas...yes, there are a lot of questions, but they have so many options that a couple of guys that don't live up to their promise won't kill them. This is a team of the future.

Youth Leader: Neftali? Derek? Elvis? I don't know...take your pick. For now, I am taking Holland with the idea he becomes an ace.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: They got two prime arms that just barely make the cut in this discussion. Ervin Santana and Jered Weaver are both 27. Santana has bounced back and he and Weaver both have great numbers. Neither are superstars, but they can each be lower-end aces, or very good number twos. Weaver keep getting better, too. Scott Kazmir is still only 26 (hasn't he been around forever) but his career has seemed to stall out...Tampa knew what they were doing but getting rid of him. Though, you have to consider his potential.

They also got some bats that barely make the cut, too. Between Kendry Morales and Howie Kendrick, you have two very good big league hitters. Erick Aybar is very good in the field and is a solid, bottom of the order guy.

But other than these guys who already have plenty of big league mileage, there is really nothing. How do you value Brandon Wood? He has been giving plenty of opportunities to show he belongs at this level and has failed every time. Kevin Jepsen is good, but good middle relievers are a dime a dozen.

They have good talent in the older group that fits within the criteria, but they have no longevity with little to none younger presence.

Youth Leader: I am a big fan of Howie Kendrick, but he hasn't become a star like I once thought, so I'll take Jered Weaver. He has a great name, in spite of his improper spelling.

Oakland Athletics: Does it really matter with them? I mean, it is not like they are going to ever be able to keep these guys when they finally become free agents? Regardless, they have plenty of talented arms and they are almost all at the younger tier, age-wise. Brett Anderson, Trevor Cahill, Vin Mazzaro, Gio Gonzalez, and Tyson Ross. Then there is Dallas Braden, at 26, who is pretty darn good as well. Between these pitchers, you have yourself a pretty damn good starting rotation and potential closer or setup man in Ross, with Andrew Bailey still in the mix.

They do not nearly have the depth on the offensive side of things, as Kurt Suzuki, a very good catcher, but only a pretty good offensive player, is their best option.

The fact is, though, that they will realistically only be able to keep one or two of these guys long term, as they continue to try "Win Now" with "Win Later" guys.

Youth Leader: Give me Brett Anderson...Although you could give me Trevor Cahill in his place and I wouldn't be upset.

Seattle Mariners: Are they MLB's version of the Washington Redskins? They spend big bucks every off-season are supposed to be great on paper, only to suck when the games begin. Their youth movement is not bad, but not great. Casey Kotchman is a pretty good player and so is Franklin Gutierrez, but neither are great. Same goes for Jose Lopez. Guys you wouldn't mind having, but guys who aren't going to take you all the way.

Their hope? Michael Saunders, the promising 23 year-old OF.

Oh, ya...and some guy named Felix...

Youth Leader: Felix Hernandez. No explanation necessary.

And the winner is...the Texas Rangers. The Angels give them a run but they have no true young guys. All of their talent lies in the older tier of this criteria. The Rangers have talent in all areas, at all positions. Yes, they have question marks, but with tons and tons of possibilites, a few have to hit, right?

2. Oakland Athletics: They won't be able to sign their guys but for a year or two they are stacked...
3. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Too top-heavy.
4. Seattle Mariners: They jump the Angels if Saunders pans out.

06.14.2010: Walk-Off!

First off, the video footage I promised is coming. We have had some technical problems...

Anyway...

What a win for the Lunkers! It was great watching the team celebrate a walk-off victory in what was the best game of baseball this season. Scoreless heading into the bottom of the tenth, Vince Bruno, the newest Lunker, who was 0-for-4 throughout the day, came through big with a walk-off single! Kyle Teague continued to mow down Northwoods League hitters, allowing three hits through seven scoreless innings, striking out nine. Check out some of the highlights...



The roster continues to fill out today as Steve Wickens will likely make his 2010 debut with the Lunkers, one of last year's returners. Also scheduled to join the team today are two Calfornia boys: Chadd Krist, a 1st Team All-Pac 10 catcher, and Tommy Reyes, an infielder who has the potential to be one of the best players in the league.

Anyway, I noticed another Minnesota thing...the "ag" sound becomes "eg." You don't get a paper bag, you get a paper "beg." I love it, it's awesome. I point it out whenever one of my friends says it, and it is probably just as, if not more annoying than when someone in California points out every time I say y'all. I will defend y'all to my grave...It's just a much more efficient way of saying you all!

There are two guys on Mankato from USC so it was great getting to see them. They both played great Saturday night. Alex Glenn hit a two-run homer and Logan Odom went 2.2 scoreless and got the save. Yesterday, Alex made a game saving throw from center field, nailing Adam Koglin at the plate. Logan was thrown out on the mound again and pitched two innings before giving up the game-winning single, but it's tough to call an outing in which a pitcher gives up a single run a poor performance. Last night, after yesterday's game, I picked them up from their hotel and we went out to dinner and got to spend time. It is great getting to see guys you know around the league.

Everyone is excited for tomorrow's off-day. A day-off would be nice. I still plan on doing work, just not in the office.

Most of the day, when the players are not getting their early work in, everyone is in the clubhouse watching either the college baseball Super Regionals or the World Cup. Coach Lev hates soccer and makes fun of us every time we watch the World Cup...he's just mad he has red hair ;-).

Hot Sports Opinion of the Day: We continue our "Young Core" debate, analyzing the AL Central today.

Just a refresher on criteria: I am only analyzing players 27 and younger on each team's 40-man roster based predominantly on their MLB production and what it might project to...

Winners
AL East: Tampa Bay
AL Central: ?
AL West:

NL East:
NL Central:
NL West:

Minnesota Twins: Joe Mauer barely fits in this discussion at 27 and I know this won't be a popular opinion, but I am not going to hold him in as high regard for a long-term discussion as most people in Minnesota will. Is he the best catcher in baseball? Yes. Are he and Albert Pujols the two best hitters? Yes. Does he appear to be an awesome human being/role model? Yes (not that that matters, but in Minnesota, if you in anyway criticize Mauer, people take it personally). But, for a long-term discussion, you have to consider his health, which, while not a major issue, is certainly not impeccable. Part of his value is as a catcher...I don't see him being a catcher and playing 140 games over the next ten years. I see his career lasting for that long, but if it remains as solely a catcher, I don't see him averaging 140 games over that time. Back and knee issues aren't the best equation for a catcher.

Denard Span is pretty darn good--a much better version of what they hoped Carlos Gomez would be--and only getting better. It looks as if Liriano is back, as well. Between those two, plus Mauer, you got a pretty solid package to build a team around. Other than that, the supporting cast is not nearly as special.

J.J. Hardy has not filled his potential, though he has come much closer than Delmon Young, who, at 24, still has time to figure it out. Jose Mijares is good and has room to grow, but a reliever at the forefront of a youth package needs to be absolutely dominant to really sweeten the deal, and while Mijares is pretty good, he is not dominant. And then there is Kevin Slowey...He is a pretty good pitcher--someone I'd love to have. However, people always give him credit for being good despite not having dominant stuff and that is all great, but at the end of the day, you don't get more points for not being as talented as the other guys. He is good and he is young and I don't foresee arm issues, but he doesn't wow me.

Deolis Guerra and Anthony Swarzak get minor consideration, despite no MLB experience.

Youth Leader: Is it a question? Joe Mauer.

Detroit: When I looked at their roster, I forgot how young their current impact players are. Justin Verlander, Jeremy Bonderman, and Miguel Cabrera are all 27. With Verlander, you have your ace for the next seven years. He is the opposite of a max-effort guy who throws harder as the game progresses. Cabrera seems to be more committed to his health and if that can stick, he will hit until he is forty. A defensive liability? Sure. But if there is room for Adam Dunn in the National League, you are damn right there is room for a .330/35/100 guy in your lineup. As for Bonderman, he comes with a history of arm injuries and already 7 previous years as MLB experience. He is no Spring chicken, but certainly a decent piece with Verlander already in the mix.

And how can we forget about Austin Jackson...a future gold-glove winner (this year?), and your lead-off hitter of the future. He is only 23 and hasn't shown a ton of power in his rookie season, but neither did Joe Mauer. And while he won't ever hit 30 homers, he could develop into a 15-20 home run guys, on top of a .300 batting average and 40 steals a year.

And then there are the mysteries: Porcello and Scherzer. They both have all-world talent but have struggled this season raising some eyebrows. Porcello, at 21, is not nearly as much of a concern despite his sophomore slump. Last year he won 14 games with a sub-4.00 era as a rookie. In a perfect world for Tigers fans, I am convinced he becomes the team's ace when Verlander is ready to hand over the reigns. Scherzer, at 25, is a little more of a concern, but his 15K performance earlier in the year gave Tigers fans some hope for his future. You have to consider both of their struggles, but I am not concerned about it long term.

The only problem I foresee is signability...If the Tigers are willing to shell out the money, everything will be okay, but maintaining this core will not be easy, as everyone we have mentioned already comes with at least a year of big league experience, except for Jackson, which means most them have already passed their 6-year control stage.

Youth Leader: I love Cabrera, I love Verlander, but Austin Jackson is going to be special. I put the "C" on his jersey.

Chicago White Sox: They have some young talent that don't meet the criteria for the discussion (read: not on 40-man) but outside of that, their youth is pretty dry. Dayan Viciedo and Tyler Flowers have ton of potential but not big league experience, so their consideration is minimal. Gavin Floyd is good, but at 27, he doesn't make me want to go all-in. Same with Carlos Quentin. They are both nice pieces, but not people I want on my Mt. Rushmore of Youth.

The only prime piece? John Danks. The 25 year-old lefty has proven he belongs in the bigs and is only getting better. Ignore his W-L records--it's not his fault--but notice that he is poised for his 3rd straight season with a sub-4.00 ERA. And he isn't sneaking in there with 3.98 and 3.93--he had 3.32 in 08, 3.77 in 09, and has 3.27 so far in 10.

Not really worth any more discussion...don't think Chicago is going to advance to the next round.

Youth Leader: John Danks

Kansas City Royals: They are a better version of the White Sox, as far as this discussion goes. They have more young talent in their system than their 40-man projects, but their 40-man is pretty dry. Unfortunately, you have to consider that with the team's longevity of ineptitude, players won't want to stay. Is Zack Greinke one of the best pitchers in baseball? Without a doubt. But I bet he sees his 2-7 record with a 3.94 ERA and doesn't think: "Only if I was in New York..." Which he will be soon.

Soria, at 27, is a nice piece. Luke Hochevar has never really emerged as a star. For the time being, Alex Gordon has shown he is nothing more than a AAAA player--someone that tears up AAA to project MLB readiness, but can never figure it out at the MLB level.

Their biggest asset? Aaron Crow. And he hasn't played so I can't even really consider him, but they will have the opportunity to keep him for 6 years once he comes up.

Youth Leader: Greinke...but not for much longer.

Cleveland Indians: They have a special core of players, though most of them are unproven. However, it is not the Alex Gordon unproven where they have had ample opportunity to prove themselves only to let us down...they just haven't had opportunity. The Matt LaPorta experience was not as much of a hit as they had hoped in take 1, but he will be back. Between LaPorta, Trevor Crowe, Michael Brantley, and Carlos Santana, Cleveland might have the best quarter of youth hitters in baseball. But, as the criteria states, I am basing this mainly on their MLB production. What have they showed? Collectively, they can cut it at this level, even LaPorta, who, statistically has hit some road bumps. Unfortunately, I can't just all of a sudden factor in how I really feel: they all will be stars, especially Santana, a switch hitting catcher.

They also have a quartet of arms with potential: Carmona, Masterson, Huff, and Laffey. Carmona appears to be back. Masterson's season is turning around. Huff and Laffey...ehh, not so much. I am not sold that the latter two of the four will develop to be number one or number two rotation guys. If Fausto is my number two, I'm fine with that. And I think Masterson will develop into a number two as well. None of them are aces, though.

And don't forget Shin Soo-Choo...He is 27 and offers the most immediate production.

Unfortunately, Cleveland is hampered by a lot of question marks. The potential is there, but will it come to fruition?

Youth Leader: Carlos Santana. He will hit for the next 15 years.

And the Winner Is...Detroit. How can you turn your back on their core of established players. They are not a small market team and have the ability to sign enough of their core to make it enticing. Keep in mind, no team with the quantity of established core players like Detroit can sign them all...At this point, it's a matter of picking and choosing the right ones. They have two question marks with Scherzer and Porcello, but they have proven they can be successful for an entire season before, and they are protected by an established star like Verlander, and an established number two like Bonderman.

2. Minnesota: If Guerra and Swarzak meet their expectations, maybe this list changes. They are not far behind.
3. Cleveland: The youngest collection of guys with huge potential, but they are totally void of the established players that Detroit and Minnesota have.
4. Kansas City: Not bad, not great.
5. Chicago White Sox: As dry as a desert.


Sports Pick of the Day: Italy over Paraguay in WC action kicking off in a few hours

The two soccer wins I predicted that ended up as ties go down as losses for me...bummer...


Record: 7-5
Streak: L2

06.11.2010: Kicking Off

Last night's loss was a tough one to swallow. Just when it looked like the team was starting to turn it around, up 5-1 going into the eighth, another big, late inning does them in. Errors, once again, defined the loss, wasting another quality start, this time from Matt Florer, who pitched exceptionally well for his first start since high school. The beauty of the league? There are four days off throughout the summer and the team will get a chance to come back and win a series tonight...so long as the weather holds up.

I made my usual stop at Caribou Coffee this morning, but definitely not for coffee. I don't drink coffee and don't plan on starting. I have been feeling a little sick recently and for the last week, two times a day, I have gotten green tea with honey from Caribou. It's scary, because I walked in this morning and the lady didn't even ask what I wanted.

Mike, Jake, Nate, and I are all sitting in the clubhouse doing work and watching the World Cup. This is an event I have been looking forward to for a long, long time. I am South African, by heritage. My oldest brother, our parents, and their families are all South African. My entire family on my dad's side still resides there. I am a Texan and an American and incredibly proud of it, but, in spite of South Africa's many issues, I am also incredibly proud to be of South African heritage. On top if it, my father was a South African football (soccer) player.

As I have been typing this up, it has stopped raining...I hope it stops for the rest of the day because the rain has tarnished the beginning of a week long home stand. Fans have not packed the ballpark nearly as well as what we anticipated, especially with our lineup of really cool promotions. Ironically, we have gotten every game in and the weather from the first pitch onward is great, but the looming threat of rain has kept people out of the seats...and I don't blame them, it's just very unfortunate. There are still five games left...let's get some fans and let's get some wins.

Hot Sports Opinion of the Day: I am taking a one day break from the "MLB Core Debate" in favor of soccer talk. I absolutely love the World Cup. Later in the week I will consider if it is my favorite sporting event or not, not committing either way just yet. However, it is certainly up there.

I stopped playing soccer after 5th grade in favor of American football. I was a good goalie, and pretty good when I got the ball, but I was also lazy without it. My oldest brother, Darryn, was the best between my brothers and I, but none of us carried through with soccer. We all played 3 varsity sports in high school, all choosing basketball in the winter. A little bit ironic as my dad was a South African soccer player, but he never pushed us in any direction and was not at all upset when we steered away. Despite not playing though, we all love soccer. I still play pick up and can watch it all day. It is just as much an art as it is a sport.

It always upsets me that the United States does not compete with the elite in soccer. For such an athletically dominant country, America has missed the boat on The World's Sport. Every year I hope the Americans make a deep run to try and heighten our country's love for soccer to the next level--to promote participation more aggressively--but it didn't happen after the team made it to the quartfinals 8 years ago. I am convinced they need two consecutive strong Cups for it to have an effect, and they did not follow up well four years ago, not getting out of the group stage.

But,the more I think about it...I don't think the World Cup has an effect. Just like the Olympic Hockey fever only last a week or two into the resumed NHL season, I don't think World Cup Fever will have an effect unless the Americans make it to the Finals and that, in all likelihood, is not happen this time around. It's great that more people know who Ryan Miller, Team USA's goalie, is now, but those same people don't take time to watch the game or consider it as a viable athletic option any more than they did before the Olympics.

Hockey, however, is a much more expensive sport than soccer. Soccer is a sport anyone can play--for most Americans, it is the first sport that they do play. I wish it caught on. I wish America grabbed hold of soccer fever. I just don't get why a country full of athletes cannot put forth a more competitive squad.

Sports Pick of the Day: France over Uruguay
(South Africa over Mexico in progress, my pick from yesterday)

Record: 7-3
Streak: W1

06.10.2010: Getting Off Of The Schneid

About 10 minutes after the conclusion of the team's 3-2 win last night, I received news that put a damper on the evening: My beloved USC Trojans would receive a two-year post-season ban from football, in addition to other, in comparison, minor punishments. In speaking to friends on the team, it was evident something was going to happen and most of them, to be honest, were fearing the worst. Give me a day or two to get over the news and some time to really construct an unbiased opinion and I will write on this, because it definitely deserves some time.

On a much brighter note: How about Nick Anderson!? In front of his hometown crowd, he retired the final 17 batters he faced, overshadowing the fact that a combination of two Rochester pitchers retired the final 13 batters that they faced. Nick was dominant, going inside and outside with ease. And T.J. Berge hit the first HR of the season at Stewart C. Mills Field. Most importantly, the team snapped out of a four game skid!

Another player, Chadd Krist, is supposed to join the team today. He is a very good defensive catcher who had a tremendous season at the plate playing for Cal this past year. His efforts earned him 1st team All-Pac 10.

Most of the media I was trying to put up today was shaky, at best, so more to come tomorrow...hopefully everyone will be allowed into the craze of the Hacky Sack, which is occupying most of the players' free time while at the park.

Yesterday's game, from an organizational standpoint, went much better than Monday's game. Without rain, setup was taking place throughout the day, as opposed to cramming everything in the final two hours leading up to the opening of the gates.

From a broadcast standpoint, I thought the game went very well. I was happy--not satisfied--with my call. Today's another day and that means an opportunity to improve.

We are getting more in-booth emails and I am loving it. Hearing from the parents is great, too. Over the last two games, I received emails from a parent or the parents of current Lunkers Ian Horkley, Kyle Teague, and Connor Mielock. Connor's dad wrote all the way from Turkey! That's dedication! Keep the emails coming!

Hot Sports Opinion of the Day: I foreshadowed this yesterday...I am going to nominate and subsequently choose the MLB team I think has the best young core. For the sake of the argument, I am looking solely at each team's 40 man roster at players 27 or younger.

I will go one division per day, picking each division's winner before selecting the overall winner. This should give me enough time to sit on the USC sanctions before writing about them. By the way, this tournament will take a break tomorrow so I can write about one of my favorite sporting events of all time: the World Cup.

AL East

Tampa Bay: They have so much youth that their bid is more of a squadron than a core. The lone problem with this team is sustainability. Unless fans start coming to Tropicana Field and help the team make money, they will start becoming a poor man's Florida Marlins (until the Marlins get their new stadium). However, they can field a four-man rotation of studs 27 and younger: Jeff Niemann, Matt Garza, Wade Davis, and arguably the American League's best pitcher so far this season, David Price. Offensively, Evan Longoria is a stud and is starting to implement his fifth tool--speed--to his game. B.J. Upton is an enigma and reminds me of Rickie Weeks. All the potential in the world but a lack of plate discipline that diminishes he speed and talent. 24 year-old Reid Brignac is having a solid year at the plate, as well, hitting nearly .300.

Youth Leader: Evan Longoria. Price is a very close second, but I will give the nod to the guy who is an everyday impact player.

New York: The only reason they are in this argument is because of 23 year-old Phil Hughes. Developing young players is just not the Yankees m.o.. But, if you want to see what their team will look like a few years down the road, it is more than likely it will be comprised of at least five players on this list. They don't develop, they take what you develop and make it theirs. Cano, a Yankee product, is 27, which is young, but on the older side of being young. Joba, much like Upton, has a world of talent but just hasn't developed.

Youth Leader: Robinson Cano. Once again, the nod goes to the position player over the pitcher, Phil Hughes. Cano has developed in a gold-glove caliber second baseman with power, speed, and the ability to hit 20+ HR.

Boston: They have some legitimacy because Pedroia is only 26. He, Jon Lester, Daniel Bard, and Clay Buccholz make up their Mt. Rushmore of youth. Yeah, I left Jacoby off of the mountain...I think he is a pretty good player, too, though I personally think he is slightly overrated. What makes Boston more appealing in this argument is that they do tend to develop their own talent (read: Tampa Bay) AND they have the money to keep them (read: New York). Bard is the closer of the future and between Lester and Buccholz, it will be tough to find a better pair of young pitchers in the bigs, but obviously they don't need to look too far to find their first argument with the Rays' young staff. Buccholz is really starting to come into his own this season, posting a 2.52 ERA through 12 starts.

Youth Leader: Dustin Pedroia. Can't argue against a guy that's won an MVP, right?

Toronto: They certainly have quantity of big names. Ricky Romero is having the best year so far and has ace potential, if he isn't one already. A lefty with impeccable control and great life on all of the pitches, he has lived up to the hype. Travis Snider, their former first rounder is 22 and therefore tough to project what his .241 average so far this year will mean in the future, but the potential is there. Marc Rzepczynski is a young lefty with good talent, but certainly not someone with ace potential like other pitchers already mentioned within the division. Brandon Morrow has the power arm, but after a few years of MLB experience, is still struggling to locate his fastball, both for strikes, and then within the zone, leaving too many balls over the plate. Adam Lind had a phenomenal year last year, and while that still holds water, he is struggling mightily and we are already in June. Plus, he is best used as a DH, possessing no true defensive versatility. At the end of the day, they have one star, a few guys with potential that still haven't developed, and a few guys that project to be good--maybe even pretty good--but not great players.

Youth Leader: Ricky Romero. Without question.

Baltimore: The All-Hype Team! For the last three years I've heard people say about the Orioles, "Just give them a year and their young players are going to carry them far and they will challenge for the division." Ummm, I am still waiting. First, let's get Jake Arrieta and Troy Patton out the way as they are two more hyped Orioles on the 40-man, but they have yet to make their debuts. Nick Markakis is a pretty good player, but hasn't developed into a great player. Outfielders that hit .290 and hit 20 bombs are a dime a dozen. I will take it easy on Brian Matusz, who, at 23, is struggling in his first full season...but beware that one year of struggling might lead to a second and a third, and a fourth, etc., as has been the case for many of their young players. That's been the case for Adam Jones, who was supposed be one of the best outfielders, now in his fourth year. Let's hope it isn't the case for the promising Matt Wieters. He is measured on a harsher scale, though, because as a college kid (Georgia Tech), he is supposed be MLB ready quicker, and at 24 (the same age as the 4-year vet, Jones), he is hitting below .250. It's his first full season, I know, but it's tough to let that slide when people have been saying that about all of Baltimore's young talent since the Red Sox supplanted them as New York's biggest competition in the late 90's. Same story for Nolen Reimold, who is flirting with the Mendoza line. Brad Bergesen, a former fourth rounder, has taken a step backwards this season, too.

Youth Leader: Nick Markakis. Who else could it be?

And the Winner Is...Tampa Bay. They have 13 players 27 or younger contributing positively to their team this season (and, as mentioned, their young studs coming up, which are all over prospect lists, are not counted at all in this argument). That's more than half of their 25-man roster and pretty tough to argue against. Their oldest player? 34 (Randy Choate and Gbe Kapler). Their oldest major contributor? 32 (Carlos Pena).

2. Boston: Might win in any other division....
3. New York: Because everyone else's young talent will be theirs, and Cano is the best 2B in the AL
4. Toronto: Not enough young studs, just good players
5. Baltimore: Tons of hype, no results.

Sports Pick of the Day: South Africa over Mexico. Emotional pick? Yeah. I am very proud of my South African heritage. You saw what they did playing in front of their home crowd in the Confederations Cup.

Record: 7-3
Streak: W1

06.09.2010: Getting Out of a Hole

We had a few emails to the booth last night which was awesome. I still would love to have more! The email address is media@lunkersbaseball.com!

The team is definitely struggling. After a very promising start, winning their first three, they have dropped the ensuing four contests and the last 11 innings have been more or less sloppy.

I am a big believer in the "Baseball Gods," whoever they are or whatever they are and, even though Willmar had four errors and left over ten men on base, Brainerd was still penalized because they made the first batch of errors, therefore being the first to "pollute," if you will, yesterday's ballgame. In life, it's always the person that throws the second punch who gets caught. Such is not the case in baseball, with the sloppy play being the theoretical first punch. Brainerd did not lose pretty, but Willmar certainly didn't win gracefully either. Anyway, it's a new day at the park, a new team coming in, and an opportunity for the team to get right back at it.

Yesterday I went to Buffalo Wild Wings with Lunkers catcher, David Albritton, as well as Lunkers pitchers, Drew Smith and Matt Florer. I made an effort to talk to at least each player or one of their coaches before the season started to have an opportunity to learn a bit about them, but I wasn't able to get to these three or their coaches for various reasons. Yesterday I sat down with them for what was supposed to be a quick thirty to forty-five minute lunch, but it ended up being over two hours long. We were all sitting around well after our meal just talking--the interview portion was well over--and all of a sudden we looked at our phones (aka our watches/clocks) and saw the time and we couldn't believe it.

I met David before I met Matt and learned that the two were living together this summer with the Douth family. David is incredibly polite (he called me "sir" until I begged him to stop and we are the same age!), a hard worker, who, from everything I had heard, was a baseball player's baseball player. All I knew about Matt is that he was from Mission Viejo, California. Going to school in Los Angeles and becoming familiar with the SoCal "breed," I was unsure how the pairing would work, worried that Matt would be a totally free-spirited, laid back, surfer bro and that the two personalities wouldn't mix. And, while I say that, I do not think the SoCal breed is a bad thing--a bunch of my friends fit that mold--but I just wasn't sure how it would mix. After getting to know Matt, he definitely has a bit of that in him--I mean, the kid hangs out at Laguna Beach so you can't blame him--and he did admit that he only recently was able to maintain a serious demeanor while on the mound, but he does speak proper English, as opposed to "Surfer Bro" and he has a great sense of humor. We also found that he and I share a mutual friend that we each are pretty close with....small world.

We got five new guys in yesterday. With those five guys, our team might have become the tallest, on average, in the league. Three of the five guys are 6'5" or taller (Russ Hopkins at 6'6", Ray Black at 6'5", and Patrick Nathanson at 6'5"), and Connor Mielock is 6'2". Rob Matthews is the shortest out of the bunch at 5'10". Six more guys are still due to join the team, with the next wave expected to come tomorrow, with the expected arrival of the two Cal-Berkeley players, Chadd Krist and Jimmy Bosco. The other four still to come are Tommy Reyes, Stephen Wickens, Juan Padilla, and Mick Gaston.

Hot Sports Opinion of the Day: I didn't get to watch Stephen Strasburg's debut--although I plan on watching it in the archived footage on MLB.com's website--nor did I get to see highlights, but his stat line is incredibly impressive. The thing I was happiest about? They let him go seven innings and throw over 94 pitches. For his first Major League start, especially coming after a month in a half where he was kept on a pitching leash, I think that pulling him was relatively acceptable. But here's to hoping that that leash is gone after his next start or two. I am tired of seeing young pitchers babied for the first five years of their career. For two years, it seemed as if Joba Chamberlain of the Yankees was not even allowed to throw his allotted amount of pre-inning warmup pitches, the Yankees were so anal about his pitch count.

I am not endorsing pitchers going out and throwing 150 pitches, but the reason why pitchers can't throw 120 pitches anymore is because they spend four or five years being allowed no more than 90 pitches, which does not prepare them to go deep into ball games. What it does is help save the General Manager and the rest of the front office's ass because it is a safe play to ensure that their investments see the major leagues. Pitchers get hurt more for their violent motions or poor mechanics than for simple pitch counts.

Let them play!

On a side note...If Bryce Harper is the real deal--which his one year of collegiate play with a wooden bat does not suggest otherwise--then how would you like to be the Washington Nationals in two years? A core of Ryan Zimmerman, one of the more unknown superstars in baseball, if that is possible, Stephen Strasburg, and potentially Harper might be the best young trio in the Majors...we will discuss that tomorrow!

Sports Pick of the Day: I jumped the gun...Chicago over Philadelphia to claim the cup tonight, not yesterday...

Record: 6-4
Streak: L1