By- Will Gasson
After last season’s lights out pitching performances from Grayson Garvin, who led the Braves to the fifth best team ERA in 2010, many were wondering how the 2011 pitching staff would perform. The Tampa Bay Rays drafted Garvin in the 2011 MLB draft, leaving a large window of opportunity for new hurlers to emerge into the Bourne spot light.
They have not disappointed.
The 2011 Braves pitching staff has combined for the second best team ERA in the CCBL (1.79), while holding opposing teams to a .230 batting average. Bourne pitching has also compiled 106 strikeouts in 2011, while only allowing a league best thirty-one walks, over 126.0 innings.
Bourne has many pitchers to thank for such an impressive start; namely Chris Pickering (Rhode Island), Ryan Eades (LSU), and Slade Smith (Auburn), all of whom are ranked amongst the top ten pitchers in the league.
Pickering has shined so far this summer, hurling 16.2 innings for Bourne over three starts. Pickering is ranked second in the CCBL in ERA, boasting a nearly untouchable 0.54 earned run average. The URI standout has only allowed fourteen hits in his three starts, while only surrendering one run. He has also managed nine strikeouts and allowed only four walks.
Chris picked up his first win of the season on Sunday night as the Braves upset Western Division leader Hyannis Harbor Hawks by a score of 5-0. Pickering allowed seven hits, struck out four batters over 5.2 innings pitched in the upset.
Ryan Eades has been keeping pace with Pickering this summer as he ranks third overall in ERA in the CCBL. Eades has compiled 0.64 earned run average over 14 innings pitched in three starts for the Braves. Eades has only allowed seven hits this summer and has surrendered only one earned run. The LSU Tiger has also managed eleven K’s while only allowing 3 three walks over his first three starts. Eades, like Pickering, is also 1-0 in the young 2011 season with two early season no-decisions.
The final Brave amongst the top ten pitchers in the CCBL is Auburn Tiger Slade Smith. Smith has had Bourne fans screaming “War Eagle” as he takes the hill, a sign of respect to the University of Auburn’s athletic teams. Smith boasts a 1.20 ERA coming out of the Bourne bullpen, pitching fifteen innings in six total games in 2011. Smith has allowed ten hits and three runs (two earned) this summer, while boasting eight strikeouts, and only allowing two walks.
Bourne has also seen great pitching from hurlers John Farrell (William and Mary), Kyle Brady (Clemson) and RJ Alvarez (Florida Atlantic), all of whom have contributed to the Braves second ranked pitching staff.
The Braves will be back in action Tuesday as they travel to Harwich in search of their seventh win of the season. Game scheduled to begin at 7pm.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Braves look good in shutout of Hyannis
By Zac Vierra
Everything was working for the Braves in an impressive 5-0 win over the first place Harbor Hawks Sunday at Doran Park.
Chris Pickering (URI) got the start for the Braves and looked good pitching 5.2 shutout innings allowing seven hits while striking out four and walking none. Through three starts, Pickering has allowed only one earned run in 16.2 innings pitched. He has been the most consistent starter for the Braves this season and is proving to be someone Harvey Shapiro can rely on to keep the team in the game.
Travis Jankowski (Stony Brook) had a great game for Bourne. He threw out a runner at third to end the top of the first and lead off the bottom of the inning with triple and scored on Garrett Canizaro's RBI groundout. Jankowski would later add an RBI single to give the Braves a 3 zip lead. Travis has really been swinging the bat well as of late and his combination of contact and speed makes him the perfect leadoff hitter. His average has jumped up to .308 after a slow start and after he was demoted to the ninth hole for a few games; it looks like Jankowski has cemented his spot as the leadoff man.
Zach Alvord (Auburn) hit his first homerun of the season in the third inning to left center. The solo shot was a towering blast, one that did not look like it was leaving the park off the bat but kept carrying and carrying until it landed over the fence. Alvord has had flashes of power during batting practice regularly pulling bombs to left. Although Alvord has shown great potential with the bat, his defense has been shaky. He has a team leading 5 errors including two on Sunday, one on a throw and one on a ball that got under his glove. You have to wonder if his poor defense could limit his playing time, although there is always the option of playing Alvord at DH, which would keep his bat in the lineup.
The Braves bullpen looked good in the win. John Farrell (William & Mary) relieved Pickering in the top of the 6th with runners on second and third. He quickly got out of the jam getting a groundball to first. He got into some trouble in the 7th after a pair of hit batters and an error loaded the bases, but he got a flyball to left to end the inning. Kevin Brady (Clemson) pitched well in the eighth striking out a pair. He looks like he has the type of stuff to be the 8th inning man for the Braves.
After Colin Kish (Florida Southern) gave the Braves some insurance with a two RBI single in the 8th, the closer, RJ Alvarez (FAU), came in and shut the door yet again. Alvarez pitched a one-two-three inning with a pair of strikeouts. He was throwing in the mid 90s and the Harbor Hawk hitters had trouble catching up to the heat. Alvarez's fastball is just filthy. It has late life and hitters just can't seem to touch it. He doesn't throw much breaking stuff but when the fastball is so good, there is no reason to throw any other pitch. Right now Alvarez is blowing away hitters like Jonathan Papelbon when he first became closer for the Red Sox, which is quite fitting since Alvarez's intro song is now Shipping Up to Boston.
Player of the day: Travis Jankowski 2-3 RBI R great throw to third
This is a tough one as it was a great team effort by the Braves. There were contributions by many different players on offense and the pitching was great. Jankowski really changed the momentum early with the great throw and the leadoff triple which allowed the Braves to get the on the board early. His single RBI single was a clutch two out hit which gave Bourne a nice 3 nothing cushion.
Everything was working for the Braves in an impressive 5-0 win over the first place Harbor Hawks Sunday at Doran Park.
Chris Pickering (URI) got the start for the Braves and looked good pitching 5.2 shutout innings allowing seven hits while striking out four and walking none. Through three starts, Pickering has allowed only one earned run in 16.2 innings pitched. He has been the most consistent starter for the Braves this season and is proving to be someone Harvey Shapiro can rely on to keep the team in the game.
Travis Jankowski (Stony Brook) had a great game for Bourne. He threw out a runner at third to end the top of the first and lead off the bottom of the inning with triple and scored on Garrett Canizaro's RBI groundout. Jankowski would later add an RBI single to give the Braves a 3 zip lead. Travis has really been swinging the bat well as of late and his combination of contact and speed makes him the perfect leadoff hitter. His average has jumped up to .308 after a slow start and after he was demoted to the ninth hole for a few games; it looks like Jankowski has cemented his spot as the leadoff man.
Zach Alvord (Auburn) hit his first homerun of the season in the third inning to left center. The solo shot was a towering blast, one that did not look like it was leaving the park off the bat but kept carrying and carrying until it landed over the fence. Alvord has had flashes of power during batting practice regularly pulling bombs to left. Although Alvord has shown great potential with the bat, his defense has been shaky. He has a team leading 5 errors including two on Sunday, one on a throw and one on a ball that got under his glove. You have to wonder if his poor defense could limit his playing time, although there is always the option of playing Alvord at DH, which would keep his bat in the lineup.
The Braves bullpen looked good in the win. John Farrell (William & Mary) relieved Pickering in the top of the 6th with runners on second and third. He quickly got out of the jam getting a groundball to first. He got into some trouble in the 7th after a pair of hit batters and an error loaded the bases, but he got a flyball to left to end the inning. Kevin Brady (Clemson) pitched well in the eighth striking out a pair. He looks like he has the type of stuff to be the 8th inning man for the Braves.
After Colin Kish (Florida Southern) gave the Braves some insurance with a two RBI single in the 8th, the closer, RJ Alvarez (FAU), came in and shut the door yet again. Alvarez pitched a one-two-three inning with a pair of strikeouts. He was throwing in the mid 90s and the Harbor Hawk hitters had trouble catching up to the heat. Alvarez's fastball is just filthy. It has late life and hitters just can't seem to touch it. He doesn't throw much breaking stuff but when the fastball is so good, there is no reason to throw any other pitch. Right now Alvarez is blowing away hitters like Jonathan Papelbon when he first became closer for the Red Sox, which is quite fitting since Alvarez's intro song is now Shipping Up to Boston.
Player of the day: Travis Jankowski 2-3 RBI R great throw to third
This is a tough one as it was a great team effort by the Braves. There were contributions by many different players on offense and the pitching was great. Jankowski really changed the momentum early with the great throw and the leadoff triple which allowed the Braves to get the on the board early. His single RBI single was a clutch two out hit which gave Bourne a nice 3 nothing cushion.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Top Ten Baseball Movies of All Time
On a rainy Thursday night like this one after a game gets postponed, what better is there to do with your night than stay in with some friends and watch a few baseball movies? In case you were thinking of doing just that and need some ideas for what to watch, here's a copy Baseball Almanac's top ten list. Please comment with who you are and your own personal top ten list and hopefully we can get a good discussion going.
| Ten Best Baseball Movies | ||
| # | Poster | Movie |
| 10 |  | Major League (1989) You'll find just as many people who hate this movie as love it, but just about everyone who has seen it remembers it, which puts it ahead of most movies. While the story is cliché, the gags predictable and the characters two-dimensional, the movie is fun and the actors look like they can play. |
| 9 |  | The Sandlot (1993) It's probably the least known of any of the movies on our list, but It's by far the most charming of all the baseball movies featuring kids that followed "The Bad News Bears." A cast of unknowns, except for James Earl Jones, creates a fond remembrance of what it was like to play neighborhood ball together. |
| 8 |  | A League of Their Own (1992) The movie is more about women fighting for their rights than the game on the field, but the women are credible as baseball players, except maybe Lori Petty. The movie also brought attention to a forgotten piece of baseball history, and it gets extra credit for adding the line "There's no crying in baseball" to the vernacular. |
| 7 |  | The Natural (1984) Another movie that tends to divide peoples opinions, It's a sentimental view of a slugger and the game. It's based on a novel by Bernard Malamud and features a strong cast led by Robert Redford. Baseball romantics love it and see it as a fable, while more jaded fans say It's overrated and simplistic. Either way, It's a lovely and influential movie. |
| 6 |  | The Bad News Bears (1976) The best pure baseball comedy, this movie reminded everyone what Little League was really like. Walter Matthau and Tatum O'Neal were perfect in their roles, and all of the foul-mouthed kids fit together beautifully. Don't hold it against this movie that it spawned many more unfunny movies that tried to be like it, including "The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training" and "The Bad News Bears Go to Japan," which somehow starred Tony Curtis. |
| 5 |  | The Pride of the Yankees (1942) This classic is about baseball the way "Steel Magnolias" was about hairdressers. Much is made about Gary Cooper (as Gehrig) not really being lefthanded, but in this movie it hardly matters. Viewed today, It's a hopelessly sentimental movie, but it was made in a different age and is the best of the baseball melodramas. And at the end, when Cooper gives the "luckiest man on the face of the earth" speech, You'll shed a tear in spite of yourself. Bonus points for appearances by actual Yankees, including Babe Ruth and Bill Dickey. |
| 4 |  | Eight Men Out (1988) A thoroughly modern look back at a simpler time, this movie does not romanticize baseball's history and captures the time of the Black Sox scandal in an authentic way. John Sayles wrote and directed the movie, based on a book by Eliot Asinof, and does a great job of bringing the complexity of the story to the screen. A great cast helps as well. About the only thing the movie lacks is emotional intensity. |
| 3 |  | Bang the Drum Slowly (1973) This is the baseball version of "Brian's Song," only better. It started a period of great modern baseball movies and is still regarded by many as the best of the bunch. The movie helped launch the careers of Michael Moriarty as the star pitcher and Robert DeNiro as the dying catcher. Some prefer the Mark Harris novel (he also wrote the screenplay) or criticize the details of the baseball in the movie, but that is quibbling. It's a truly touching film. |
| 2 |  | Field of Dreams (1989) Only the truly cynical aren't taken by this movie, which captures better than any other the mystical hold that baseball can have over people. Kevin Costner and the rest of the cast are great in this adaptation of W.P. Kinsella's novel "Shoeless Joe." It seems that everyone latches on to something different as their favorite part or as the message of the film. Like baseball itself, It's a simple movie that also proves beautifully complex. |
| 1 |  | Bull Durham (1988) And It's not even that close. First, "Bull Durham" is far and away the most authentic portrayal of the game, both on and off the field. Baseball is treated with casual reverence: It's a great game, and we love it, but it is a game. Costner is at his best, and Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon are perfect complements. The romance between Costner and Sarandon is also just right. It's all thanks to writer and director Ron Shelton, who spent five years in the minor leagues and cared about doing things right. He avoids the usual sports movie clichés - he filmed Costner catching a foul pop just because he said movies never show the routine plays and creates characters that we like and a world that we Don't want to leave. |
| # | Poster | Movie |
| Ten Best Baseball Movies by Baseball America | ||
Power Rankings Week 2 (6/16-6/22): Hyannis already taking Western
By Ian Martin
Every Thursday, the Braves Blog will (as objectively as possible) rank the leagues teams. The criteria is a combination of team statistics, overall record, and how the team has done in the past week in particular. Think of the general rule as follows: Which team would you want your team to play the least right now (no. 1) to the team that would be the most appealing to play.
NOTE: Because Thursday is typically a scheduled off day for the CCBL, that is when the week is considered to begin for the power rankings.
1. Hyannis (9-2, first in Western)
The Hyannis "Don't Call us Mets" Harbor Hawks maintain the top spot in the power rankings after a 5-1 week where the squad has expanded its lead over the second best team in the west (under .500 Wareham) to eight points. Since losing to Harwich in the first game of a doubleheader on June 19, the Harbor Hawks have amassed a four game winning streak thanks to giving up just 5 runs while plating 20 of their own. SS Eric Stamets and OF Dan Gulbransen have both been mainstays in the lineup on offense, hitting .326 and .324 respectively.
2. Harwich (7-4, first in Eastern according to points)
A versatile team in the way it wins games, the Mariners showed they have a bevy of options when it comes to deciding factors. 4-1 last week, there was a blowout win (6-1 against Cotuit), a close pitcher's duel (2-1 against Falmouth), and most impressively an 8-5 road victory at Hyannis. Harwich's bullpen is arguably the best in the league, with seven active non-starting pitchers that haven't given up an earned run. And all of those hurlers have seen at least an inning of action this season. A pick-up in offense will be needed to maintain results, since Harwich is still third-to-last in the league with a .210 batting average.
3. Orleans (6-3-1, second in Eastern according to points)
Last week, the Firebirds had played just four games and had a small sample size with which to judge the team. This week, the eastern-most side of the CCBL has started to show some mettle, rattling off four straight wins including a doubleheader sweep of Cotuit, before a disappointing loss to Brewster ended the week. Any Firebirds victory is likely due to pitching, with a league-best 1.54 ERA. Unlike Harwich though, it's the starters making moves. No one that has started for Orleans this year has an ERA above 2.35, and the team has given up just 14 earned runs in its first 10 games.
4. Wareham (5-6, second in Western)
Second in the Western division, easily the weaker of the two, the Gatemen get high marks for faring well in inter-divisional play. 5-3 against the Eastern Division, it's intra-division play that seems to disturb Wareham. The Gatemen also are gaining early accolades, as pitcher Luke Farrell earned CCBL Pitcher of the Week for his complete game, 5 strikeout victory against Brewster on June 12. Farrell maintained his form in his start this week against YD on June 19, going another 7.0 innings and giving up just 3 hits while earning the win. Expect a big week from the Gatemen too, as they only have one game against a team above them in the power rankings.
5. Brewster (5-5-1, tied for third in Eastern)
6. Chatam (4-6-1, fifth in Western)
Ironically, being in last place in one division doesn't mean you're bad. The Anglers would be tied for the third in the Eastern division, so in the scope of the league, this is a fairly decent "last place" team. 2-3 last week, the only inexcusable loss was against Bourne, since the team was swept in a doubleheader by the early class-of-the-CCBL Hyannis. Chatam doesn't have any absolute studs yet at the plate, but plenty of consistent, over-.250 hitters. C Dane Phillips and IF Alex Calbick had great weeks, with 7 and 5 RBI respectively, and Calbick hitting .417 in his last 12 at bats.
7. Falmouth (3-8, fifth in Western)
Starting 0-7, the team's 3-1 record in the last four is pretty impressive. In particular, the 8-2 victory at Harwich in a seven inning game — it was part of a doubleheader — seemed to change the Commodore's mojo. If the team wants to win as it's done the past week, it will rely on pitching. All the team's wins have come with opponents held to three runs or less. The staff is tied for the fewest walks in the league (24) and has second most strikeouts in the league (91). The eventual arrival of lefty hurler Kent Emanuel from North Carolina will even further the team's ascension back to contention, if he can maintain his impressive form from Omaha.
8. Yarmouth-Dennis (5-5-1, tied for third in Eastern)
The team that started the year with tons of promise at 4-1-1 had a terrible week with only one win, a one-run victory in a doubleheader against Wareham. Clutch seems to be absent in the dual-town squad, with three of the four losses last week coming by just a run. YD has average team numbers in both ERA and batting average — sixth in the league in both categories — but needs one side of the ball to step up if they want some wins. The team showed grit against Chatam, coming back to tie the game after being down 9-3, but with no elite offensive players yet, the final piece of a comeback — and maybe a winning team — could still be missing.
9. Bourne (3-6-1, fourth in Western)
A non-mover in the power rankings, Bourne did earn its first home victory and tie over the past seven days, but has lost its last two matchups. The 3-2 defeat at Falmouth on Tuesday was especially winnable, but the shaky bullpen reared it's head and gave up the deciding run in the seventh inning. Bourne didn't get shut out this week, erasing some concerns after not scoring in its first three games of the season. But the lineup is top heavy. Outfielder Travis Jankowski was the offensive player of the week, recording 5 RBI through 8 hits in the last five games, but was one of very few bright spots in the lineup that's still second to last in the league with a .198 team batting average.
10. Cotuit (4-6-1, third in Western)
With so many teams grabbing critical early-season wins, there had to be a victim. For the week of June 16th, that was the Kettleers. The team is 1-4 in its last five games, including a doubleheader sweep — always a morale sucker — and a 10-4 loss at home to the Eastern's last place team Chatam. These results are in spite of the efforts of Victor Roache, the offensive player of the week for the league in Week 1. Already a feared hitter, Roache is tied for second in the league in RBI with 9, and has both of his team's home runs this season. His .394 batting average, also second in the league, isn't too bad either.
Every Thursday, the Braves Blog will (as objectively as possible) rank the leagues teams. The criteria is a combination of team statistics, overall record, and how the team has done in the past week in particular. Think of the general rule as follows: Which team would you want your team to play the least right now (no. 1) to the team that would be the most appealing to play.
NOTE: Because Thursday is typically a scheduled off day for the CCBL, that is when the week is considered to begin for the power rankings.
1. Hyannis (9-2, first in Western)
The Hyannis "Don't Call us Mets" Harbor Hawks maintain the top spot in the power rankings after a 5-1 week where the squad has expanded its lead over the second best team in the west (under .500 Wareham) to eight points. Since losing to Harwich in the first game of a doubleheader on June 19, the Harbor Hawks have amassed a four game winning streak thanks to giving up just 5 runs while plating 20 of their own. SS Eric Stamets and OF Dan Gulbransen have both been mainstays in the lineup on offense, hitting .326 and .324 respectively.
2. Harwich (7-4, first in Eastern according to points)
A versatile team in the way it wins games, the Mariners showed they have a bevy of options when it comes to deciding factors. 4-1 last week, there was a blowout win (6-1 against Cotuit), a close pitcher's duel (2-1 against Falmouth), and most impressively an 8-5 road victory at Hyannis. Harwich's bullpen is arguably the best in the league, with seven active non-starting pitchers that haven't given up an earned run. And all of those hurlers have seen at least an inning of action this season. A pick-up in offense will be needed to maintain results, since Harwich is still third-to-last in the league with a .210 batting average.
3. Orleans (6-3-1, second in Eastern according to points)
Last week, the Firebirds had played just four games and had a small sample size with which to judge the team. This week, the eastern-most side of the CCBL has started to show some mettle, rattling off four straight wins including a doubleheader sweep of Cotuit, before a disappointing loss to Brewster ended the week. Any Firebirds victory is likely due to pitching, with a league-best 1.54 ERA. Unlike Harwich though, it's the starters making moves. No one that has started for Orleans this year has an ERA above 2.35, and the team has given up just 14 earned runs in its first 10 games.
4. Wareham (5-6, second in Western)
Second in the Western division, easily the weaker of the two, the Gatemen get high marks for faring well in inter-divisional play. 5-3 against the Eastern Division, it's intra-division play that seems to disturb Wareham. The Gatemen also are gaining early accolades, as pitcher Luke Farrell earned CCBL Pitcher of the Week for his complete game, 5 strikeout victory against Brewster on June 12. Farrell maintained his form in his start this week against YD on June 19, going another 7.0 innings and giving up just 3 hits while earning the win. Expect a big week from the Gatemen too, as they only have one game against a team above them in the power rankings.
5. Brewster (5-5-1, tied for third in Eastern)
The Whitecaps continue to underachieve when looking at the team's offensive numbers. Three of the league's top seven hitters (according to average) are Whitecaps. Two of the league's RBI leaders are Whitecaps. The team's 44 runs this year are tied for most in the league. So obviously, it's not the offense that's broken. Yet the team's pitching also has the best batting average against (under .200) and is middle of the league in ERA. Always an underrated factor, timing of runs seems to be the problem. In the team's five games last week (a 2-2-1 seven days) the Whitecaps didn't score after the sixth inning in any of the matchups. It's the only explanation for a team that statistically should be around .600 or higher.
6. Chatam (4-6-1, fifth in Western)
Ironically, being in last place in one division doesn't mean you're bad. The Anglers would be tied for the third in the Eastern division, so in the scope of the league, this is a fairly decent "last place" team. 2-3 last week, the only inexcusable loss was against Bourne, since the team was swept in a doubleheader by the early class-of-the-CCBL Hyannis. Chatam doesn't have any absolute studs yet at the plate, but plenty of consistent, over-.250 hitters. C Dane Phillips and IF Alex Calbick had great weeks, with 7 and 5 RBI respectively, and Calbick hitting .417 in his last 12 at bats.
7. Falmouth (3-8, fifth in Western)
Starting 0-7, the team's 3-1 record in the last four is pretty impressive. In particular, the 8-2 victory at Harwich in a seven inning game — it was part of a doubleheader — seemed to change the Commodore's mojo. If the team wants to win as it's done the past week, it will rely on pitching. All the team's wins have come with opponents held to three runs or less. The staff is tied for the fewest walks in the league (24) and has second most strikeouts in the league (91). The eventual arrival of lefty hurler Kent Emanuel from North Carolina will even further the team's ascension back to contention, if he can maintain his impressive form from Omaha.
8. Yarmouth-Dennis (5-5-1, tied for third in Eastern)
The team that started the year with tons of promise at 4-1-1 had a terrible week with only one win, a one-run victory in a doubleheader against Wareham. Clutch seems to be absent in the dual-town squad, with three of the four losses last week coming by just a run. YD has average team numbers in both ERA and batting average — sixth in the league in both categories — but needs one side of the ball to step up if they want some wins. The team showed grit against Chatam, coming back to tie the game after being down 9-3, but with no elite offensive players yet, the final piece of a comeback — and maybe a winning team — could still be missing.
9. Bourne (3-6-1, fourth in Western)
A non-mover in the power rankings, Bourne did earn its first home victory and tie over the past seven days, but has lost its last two matchups. The 3-2 defeat at Falmouth on Tuesday was especially winnable, but the shaky bullpen reared it's head and gave up the deciding run in the seventh inning. Bourne didn't get shut out this week, erasing some concerns after not scoring in its first three games of the season. But the lineup is top heavy. Outfielder Travis Jankowski was the offensive player of the week, recording 5 RBI through 8 hits in the last five games, but was one of very few bright spots in the lineup that's still second to last in the league with a .198 team batting average.
10. Cotuit (4-6-1, third in Western)
With so many teams grabbing critical early-season wins, there had to be a victim. For the week of June 16th, that was the Kettleers. The team is 1-4 in its last five games, including a doubleheader sweep — always a morale sucker — and a 10-4 loss at home to the Eastern's last place team Chatam. These results are in spite of the efforts of Victor Roache, the offensive player of the week for the league in Week 1. Already a feared hitter, Roache is tied for second in the league in RBI with 9, and has both of his team's home runs this season. His .394 batting average, also second in the league, isn't too bad either.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Braves Pick Up First Win at Doran Park
By: Zac Vierra
With Chatham up 2-1 with two outs in the fourth, Elander singled up the middle and stole second and Mike Lebel (URI) reached on an error by the shortstop, Stephen Perez (Miami). Kyle Farmer (Georgia) then hit a groundball to third and Alex Calbick (Maine) threw wildly in his attempt to get Lebel out at second. Elander scored and when the throw by Chatham right fielder Jake Berry (Marist) got by the catcher. Lebel advanced to third and Farmer moved up to second on the play.
Garrett Cannizaro (Tulane) made Chatham pay for the miscues singling up the middle in the next at bat to drive in Lebel and Farmer.
The Braves would add single runs in the bottom of the fifth when D.J. Hicks (UCF) had an RBI single and the sixth when Travis Jankowski (Stony Brook) hit an opposite field double which scored Farmer.
After Chatham got two runs back in the seventh they rallied again in the eighth loading the bases. Harvey Shapiro decided to go to his bullpen and summoned Alvarez to get out of the jam. After allowing a run scoring fielder’s choice, Alvarez blew away J.T. Watkins (West Point) to end the top of the eighth.
Alvarez was impressive in the ninth, striking out the side to earn his first save of the season.
Player of the Game: R.J. Alvarez; Save (1), 1.2 innings pitched, 4 strikeouts, 1 walk, 0 hits
After a rough first outing of the season, Alvarez was dominant and shut down the Anglers in a high pressure situation. After pitching as starter at FAU, Alvarez has been converted to a closer for the Braves, a role he says he prefers. If outings like this continue it looks as if the Braves have found a very effective option for the back end of their bullpen.
The Braves picked up their first win this year at Doran Park defeating the Chatham Anglers, 6-5 Saturday night. R.J. Alvarez (Florida Atlantic) picked up the save for the Braves in dominating fashion striking out four in 1.2 innings of work. Josh Elander (TCU) started his first game behind the dish for Bourne and had an immediate impact for the Braves going 2-3 with an RBI double, a steal and a run scored.
Bourne was given an assist in this one as three errors in the fourth inning cost the Anglers. With Chatham up 2-1 with two outs in the fourth, Elander singled up the middle and stole second and Mike Lebel (URI) reached on an error by the shortstop, Stephen Perez (Miami). Kyle Farmer (Georgia) then hit a groundball to third and Alex Calbick (Maine) threw wildly in his attempt to get Lebel out at second. Elander scored and when the throw by Chatham right fielder Jake Berry (Marist) got by the catcher. Lebel advanced to third and Farmer moved up to second on the play.
Garrett Cannizaro (Tulane) made Chatham pay for the miscues singling up the middle in the next at bat to drive in Lebel and Farmer.
The Braves would add single runs in the bottom of the fifth when D.J. Hicks (UCF) had an RBI single and the sixth when Travis Jankowski (Stony Brook) hit an opposite field double which scored Farmer.
After Chatham got two runs back in the seventh they rallied again in the eighth loading the bases. Harvey Shapiro decided to go to his bullpen and summoned Alvarez to get out of the jam. After allowing a run scoring fielder’s choice, Alvarez blew away J.T. Watkins (West Point) to end the top of the eighth.
Alvarez was impressive in the ninth, striking out the side to earn his first save of the season.
Player of the Game: R.J. Alvarez; Save (1), 1.2 innings pitched, 4 strikeouts, 1 walk, 0 hits
After a rough first outing of the season, Alvarez was dominant and shut down the Anglers in a high pressure situation. After pitching as starter at FAU, Alvarez has been converted to a closer for the Braves, a role he says he prefers. If outings like this continue it looks as if the Braves have found a very effective option for the back end of their bullpen.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Braves Sluggers’ Kish and Lebel Lead Offense
The Bourne Braves have had their fair share of offensive woes in the early goings of the 2011 season, but there have been a few bright spots in the Braves offense. Infielder Mike Lebel (Rhode Island) and outfielder Colin Kish (Florida Southern) have headlined the Bourne’s offensive attack, which has started seventh overall in the CCBL with a batting average of a mere .186.
Lebel, who hails from Quincy, MA, came off of a relatively strong junior season at the Univeristy of Rhode Island. Lebel boasts a .312 career batting average with the Rams and in 2011 he hit for a .274 average from 59 hits from 215 at bats. Lebel also provided power for the Rams in 2011, hitting ten doubles,
four triples, and eight home runs, with thirty-six runs batted in. In addition to his talents at the plate, Lebel also finds alternative methods to get on base and threaten teams with his speed. Lebel walked fourteen times in 2011, while also stealing twenty-four bases and scoring forty-nine total runs.
This summer Lebel has led the Braves in batting average (.385) by collecting five hits in his first 13 at bats, with one RBI. All of Lebel’s hits thus far have been singles, however his speed has carried over from the Atlantic 10 Conference to the Cape Cod Baseball League. Lebel has stolen three bases in five
total games for the Braves this season while drawing three walks and accounting for one run.
Though Mike Lebel is currently Bourne’s most dangerous hitter, outfielder Colin Kish ranks just behind Lebel in all major offensive categories. Kish has joined the Braves after a successful junior year at Florida Southern in which he started all forty-six games for the Mocs. Kish ranked third on his team in batting average (.354) derived from sixty-three total hits in 2011. He totaled nine doubles, six triples and one homer last season at Florida Southern while also boasting a mammoth .489 slugging percentage and a .405 on base percentage.
Kish has adjusted well to the Cape League thus far for Bourne. He ranks second on the team in batting average (.353) managing six hits in his first seventeen at bats. Kish has totaled five singles and one double, while also drawing three walks. Kish has yet to score, or drive in a run yet this season with Bourne, however, Colin has stolen two bases in his first five games, one more base than he had stolen in his junior year at Florida Southern.
The Bourne Braves (1-4) will be back in action at Doran Park on Friday June 17 at 6pm. For any information on Braves players Colin Kish and Mike Lebel or any other news on the Bourne Braves visit www.bournebraves.org.
Go Braves!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Week 1 Power Rankings: Hyannis and YD Perform Well Early
By Ian Martin
Every Thursday, the Braves Blog will (as objectively as possible) rank the leagues teams. The criteria is a combination of team statistics, overall record, and how the team has done in the past week in particular. Think of the general rule as follows: Which team would you want your team to play the least right now (no. 1) to the team that would be the most appealing to play.
NOTE: These rankings do not take into account tonight's two CCBL games.
1. Hyannis (4-1, first in Western)
The Harbor Hawks are third in the league in both team ERA and team batting average after the first week, meaning they're one of the few teams without a major disparity between its offense and defense. The side is averaging a respectable 2.6 runs per game, and has allowed just eight runs in the first week — five of which came in the team's only loss of the year. OF Dan Gulbransen and C Kevin Plawecki both are hitting over .350 with at least 14 at bats each, meaning there's a lot of consistency in the team's lineup in the early season.
2. Yarmouth-Dennis (4-1-1, first in Eastern)
Despite being the early leaders in what will likely be the tougher division of the Cape Cod Baseball League in 2011, the Red Sox scored two of its first four wins against Bourne and Falmouth, really the only chink in the vest of an otherwise hard to beat team. Pitching, at least so far, has propelled YD in its beginning games. Only once did the staff allow more than two runs in a game in week one, a seven-run anomaly in a loss to Cotuit. With a seemingly average week ahead (i.e. facing no teams in the in the top four of the power rankings), YD could have an early-season win streak coming.
3. Cotuit (3-2-1, second in Western)
The defending champions are placed in the third spot because as of Thursday, they are the only team in the CCBL that can claim a winning streak. Granted, at two games it's not going to determine the season, but the team continues to gain momentum after its 1-2-1 start. The team's last victory against Bourne in particular is the type of win that streaks are made of, after the squad gave up the lead in the seventh only to regain it on a three-run home run from OF Victor Roache in the eighth.
4. Harwich (3-3, third in Eastern)
As is explained in the next team's paragraph, Harwich would be five if not for their victory over the statistically superior Brewster. That convincing 6-3 win is the only surprise for what has otherwise been a team that wins the games it should — e.g. its doubleheader sweep of Bourne this week — and loses games against teams ahead of it in the standings such as Yarmouth-Dennis and Orleans. OF Jabari Henry is the early offensive bright spot for the Mariners, going 6-20 in his first at-bats, with three of those hits going for doubles. He also has four RBI in just six games.
5. Brewster (3-3, fourth in Eastern)
When it comes to scoring runs, no team is better than the Whitecaps. 2B Ryan Jones leads the league with a 10-19 first week (a .526 average), and the team has put up 12 runs in two separate games this season. However, the results haven't backed up the staggering offense every day. Brewster pitching has given up five or more runs in three of the team's first six games, and the Whitecaps lost the first head-to-head matchup with division rival Harwich (hence why they Mariners are 4 and the Whitecaps 5) by three runs on Tuesday night.
6. Orleans (2-1-1, second in Eastern)
Not much is known about the Firebirds after a good amount of weather disrupted three straight days of games for the team, but early signs could be positive. Orleans tied YD and split a doubleheader with Hyannis. This team very easily could be in the top 3 next week, and this speculation comes from its pitching. Orleans has meager 0.82 ERA, but again the sample size isn't as large as the other teams so there's no guarantee these numbers will hold. A dominant hitter for the Firebirds hasn't emerged yet, and the team is hitting just .170 after one week.
7. Wareham (3-2, second in Western)
Honestly the three through seven spots on this list are much closer than any other grouping, so the Gatemen shouldn't be dissatisfied with lucky number seven. This squad has middle of the division tendencies early in the season with one great hitter (CF Brandon Thomas — hitting .500 after 16 at bats) among what is otherwise an average lineup. The doubleheader sweep of Brewster was impressive, but the team has a potentially-rough next week with two games against Orleans and a doubleheader at Yarmouth-Dennis.
8. Chatam (2-3-1, fifth in Eastern)
Unfortunately for the Anglers, the team's two wins aren't what most would consider quality, as both came by just one against winless Falmouth in a doubleheader. The pitching has been mediocre, with a high ERA (at least by summer league standards) of 3.67, and offensively the only categories the team leads the league in are home runs (positive) and strikeouts (negative). Saturday's matchup against Bourne at Doran Park will be a great opportunity for two desperate teams to add a much-needed win.
9. Bourne (1-4, fourth in Western)
The Braves offense is finally showing vital signs after being held scoreless in the teams' first three games. Those first games were particularly frustrating for the team as they gave up just five runs in those contests, but still weren't able to get runs home. After defeating Falmouth in a matchup of then-winless teams, the Braves suffered a crushing late-inning loss to Cotuit that could've catapulted the team up the division standings (and power rankings). Starting pitching is definitely the best asset for last year's Western champs early in the season, with no starter allowing more than one run in any appearance so far.
10. Falmouth (0-5, fifth in Western)
It could be a long season for the Commodores, especially if the squad's hitting continues to be as paltry as it has in the first five contests. In those five losses, the Commodores have just three runs. The team's 2.11 ERA is more than workable, but the .131 team batting average isn't going to turn around the slow start. The first win should come soon in a probable 2-1, 1-0 type victory, but this isn't the way to start the season for Falmouth.
Every Thursday, the Braves Blog will (as objectively as possible) rank the leagues teams. The criteria is a combination of team statistics, overall record, and how the team has done in the past week in particular. Think of the general rule as follows: Which team would you want your team to play the least right now (no. 1) to the team that would be the most appealing to play.
NOTE: These rankings do not take into account tonight's two CCBL games.
1. Hyannis (4-1, first in Western)
The Harbor Hawks are third in the league in both team ERA and team batting average after the first week, meaning they're one of the few teams without a major disparity between its offense and defense. The side is averaging a respectable 2.6 runs per game, and has allowed just eight runs in the first week — five of which came in the team's only loss of the year. OF Dan Gulbransen and C Kevin Plawecki both are hitting over .350 with at least 14 at bats each, meaning there's a lot of consistency in the team's lineup in the early season.
2. Yarmouth-Dennis (4-1-1, first in Eastern)
Despite being the early leaders in what will likely be the tougher division of the Cape Cod Baseball League in 2011, the Red Sox scored two of its first four wins against Bourne and Falmouth, really the only chink in the vest of an otherwise hard to beat team. Pitching, at least so far, has propelled YD in its beginning games. Only once did the staff allow more than two runs in a game in week one, a seven-run anomaly in a loss to Cotuit. With a seemingly average week ahead (i.e. facing no teams in the in the top four of the power rankings), YD could have an early-season win streak coming.
3. Cotuit (3-2-1, second in Western)
The defending champions are placed in the third spot because as of Thursday, they are the only team in the CCBL that can claim a winning streak. Granted, at two games it's not going to determine the season, but the team continues to gain momentum after its 1-2-1 start. The team's last victory against Bourne in particular is the type of win that streaks are made of, after the squad gave up the lead in the seventh only to regain it on a three-run home run from OF Victor Roache in the eighth.
4. Harwich (3-3, third in Eastern)
As is explained in the next team's paragraph, Harwich would be five if not for their victory over the statistically superior Brewster. That convincing 6-3 win is the only surprise for what has otherwise been a team that wins the games it should — e.g. its doubleheader sweep of Bourne this week — and loses games against teams ahead of it in the standings such as Yarmouth-Dennis and Orleans. OF Jabari Henry is the early offensive bright spot for the Mariners, going 6-20 in his first at-bats, with three of those hits going for doubles. He also has four RBI in just six games.
5. Brewster (3-3, fourth in Eastern)
When it comes to scoring runs, no team is better than the Whitecaps. 2B Ryan Jones leads the league with a 10-19 first week (a .526 average), and the team has put up 12 runs in two separate games this season. However, the results haven't backed up the staggering offense every day. Brewster pitching has given up five or more runs in three of the team's first six games, and the Whitecaps lost the first head-to-head matchup with division rival Harwich (hence why they Mariners are 4 and the Whitecaps 5) by three runs on Tuesday night.
6. Orleans (2-1-1, second in Eastern)
Not much is known about the Firebirds after a good amount of weather disrupted three straight days of games for the team, but early signs could be positive. Orleans tied YD and split a doubleheader with Hyannis. This team very easily could be in the top 3 next week, and this speculation comes from its pitching. Orleans has meager 0.82 ERA, but again the sample size isn't as large as the other teams so there's no guarantee these numbers will hold. A dominant hitter for the Firebirds hasn't emerged yet, and the team is hitting just .170 after one week.
7. Wareham (3-2, second in Western)
Honestly the three through seven spots on this list are much closer than any other grouping, so the Gatemen shouldn't be dissatisfied with lucky number seven. This squad has middle of the division tendencies early in the season with one great hitter (CF Brandon Thomas — hitting .500 after 16 at bats) among what is otherwise an average lineup. The doubleheader sweep of Brewster was impressive, but the team has a potentially-rough next week with two games against Orleans and a doubleheader at Yarmouth-Dennis.
8. Chatam (2-3-1, fifth in Eastern)
Unfortunately for the Anglers, the team's two wins aren't what most would consider quality, as both came by just one against winless Falmouth in a doubleheader. The pitching has been mediocre, with a high ERA (at least by summer league standards) of 3.67, and offensively the only categories the team leads the league in are home runs (positive) and strikeouts (negative). Saturday's matchup against Bourne at Doran Park will be a great opportunity for two desperate teams to add a much-needed win.
9. Bourne (1-4, fourth in Western)
The Braves offense is finally showing vital signs after being held scoreless in the teams' first three games. Those first games were particularly frustrating for the team as they gave up just five runs in those contests, but still weren't able to get runs home. After defeating Falmouth in a matchup of then-winless teams, the Braves suffered a crushing late-inning loss to Cotuit that could've catapulted the team up the division standings (and power rankings). Starting pitching is definitely the best asset for last year's Western champs early in the season, with no starter allowing more than one run in any appearance so far.
10. Falmouth (0-5, fifth in Western)
It could be a long season for the Commodores, especially if the squad's hitting continues to be as paltry as it has in the first five contests. In those five losses, the Commodores have just three runs. The team's 2.11 ERA is more than workable, but the .131 team batting average isn't going to turn around the slow start. The first win should come soon in a probable 2-1, 1-0 type victory, but this isn't the way to start the season for Falmouth.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Jankowski Welcomed Back for 2011 Season
Travis Jankowski was one of five 2010 Braves player’s who were asked to return for the 2011 season, however, Jankowski’s path back to Bourne has had many more uncertainties than other returners.
Jankowski was originally brought to the Braves as a replacement player to fill the holes in the outfield. Fortunately for the Braves, field manager Harvey Shapiro noticed all of the qualities in Jankowski, and chose to keep him around for the entire 2010 season. Travis responded with a stellar season, manning the Braves outfield; he boasted a perfect fielding percentage, and hit for a .239 batting average. One of Jankowski’s most valuable traits is his impressive speed, which allowed him to steal thirteen bases for Bourne in the 2010 season.
Jankowski has returned for the Braves after his impressive sophomore season with the Stony Brook University. Jankowski was a pivotal role in Stony Brook’s American East Championship season, in which they won a school record forty-two games. Jankowski hit for a .355 batting average, while also boasting .457 slugging percentage and .419 on base percentage. Travis managed sixty-six total hits during his 2011 campaign while driving in 38 RBI, stealing 30 bases and perfect fielding percentage.
Unfortunately, Travis, as well as the rest of the Braves squad, has stumbled out of the gate in the young 2011 season. Jankowski has hit for .222 batting average so far in 2011 which has been derived off of nine total plate appearances and two total hits. Though his offense has been held in check, Jankowski has managed to draw two walks in the young season, while also having his presence felt on base with two steals.
Jankowski, and the rest of the Bourne Braves will be in search of their first win at home Wednesday June 15 at 6 pm against the Cotuit Kettleers. For Braves stats, game schedule and any other news about the team visit www.bournebraves.org.
Go Braves!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
One Step Closer: Former Braves look to make a splash in the draft
Grayson Garvin
Vanderbilt
LHP
Grayson Garvin is a 6'6" left-handed pitcher from Vanderbilt. Scouts love his poise and control, and his body type leaves has many believing he could become a dominant major league starter.
2010 Summer Stats:
Nick Ahmed
UCONN
Short Stop
Nick Ahmed is a slick-fielding, fleet-footed shortstop from the University of Connecticut. He is arguably major-league ready in the field and his 6'3", 200 lb frame has many believing he could eventually develop decent power at the plate.
2010 Summer Stats:
Zach Macphee
Arizona State
Infield
Zach McPhee is a scrappy infielder from Arizona State University. His small frame, skill set, and gritty playing style reminds scouts of Dustin Pedroia.
2010 Summer Stats:
Anthony Meo:
Coastal Carolina
RHP
Anthony Meo is a live-armed right handed pitcher from Coastal Carolina. Scouts hope he pitches as well as he did for the Braves last summer and eventually develop into a top of the rotation starter.
Summer 2010 Stats:
Tony Zych
University of Louisville
RHP
Tony Zych is a right-handed closer from Louisville. His deceptive motion and explosive fastball make scouts believe he will be able to breeze through the minors and quickly become an effective big league closer.
2010 Summer Stats:
Vanderbilt
LHP
Grayson Garvin is a 6'6" left-handed pitcher from Vanderbilt. Scouts love his poise and control, and his body type leaves has many believing he could become a dominant major league starter.
2010 Summer Stats:
| Season | Team | W | L | ERA | G | GS | SHO | SV | IP | SO | BB | H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCBL Playoffs 2010 | Bourne Braves | 0 | 0 | 3.86 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4.2 | 4 | 0 | 8 |
| All-Star Game 2010 | Western Division | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| CCBL 2010 | Bourne Braves | 5 | 0 | 0.74 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 36.2 | 37 | 12 | 18 |
| TOTAL | 5 | 0 | 1.06 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 42.1 | 42 | 12 | 26 | |
Nick Ahmed
UCONN
Short Stop
2010 Summer Stats:
| Season | Team | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SO | AVG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCBL Playoffs 2010 | Bourne Braves | 2 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .143 |
| CCBL 2010 | Bourne Braves | 43 | 146 | 24 | 31 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 21 | 30 | .212 |
| TOTAL | 45 | 153 | 24 | 32 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 21 | 31 | .209 | |
Zach Macphee
Arizona State
Infield
Zach McPhee is a scrappy infielder from Arizona State University. His small frame, skill set, and gritty playing style reminds scouts of Dustin Pedroia.
2010 Summer Stats:
| Season | Team | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SO | AVG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCBL Playoffs 2010 | Bourne Braves | 2 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | .286 |
| CCBL 2010 | Bourne Braves | 26 | 73 | 12 | 18 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 16 | 10 | .247 |
| TOTAL | 28 | 80 | 12 | 20 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 18 | 13 | .250 | |
Anthony Meo:
Coastal Carolina
RHP
Summer 2010 Stats:
| Season | Team | W | L | ERA | G | GS | SHO | SV | IP | SO | BB | H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCBL Playoffs 2010 | Bourne Braves | 0 | 0 | 3.00 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 4 |
| CCBL 2010 | Bourne Braves | 2 | 1 | 3.12 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 19 | 12 | 17 |
| TOTAL | 2 | 1 | 3.09 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 32 | 24 | 14 | 21 | |
Tony Zych
University of Louisville
RHP
2010 Summer Stats:
| Season | Team | W | L | ERA | G | GS | SHO | SV | IP | SO | BB | H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCBL Playoffs 2010 | Bourne Braves | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| All-Star Game 2010 | Western Division | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| CCBL 2010 | Bourne Braves | 0 | 0 | 0.89 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 20.1 | 29 | 3 | 17 |
| TOTAL | 0 | 0 | 0.74 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 24.1 | 29 | 3 | 19 | |
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