Category Archives: What We’re Reading

by | April 29, 2013 · 9:47 am

What We’re Reading (4/29/13)

Throughout the 2013 baseball season, the Smokies on Radio staff will be rolling out all the Cubs, Smokies, and baseball news each weekday. To stay current with all the latest news, follow Smokies on Radio on Twitter and like the Smokies on Radio Facebook page.

Former Smokies Darwin Barney and Starlin Castro make up one of the most talented middle infields in all of baseball. Photo Courtesy: Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

Former Smokies Darwin Barney and Starlin Castro make up one of the most talented middle infields in all of baseball. Photo Courtesy: Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

Cubs see Darwin Barney and Starlin Castro as game-changers
Patrick Mooney / CSNChicago.com

“We’re hoping (to) get a little momentum,” Barney said. “We’ve pitched well enough to win a lot more games than we have. It’s just a matter of the offense coming through in the situations they need to and keep (on) pitching. Every day a new guy’s on the mound and there’s never a guy where you’re like: ‘Oh, we might not have a good chance to win today.’ That’s definitely uplifting as a defense.”

With renovations of Wrigley Field, Cubs hope for more pleasant atmosphere
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune

“Hope” has been the mantra of Cubs fans for decades, thanks to a 104-year championship drought and some epic playoff failures in 1984, 2003, ’07 and ’08. Most observant fans already have deemed the 2013 season a hopeless cause, despite their improved play against the lowly Marlins.

Cubs draft pick centers around two elite pitching prospects
Patrick Mooney / CSNChicago.com

“We obviously talked about a lot of the guys and watched video on the top-10 guys,” Sveum said Thursday at Marlins Park. “I watched all of them on video. (I) watched, obviously, the two big boys – Appel and Gray. So if those guys keep (it up), the velocity stays where it is and everything’s going good, I think it’s hard not to take one of those guys.”

Closer-by-committee approached has worked well for the Northsiders
Gordon Wittenmyer / Chicago Sun-Times

Sveum already is pulling it off in the short term. For the first time since the save became an official stat in 1969, the Cubs have three pitchers with multiple saves in April (Gregg has three and Marmol and injured Kyuji Fujikawa have two each). As for long term, he might have the right pitchers to do it. Marmol and Gregg have a combined 264 saves in the majors, and Russell might be the coolest performer out of the Cubs’ bullpen.

ESPN will experiment with analysts positioned near dugouts
Michael Hiestand / USA Today

On ESPN’s Washington-Atlanta game, play-by-play announcer Sean McDonough will be able to stretch out in the booth — analysts Mark Mulder and Doug Glanville won’t be there. Instead those analysts will be positioned near dugouts, likely in the camera wells beside them – to get a field-level view.

Tampa Bay Rays reporter Kelly Nash narrowly misses a batting practice home run.

Tampa Bay Rays reporter Kelly Nash narrowly misses a batting practice home run.

Reporter has close call with home run during batting practice
Nick Schwartz / USA Today

Sun Sports reporter Kelly Nash unknowingly captured a photo of a batting practice homer that almost landed on her head, which makes for perhaps the greatest self-portrait of all time. Nash was atop the Green Monster in Fenway Park when she took a photo to commemorate the occasion, and very narrowly avoided a massive headache.

Michael Wottreng is a Broadcast and Multimedia Assistant for the Smokies Radio Network. You can follow Michael on Twitter here: @MWottreng

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by | April 22, 2013 · 11:43 am

What We’re Reading (4/22/13)

Throughout the 2013 baseball season, the Smokies on Radio staff will be rolling out all the Cubs, Smokies, and baseball news each weekday. To stay current with all the latest news, follow Smokies on Radio on Twitter and like the Smokies on Radio Facebook page.

Former Smokey Starlin Castro is being asked by the Cubs to become a better defensive player.

Former Smokey Starlin Castro is being asked by the Cubs to become a better defensive player.

Cubs Waiting for Starlin Castro to be a More Well-Round Player
Patrick Mooney / CSNChicago.com

Castro led the National League in errors in 2011 with 29. Last year he tied for the major-league lead with 27. Teammates and coaches praise his internal drive and work ethic, while hoping he can maximize his physical gifts and limit the mistakes.

Matt Garza Will Make a Rehab Start Wednesday in Kodak
Patrick Mooney / CSNChicago.com

The brutal, unpredictable weather forced Garza inside Miller Park, where he threw a simulated game on Friday instead of making his first rehab start at Class-A Kane County. He’s scheduled to throw another bullpen session on Sunday before starting on Wednesday for Double-A Tennessee.

Sveum Seeking Consequences for Play of Top Players
Patrick Mooney / CSNChicago.com

Sveum sent the carefully calculated message that all options are on the table for shaking up a 5-12 team, though it’s hard to imagine Rizzo getting shipped to Iowa or Castro being moved in the first season of a seven-year, $60 million contract. And it’s not like the Cubs have impact players knocking down the door in the upper levels of the system.

Alfonso Soriano drops a fly ball Saturday in Milwaukee, one of three errors committed by Chicago in the game. Photo Courtesy: Jeffrey Phelps

Alfonso Soriano drops a fly ball Saturday in Milwaukee, one of three errors committed by Chicago in the game. Photo Courtesy: Jeffrey Phelps

Cubs Defense is Being Compared to ‘Rookie Ball’ Team
Jesse Rogers / ESPNChicago.com

“There’s always options if you can’t play,” Sveum said cryptically. “To win in the big leagues you have to have people that perform, and perform in 162 days and not once in a while. Otherwise you lose your job.”

Former Volunteer Julio Borbon’s Hectic Day
Patrick Mooney / CSNChicago.com

Borbon threw on a Cubs uniform for the first time, warmed up in the dugout and pinch-ran for Dioner Navarro with two outs in the ninth inning. David DeJesus, the potential go-ahead run, saw two pitches before Borbon went with the green light and got thrown out trying to steal second base.

Former Red Travis Wood Tries to Slow Down Cincinnati Offense
Austin Laymance / MLB.com

Travis Wood will start for the Cubs against his former team. In three starts this year, Wood is 1-1 with a 1.83 ERA. He last pitched for the Reds in 2011, and lost his spot in the rotation to Mike Leake, who will take the mound Monday.

Michael Wottreng is a Broadcast and Multimedia Assistant for the Smokies Radio Network. You can follow Michael on Twitter here: @MWottreng

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by | April 17, 2013 · 2:40 pm

What We’re Reading (4/17/13)

Throughout the 2013 baseball season, the Smokies on Radio staff will be rolling out all the Cubs, Smokies, and baseball news each weekday. To stay current with all the latest news, follow Smokies on Radio on Twitter and like the Smokies on Radio Facebook page.

Boston tragedies hit home for Cubs’ Epstein and Hoyer

Carrie Muskat / MLB.com

Theo Epstein worked for the Boston Red Sox as genereal manager and won two World Series prior to coming to Chicago. Photo Courtesy: Winslow Townson /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images

Theo Epstein worked for the Boston Red Sox as genereal manager and won two World Series prior to coming to Chicago. Photo Courtesy: Winslow Townson /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images

While sitting in a scout meeting on Monday afternoon, Theo Epstein got a phone call from his twin brother, Paul, telling him he had finished the Boston Marathon.  45 minutes later, Epstein immediately tried to contact Paul after hearing about the bombings in downtown Boston.

“There are a lot of memories of going to see them run by, going to a few Red Sox games, Patriots’ Day games, and for a decade, going to work and seeing the game. I’d always leave the game at about the seventh inning to go see my brother run by and kind of pull the hat down, hand out, give him a high five, and then go back to work.”

“All my thoughts are with my hometown and the people of Boston,” Epstein said.

Chicago Tribune honors Boston in unique fashion

Michael Katz / USA TODAY

The Chicago Tribune paid honored the city of Boston in an unique way on Tuesday as the publication dedicated the center photo of its sport section to the Boston area sports teams.  The photo displayed logos for the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins, New England Patriots and New England Revolutioin.

Yankees play ‘Sweet Caroline,’ pay tribute to Boston at Yankee Stadium

Mark Feinsand / New York Daily News

The New York Yankees posted this picture Tuesday to show their support for Boston. Photo Courtesy: New York Yankees

The New York Yankees posted this picture Tuesday to show their support for Boston. Photo Courtesy: New York Yankees

The rivalry between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees took a back seat Tuesday as the Yankees honored victims of the Boston tragedies by honoring Boston in a variety of ways.

The Yankees observed a moment of silence before Tuesday’s game, while all flags at the Stadium were at half-mast. A graphic of a ribbon with the Yankees and Red Sox logos appeared on the scoreboard, the words “New York Stands With Boston” and “Pray For Boston” in a circle around them.

In another show of support for their rivals to the north, the Yankees played Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” a staple at Fenway Park, at the end of the third inning.

Cubs add Ranson, Loe, Gregg, Designate Lillibridge, Takahashi for assignment

Carrie Muskat / MLB.com

The Cubs made a rash of moves Tuesday as they claimed Cody Ransom off waivers, designated Brent Lillibridge and Hisanori Takahashi for assingment, and added relivers Kameron Loe and Kevin Gregg to the bullpen.

Former Smokies pitcher Rafael Dolis was sent to Triple-A Iowa to make room for the moves.

Jed Hoyer said the club added Gregg and Loe to add depth in the bullpen following the struggles of Carlos Marmol and injury of Kyuji Fujikawa.

Ransom is a career .215 hitter and will play some third base until Ian Stewart returns from injury.

Berkman on Wrigley: ‘I just don’t enjoy performing in this venue’

Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune

Rangers first baseman Lance Berkman has played many games at Wrigley Field, but is only a .215 hitter at the park. Photo Courtesy: Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

Rangers first baseman Lance Berkman has played many games at Wrigley Field, but is only a .215 hitter at the park. Photo Courtesy: Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

Texas Rangers first baseman recently to Texas media that Wrigley Field is “one of the worst places in baseball… really for anything.”

“I try to speak the unvarnished truth, but unfortunately I’m not smart enough to realize that a lot of times it’s better to keep your mouth shut,” said Berkman.

“A lot of those comments are born because I’m a .215 hitter here,” Berkman told the Tribune. “And a lot of players base their opinions on ballparks on whether they perform well in those ballparks. I don’t mean anything personal against the Cubs organization or the Cubs fans. I just don’t enjoy performing in this venue.

Jeter Likely out beyond May 1

Bryan Hoch / MLB.com

Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter has yet to be cleared to play in Minor League games despite taking batting practice and fielding ground balls the the clubs training complex in Tampa, Florida.

“That was a date that was thrown out there,” Girardi said of the May 1 deadline. “The easiest way for me to say it is, he’ll be back when he’s back, when he can physically do it on an everyday basis.

Nick Roark is a broadcast & media associate for Smokies Radio Network. You can follow him on Twitter here: @NickRoark4.

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by | April 16, 2013 · 10:44 am

What We’re Reading (4/16/13)

Throughout the 2013 baseball season, the Smokies on Radio staff will be rolling out all the Cubs, Smokies, and baseball news each weekday. To stay current with all the latest news, follow Smokies on Radio on Twitter and like the Smokies on Radio Facebook page.

American baseball player Jackie Robinson (1919 - 1972) of the Brooklyn Dodgers at bat during a game, 1940s or 1950s. (Photo by Robert Riger/Getty Images)

American baseball player Jackie Robinson (1919 – 1972) of the Brooklyn Dodgers at bat during a game, 1940s or 1950s. (Photo by Robert Riger/Getty Images)

MLB Celebrated Jackie Robinson Day on Monday
Aj Cassavell/MLB.com

Yesterday, all around the majors players wore number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson. MLB.com ran a nice feature commemorating the event.

Wrigley Field will receive major renovations pending final approval.

Wrigley Field will receive major renovations pending final approval.

Wrigley Field Renovation Deal Complete
Carrie Muskat/ MLB.com

The $500 million dollar plan has been agreed upon in principle but is still pending final approval within next few weeks.

“If this plan is approved, we will win the World Series for our fans and our city,” Ricketts said.

A Look at Cubs Prospects that are Close to Being Ready
Carrie Muskat/ MLB.com

The Tennessee Smokies have five players on the watch list.

Reactions from a Terrifying Day in Boston
Doug Miller/ MLB.com

The explosions took place almost a mile away from Fenway Park where the Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays had just finished a game roughly an hour before.

Baseball Ready to Take Off in China
Tony Dokoupil/ Newsweek

Once a sport rejected by the mainstream in China, baseball’s popularity is rising and could have major ramifications on the game going forward.

Field of Dreams Named Best Baseball Movie by IMBD
Keith Simanton

Not sure if I can take a list that leaves off Angels in the Outfield completely off the list, but I digress. In honor of the Jackie Robinson story hitting the big screen, IMBD ranked the best baseball movies.

Jonathan Reed is a broadcast and media associate with the Smokies Radio Network. You can follow him on twitter here.

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by | April 15, 2013 · 11:28 am

What We’re Reading (4/15/13)

Throughout the 2013 baseball season, the Smokies on Radio staff will be rolling out all the Cubs, Smokies, and baseball news each weekday. To stay current with all the latest news, follow Smokies on Radio on Twitter and like the Smokies on Radio Facebook page.

The Smokies will give away a Darwin Barney bobblehead on August 17th to the first 1,500 fans. Photo Courtesy: Wade Payne

The Smokies will give away a Darwin Barney bobblehead on August 17th to the first 1,500 fans. Photo Courtesy: Wade Payne

Sveum Eager to have Former Smokey Darwin Barwin Back on the Field
Fred Mitchell / Chicago Tribune

“Barney … has complete awareness of the situation and can slow the game down between the 15 seconds that another pitch is thrown,” Sveum said. “(He knows) how the game can change from count to count and score to score, hitter to hitter, left-handed to right-handed … those are the things that we are trying to get the rest of the infield to be aware of.”

VIDEO: Darwin Barney Receives his Gold Glove Prior to Rehab Stint
Vinnie Duber / CSNChicago.com

“It’ll be exciting. It’ll be good to actually see it,” Barney said. “It’s been a long time since I won the award, and I haven’t been able to look at it. It’s exciting to get. I’m ready to start the campaign for a new one.”

Barney joked that the award probably won’t leave his side for quite some time.

“I kind of plan on holding it for a couple days. I won’t put it down. The wife will have to move to the couch for a couple days,” he joked.

Jorge Soler’s Path to the Friendly Confines is More Difficult After Last Week’s Incident
Gordon Wittenmyer / Chicago Sun-Times

As if we didn’t already know that the Cubs’ organization is all about the players in A-ball these days, $30 million outfield prospect Jorge Soler offered a frightening, bat-wielding reminder Wednesday night in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Soler will have a Target on his back on his Ascent
Patrick Mooney / CSNChicago.com

Just look at the reactions across Twitter and the national headlines made out of an advanced Class-A game. The Florida State League slapped Soler with a five-game suspension on Thursday and fined him an undisclosed amount for that bench-clearing incident. It almost certainly won’t be the last time Soler will be provoked.

City of Chicago, Cubs Announce Deal to Renovate Wrigley
Hal Dardick / Chicago Tribune

If all goes as planned, Mayor Rahm Emanuel will have helped engineer a major economic boost for the city without a hit on taxpayers. Ricketts gets more night games and lucrative advertising signs, even if some of his plans were scaled back a bit. Perhaps most vulnerable are the owners of rooftop clubs, some of whom could see their views partially blocked as the clock ticks down on their agreement with the team.

With the Cubs being the only team in Major League Baseball without a video board, this photo compares jumbotrons throughout baseball. Photo Courtesy: Chicago Tribune

Steve Clevenger Hits the 60-day Disabled List
Fred Mitchell / Chicago Tribune

“Soon as I swung I felt like someone stuck a knife in my side. The reason I wasn’t moving was because I couldn’t really breathe too good, so I was just trying to stay down to catch my breath. It took a while for me to catch my breath.”

Former Smokey Roy Halladay wins 200th Game
Associated Press

Halladay (1-2) allowed five hits, walked one and lowered his ERA from 14.73 to 7.63. He’s the 109th pitcher to reach the 200-win milestone, and the first to do so in a Phillies uniform since Hall of Famer Steve Carlton in 1978.

Michael Wottreng is a Broadcast and Multimedia Assistant for the Smokies Radio Network. You can follow Michael on Twitter here: @MWottreng

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by | April 12, 2013 · 11:34 am

What We’re Reading (04/12/13)

Throughout the 2013 baseball season, the Smokies on Radio staff will be rolling out all the Cubs, Smokies, and baseball news each weekday. To stay current with all the latest news, follow Smokies on Radio on Twitter and like the Smokies on Radio Facebook page.

Johermyn Chavez slides into third base against Chattanooga on Thursday at Smokies Park. Photo Courtesy: Matthew Shalbrack/Tennessee Smokies

Johermyn Chavez slides into third base against Chattanooga on Thursday at Smokies Park. Photo Courtesy: Matthew Shalbrack/Tennessee Smokies

Smokies lose fourth game in a row, 6-3

Knoxville News-Sentinel

The Tennessee Smokies gave up 12 hits and countered with only five of their own in a 6-3 loss to the Chattanooga Lookouts in a day game Thursday at Smokies Park.

With the scored tied 2-2 after five innings, Chattanooga pulled away from two-run innings in the sixth and seventh.

Jonathan Mota scored on a force out in the second for Tennessee, Jair Fernandez had an RBI single in the fourth and Justin Bour hit a sacrifice fly to score Arismendy Alcantara in the eighth.

Prospect Soler suspended five games for outburst

Carrie Muskat / Cubs.com

“Jorge is tremendously remorseful about what happened and understands what he did was wrong,” said Theo Epstein, the Cubs’ president of baseball operations. “He didn’t sleep last night — was up all night thinking about it. He was very apologetic. He understands this can’t happen again and understands there will be discipline associated with it.”

Castro still going through growing pains

Jesse Rogers / ESPNChicago.com

Former Smokies Shortstop Starlin Castro has three errors in nine games this season.

Former Smokies Shortstop Starlin Castro has three errors in nine games this season. Photo Courtesy: David Banks/Getty Images

Forgetting the number of outs, forgetting the pitcher is running, rushing easy throws, it’s all part of the same problem: a lack of concentration. So is being over-anxious at the plate. After vowing to take more walks, Castro has yet to earn a free pass. He whiffed in the ninth inning on a pitch a foot outside.

“He throws a good slider,” Castro said of Giants closer Sergio Romo. “I did the best I can.”

The effort might be there but the focus appears lacking. Maybe this is what Cubs’ brass meant when they said things would “play out” regarding where Castro and top prospect Javier Baez would play. Currently both are shortstops but if Castro’s growth stalls there then a move could be on the horizon.

Balcom proud to stand in for Robinson

Benjamin Hill / MLB.com

Former Cubs minor leaguer Jasha Balcom dives for a ball while depicting Jackie Robinson in the film "42." Photo Courtesy: Jasha Balcom

Former Cubs minor leaguer Jasha Balcom dives for a ball while depicting Jackie Robinson in the film “42.” Photo Courtesy: Jasha Balcom

Jasha Balcom, 30, was Robinson’s stunt double in the biopic 42 that opens Friday in theaters nationwide. Though Chadwick Boseman is the actor who portrays Robinson in the film, it is Balcom whom you will often see crouching in the batter’s box, diving for ground balls in the hole and wreaking havoc on the basepaths.

Dodgers tip Padres in game marred by brawl, Zack Greinke’s injury

ESPN.com

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:9162952

“I never hit him on purpose,” said Greinke, who had his left arm in a sling and appeared shaken after the game. “I never thought about hitting him on purpose. He always seems to think that I’m hitting him on purpose, but that’s not the case. That’s all I can really say about it.”

Asked if there was bad blood between the teams, Greinke, who twice hit Quentin with pitches when they were in the American League, said: “Now there probably is. I don’t know if there was beforehand.”

He said the injury was “awful. It’s silly that something could happen like that. I’m disappointed.”

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by | April 11, 2013 · 9:58 am

What We’re Reading (04/11/13)

Throughout the 2013 baseball season, the Smokies on Radio staff will be rolling out all the Cubs, Smokies, and baseball news each weekday. To stay current with all the latest news, follow Smokies on Radio on Twitter and like the Smokies on Radio Facebook page.

Smokies first baseman Justin Bour rounds the bases as he hit his first home run of the seaon in the team’s home opener. Smokies lost 8-2 to the Chattanooga Lookouts. Photo courtesy of Saul Young, Knoxville News-Sentinel.

Memories made at Smokies Park on opening day

Adam Greene / Knoxville News-Sentinel

The Tennessee Smokies dropped their home opener to the Chattanooga Lookouts 8-2 Wednesday night. But for East Tennesseans, young and old, the return of baseball season made the night a success.

Rain, cold postpone Brewers-Cubs finale

Joey Nowak / Cubs.com

Wednesday’s series finale between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Chicago Cubs was postponed due to inclement weather. The teams will make-up the game on July 30th with a day-night double-header.

Cubs prospect was ejected from his game Wednesday night after storming the Clearwater Threshers’ bench with a bat. Photo courtesy of USA Today.

D-Cubs prospect Soler wields bat, stopped near Threshers’ dugout

Daytona Beach News-Journal / Brian Linder

The No. 3 prospect in the Chicago Cubs organization, Jorge Soler, was ejected Wednesday night from the Daytona Cubs game against the Clearwater Threshers. A seventh inning play at second base between Soler and Edgar Alonso escalated until both teams’ benches cleared. After the conflict was separated, Soler then took off for the Threshers’ dugout, bat in hand.

Goat’s head delivered to Wrigley

Chicago Tribune / Ameet Sachdev and David Heinzmann

The long-standind involvement of goats and the Chicago Cubs took another turn Wednesday as a goat’s head was delivered to Wrigley Field addressed for Cubs owner Tom Ricketts. While the head never reached Ricketts, this marks just another time that a goat’s head has been publicly involved with Wrigley, following the 1945 World Series stand off between the Cubs and former bar owner William Sianis.

Iowa Cubs catcher Luis Flores hit a home run in the I-Cubs first win of the season. Photo courtesy of Adam Brimer, the Knoxville News-Sentinel.

Iowa Cubs won’t return home empty-handed

Des Moines Register

The Iowa Cubs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, won their first game of the 2013 campaign with a 3-2 win over Round Rock. Former Smokies Luis Flores homered and Blake Parker recorded the save.

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by | April 9, 2013 · 10:10 am

What We’re Reading (4/9/2013)

Throughout the 2013 baseball season, the Smokies on Radio staff will be rolling out all the Cubs, Smokies, and baseball news each weekday. To stay current with all the latest news, follow Smokies on Radio on Twitter and like the Smokies on Radio Facebook page.

Wrigley Field could be the home to extra night games if the Cubs get their way. Photo: AP Beth A. Keiser

Wrigley Field could be the home to extra night games if the Cubs get their way. Photo: AP Beth A. Keiser

Ricketts and Epstein Push for More Night Games
Paul Sullivan/ Chicago Tribune

The Cubs are currently restricted to only 30 night games, but both the Chairman and President want to be able to add more in the future. The reasons are both financial for the team and physical for the players.

“There are times we’re coming back from a West Coast trip that make it awkward,” Ricketts said Monday. “And there are times when a night game just fits better for us. And there are also times where the league will take away a day game and make it a night game, so there are a lot of moving parts.”

It has been a rough start to 2013 for Carlos Marmol Photo Courtesy: Getty Images

It has been a rough start to 2013 for Carlos Marmol Photo Courtesy: Getty Images

 

Carlos Marmol Opens up about Boos, Cubs Teammates Defend Him
Jesse Rogers/ ESPNChicago.com

After losing both his role as the closer and the game in Atlanta Saturday night, Cubs fans let Carlos Marmol hear their displeasure during their home opener.

Marmol was booed both during player introductions and when he came in to pitch in the 8th inning. When asked if the boos bothered him,

“Not at all,” he said. “I hear the boos. I don’t take it a bad way. You have to enjoy. I’m not saying I have to enjoy that but I don’t have to worry about it. They pay money to see us and some player not doing his job, [they can boo].”

Excitement in the Air as the Kane County Cougars Begin Initial Season in Cubs Organization
Jack McCarthy/ Chicago Tribune Special

The organization signed a two-year deal with Kane County to serve as the low Class A affiliate.

New Manager Mark Johnson speaks on his role with the young players:

“For the kids, this is a huge developmental stage,” Johnson said. “They don’t know yet about routines and how to handle adversity. This is their first time in a full season, so there’s a lot of things they have to understand and learn. This is where it all starts.“

Controversial Call Costs Tampa Bay, Earns Joe Nathan 300th Career Save
Jim Reeves/ MLB.com

On a full count in the ninth inning of a 5-4 game, Umpire Marty Foster’s mistake cost the Tampa Bay Rays and Evan Longoria a shot to tie or win the game when Ben Zobrist was called out on a third strike.

Foster has since admitted his mistake.

“I saw the pitch, and of course I don’t have the chance to do it again, but had I had a chance to do it again, I wouldn’t call that pitch a strike.”

Rangers closer Joe Nathan earned his 30th career save.

 

Jonathan Reed is an Intern with the Smokies Radio Network. You can follow him at twitter here (@Jon__reed).

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by | April 8, 2013 · 1:16 pm

What We’re Reading (4/8/13)

Throughout the 2013 baseball season, the Smokies on Radio staff will be rolling out all the Cubs, Smokies, and baseball news each weekday. To stay current with all the latest news, follow Smokies on Radio on Twitter and like the Smokies on Radio Facebook page.

Justin Bour slides past Blue Wahoos catcher Tucker Barnhart on Sunday. Photo Courtesy: Bruce Graner

Justin Bour slides past Blue Wahoos catcher Tucker Barnhart on Sunday. Photo Courtesy: Bruce Graner

PHOTO GALLERY: Blue Wahoos vs. Smokies
Pensacola News Journal

Number 2 Pick Coming into Focus for Cubs’ Hoyer
Patrick Mooney / CSNChicago.com

“We’ve been really open about the fact that we need a lot more pitching in the organization, whether that comes at the second pick or not,” Hoyer said Saturday at Turner Field. “We’re really very open to taking a hitter at No. 2. But I think it’s a safe bet we’re going to pound away at pitching throughout the draft, like we did last year.”

Jeff Samardzija’s 13 Strikeout Game a Key Piece to Wrigley Renovation Plan
Patrick Mooney / CSNChicago.com

Samardzija flirted with Kerry Wood’s 20-strikeout pace before slowly unraveling in the sixth inning of Sunday’s 5-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves that swept the Cubs out of Turner Field. He was animated and intense but said it had nothing to do with feeling the pressure of working with almost no margin for error.

Ricketts: Renovation of Wrigley Best Option to Compete 
David Kaplan / CSNChicago.com

“We have always considered Wrigley Field the best option for our franchise and we continue to feel that way,” he said. “I appreciate the efforts of the mayor and the alderman to work with us, and we have agreed to continue the process that we hope will result in us preserving Wrigley Field for the long haul while also giving our players and fans the amenities that we need to compete and they deserve to have when they attend a game.”

Cubs Players Excited About Cubs Renovation Plans
Gordon Wittenmyer / Chicago Sun-Times

“You kind of fall in love with the place as it is right now as a player, especially the way you enter the clubhouse, the way you leave the clubhouse, the way you go to the dugout and things like that,” Samardzija said, “and you know that’ll all be different. That’s the way things go sometimes.”

Cubs Name Fujukawa Closer After Marmol Falters
Patrick Mooney / CSNChicago.com

“That’s one reason we signed him – in case something like this happens,” Sveum said. “He’s been (the guy) in Japan (who) has done it many, many times. He’s comfortable in getting those last three outs.

Michael Wottreng is a Broadcast and Multimedia Assistant for the Smokies Radio Network. You can follow Michael on Twitter here: @MWottreng

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by | April 4, 2013 · 10:37 am

What We’re Reading (04/04/13)

Throughout the 2013 baseball season, the Smokies on Radio staff will be rolling out all the Cubs, Smokies, and baseball news each weekday. To stay current with all the latest news, follow Smokies on Radio on Twitter and like the Smokies on Radio Facebook page.

Plenty of experience on Smokies 2013 roster

Adam Greene / Knoxville News-Sentinal

Opening Day is here for the Tennessee Smokies and the rest of the Southern League. The Smokies announced their roster Tuesday and it features 17 returning Smokies.

Rogers earns start in opener

Brady Aymond / Pensacola News Journal

On Opening Day, the Smokies will face Pensacola Blue Wahoos pitcher Chad Rogers. In 2012, Rogers had a 9-5 record with a 2.90 ERA and struck out 111 batters. But starting on Opening Day probably doesn’t compare to the shark attack that Rogers endured in 2010.

Pitcher Edwin Jackson made his first start in a Cubs uniform but recorded a loss to the Pirates. Photo courtesy: AP.

Listless offense spoils Jackson’s debut

Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune

The Chicago Cubs’ offense seemed to be slowed by the cold  Wednesday night in a 3-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Edwin Jackson made his first start as a Cub and pitched five innings, allowing one earned run.

An overhead view of Pensacola Bayfront Stadium, the site of the Smokies’ Opening Day. Photo courtesy: milb.com.

Ballparks of the Southern League

Have you ever wondered what the stadiums that the Smokies play look like when they are on the road?  With this slideshow from the Southern League website, you can see what all the Southern League ballparks look like, including the site of tonight’s match-up Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.

D-backs outlast Cards on Pennington’s walk-off

Tyler Emerick / MLB.com

An 16-inning affair ended with a Cliff Pennington single up the middle and an Arizona Diamondback 10-9 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. Relief pitcher Josh Collmenter pitched the final five innings, just one day after pitching 1 2/3 innings.

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