The Tides (Still) Wait For No Man

[Guest Rotblatt]

Taking the cue from JD, here's the thread to track our AAA Tides, whose first game is Thursday, April 6--the beginning of a four-game series against the Durham Bulls.

I'll kick it off with an article about uber-prospect Lastings Milledge.

With skipper Oberkfell recovering from surgery, Tony Tijerina, the Mets minor league field coordinator, is acting manager.

Here's a partial roster of players. Norfolk hasn't posted their final roster on their website yet. New acquisitions are in blue. Guys to watch are in bold.

C: J. Hietpas (26), S. Martinez
1B: C. Brazell (25)
2B: J. Keppinger (25)
3B: C. Lambin (26)
SS: C. Basak (27)
OF: Milledge (21), A. Concepcion (24), T. Self (27)
SP: J. Scobie (26), J. Maine (24), Y. Iriki (33), J. Lima(33)
RP: H. Bell (28), R. Ring (25), B. McGinley (27), J. Hill (28), J. Riggan (31), T. Lavigne (27), S. Schmoll (26), B. Fortunato (31), J. Perez (27), M. Wylie (29), P. Feliciano (29)

on edit: Changed Opening Day. Got confused by their online schedule.

[MFS62]

With a lot of last round cuts, that squad should be playing in a AAAA League.

Later

[Guest Edgy DC]

Mitch Wylie, we already know, refused his assignment. Filling his spot, the Mets have plucked Seton Hall infield product Ray Navarette out of thin air.

Catchers
No	Name	Pos	DOB	Height	Weight	Bats	Throws
51	Joe Hietpas	C	05/01/79	6' 3"	220 lbs	R	R
29	Zac Clements	C	04/17/80	6' 0"	215 lbs	R	R
31	Sandy Martinez	C	10/08/70	6' 2"	215 lbs	L	R
Infielders
No	Name	Pos	DOB	Height	Weight	Bats	Throws
12	Chase Lambin	IF	07/07/79	6' 1"	180 lbs	B	R
10	Chris Basak	IF	12/06/78	6' 2"	190 lbs	R	R
7	Jeff Keppinger	IF	04/21/80	6' 0"	180 lbs	R	R
11	Ray Navarrete	IF	11/20/78	6' 0"	190 lbs	R	R
21	Juan Tejeda	IF	01/26/82	6' 2"	195 lbs	R	R
Outfielders
No	Name	Pos	DOB	Height	Weight	Bats	Throws
38	Cory Aldridge	OF	06/13/79	6' 1"	220 lbs	L	R
27	Lastings Milledge	OF	04/05/85	6' 0"	187 lbs	R	R
25	Julio Ramirez	OF	08/10/77	5' 11"	197 lbs	R	R
28	Todd Self	OF	11/09/78	6' 5"	215 lbs	L	R
Pitchers
No	Name	Pos	DOB	Height	Weight	Bats	Throws
19	Heath Bell	P	09/29/77	6' 3"	225 lbs	R	R
30	Tim LaVigne	P	07/04/78	5' 10"	208 lbs	R	R
47	Blake McGinley	P	08/02/78	6' 1"	175 lbs	R	L
22	Jason Scobie	P	09/01/78	6' 1"	195 lbs	R	R
40	Royce Ring	P	12/21/80	6' 0"	220 lbs	L	L
39	Pedro Feliciano	P	08/25/76	5' 10"	185 lbs	L	L
43	Bartolome Fortunato	P	08/24/74	6' 1"	197 lbs	R	R
54	Jeremi Gonzalez	P	01/08/75	6' 0"	220 lbs	R	R
16	Yusaku Iriki	P	05/10/80	5' 10"	180 lbs	R	R
32	Jose Lima	P	09/30/72	6' 2"	200 lbs	R	R
33	John Maine	P	05/08/81	6' 4"	193 lbs	R	R
35	Juan Perez	P	09/03/78	6' 0"	170 lbs	R	L
46	Steve Schmoll	P	02/04/80	6' 2"	200 lbs	R	R

They're not showing Soler, who may well have gone to extended spring training until a spot opens up. So I'm guessing the rotation is Gonzalez, Lima, Iriki, Scobie, Maine?

[Guest Rotblatt]

Well, the Tides got crushed by the Bulls tonight, 8-0.

Lima got the start an only managed 5 innings, giving up 4 ER on 7 H, including 2 HR. He struck out 4 and didn't walk any.

Milledge led off and went 1-4. Keppinger, batting second, went 1-3 with a double and a walk.

Matt Wylie, who was released by the Mets then re-signed to a minor league deal, pitched 1.7 IP, striking out 4 but allowing 2 runs, 2 hits and a walk.

Schmoll went .7 IP, allowing 3 H, 2 ER & a walk.

Lefty Juan Perez went 1.7 IP, giving up 2 H & a BB, but K'ing 2.

[Guest Edgy DC]

Smiley Wiley ends up a Metty after all. Howsaboutthat?

[Guest Rotblatt]

From BP:

]The 2-3-4 hitters in Durham's lineup: If you live in the Triangle down in North Carolina, get to Durham and get there quick, as I get the feeling that this isn't going to last very long. On Opening Day however, as righthander Jason Hammel was striking out seven in five shutout innings, shortstop B.J. Upton, right fielder Delmon Young and left fielder Elijah Dukes each had two hits, with Upton adding a double, a stolen base and, just as importantly, no errors.

Roster breakdown from the Virginia Pilot:

]Heath Bell Righthanded pitcher Age: 28 Ht: 6-3 Wt: 226 Last year: Saw action in 42 games for the New York Mets as a middle reliever, going 1-3 with a 5.59 ERA. The rest of the season was spent with the Tides, for whom he�s pitched parts of the last four seasons. This year: Bell�s goal is to leave the minor leagues behind . . . for good. Bartolome Fortunato Righthanded pitcher Age: 31 Ht: 6-1 Wt: 197 Last year: Something flared up in his back in spring training. By June, he was undergoing surgery to repair a herniated disk. This year: It�s all about regaining that magic that allowed Fortunato to strike out 434 in 396.2 innings in his six previous professional seasons. Jeremi Gonzalez Righthanded pitcher Age: 31 Ht: 6-0 Wt: 220 Last year: Bounced between Boston and Triple-A Pawtucket. Was 2-1 with a 6.11 ERA for Boston. While with Pawtucket, he was 5-2 with a 2.61 ERA in 11 starts. This year: Has spent the last three years bouncing between the majors and Triple-A. No reason to believe this won�t be a similar scenario. Yusaku Iriki Righthanded pitcher Age: 33 Ht: 5-10 Wt: 180 Last year: Was 6-7 with a 3.35 ERA for the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters in Japan. Ranked in the top 10 in Japan in strikeouts and ERA, had two quality starts and two shutouts. This year: Another attempt by the Mets to blend a Japanese player into the mix. They�ve had mixed results with this so far. Tim LaVigne Righthanded pitcher Age: 27 Ht: 5-10 Wt: 208 Last year: LaVigne was dazzling at the Double-A level early � 1.04 ERA and five saves in eight appearances � then ground out the rest of the year with the Tides, going 1-3 with a 3.65 ERA in middle relief. He was then Reliever of the Year in Puerto Rico Winter League with 20 saves in 27 appearances. This year: A split-fingered fastball is his new weapon. Jose Lima Righthanded pitcher Age: 33 Ht: 6-2 Wt: 210 Last year: Had a tough year with Kansas City, going 5-16 with a 6.99 ERA. This year: He�s a reclamation project, hoping to regain the sizzle that led to a 13-5 mark with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2004. A 21-game winner in 1999 while with Houston, he could quickly vault back into the majors. John Maine Righthanded pitcher Age: 24 Ht: 6-4 Wt: 203 Last year: Split time between Triple-A Ottawa and Baltimore and was 2-3 with a 6.30 ERA with the Orioles in 10 appearances, eight of those starts. This year: Maine could make the Mets look smart in their 2-for-1 deal that sent Kris Benson to the Orioles in exchange for Jorge Julio and Maine. Blake McGinley Lefthanded pitcher Age: 27 Ht: 6-1 Wt: 175 Last year: Spent most of the campaign with the Tides, going 4-4 with a 3.42 ERA and two saves. This year: A crafty lefthander in an organization that doesn�t have many at the higher levels, McGinley could make himself very valuable if he gets off to a fast start. Juan Perez Lefthanded pitcher Age: 27 Ht: 6-0 Wt: 170 Last year: Was 4-5 with a 4.50 ERA in middle relief for Triple-A Pawtucket. This year: A free agent lefthander who will have an opportunity to prove himself to the Mets. Royce Ring Lefthanded pitcher Age: 25 Ht: 6-0 Wt: 220 Last year: Saw action with the Mets and in 11 of his 15 appearances was unscored upon. Was 0-2 with a 5.06 ERA in majors, 3-0 with a 3.26 ERA with the Tides in 33 appearances. This year: Yet another lefthander who could end up in the big-league bullpen soon. Ring has a 14-7 career record in the minors and has steadily climbed up the ladder to get here. Steve Schmoll Righthanded pitcher Age: 26 Ht: 6-3 Wt: 220 Last year: Spent much of the season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, making 48 appearances and picking up three saves, posting a 2-2 record and 5.01 ERA. Was also with Triple-A Las Vegas briefly. This year: Comes to the Mets organization as part of the multi-player trade for Jae Seo. Jason Scobie Righthanded pitcher Age: 26 Ht: 6-1 Wt: 195 Last year: Was the Tides� player of the year after equaling the club record for victories, going 15-7 with a 3.37 ERA. This year: Was a non-roster invitee to the Mets� spring training camp, so the parent club has an eye on him. Mitch Wylie Righthanded pitcher Age: 29 Ht: 6-3 Wt: 195 Last year: Began the season playing Independent League ball for Sioux City. Was eventually signed by San Francisco and went 3-5 with a 4.50 ERA for Triple-A Fresno. This year: Could be a spot starter when not coming out of the bullpen. Joe Hietpas Catcher Age: 26 Ht: 6-3 Wt: 220 Bats: Right Throws: Right Last year: Spent the majority of the year with Double-A Binghamton, joining the Tides late in the summer. Batted .216 with Binghamton and .194 with the Tides. This year: Should split time behind the plate with Sandy Martinez. Sandy Martinez Catcher Age: 35 Ht: 6-2 Wt: 215 Bats: Left Throws: Right Last year: Helped the Toledo Mud Hens win an International League title by hitting .265 with five home runs and 35 RBIs. This year: Despite his age, Martinez should do much of the catching for the Tides. Martinez has spent parts or all of eight seasons in the major leagues with six different clubs. He is a viable insurance policy for the major league club. Chris Basak Infielder Age: 27 Ht: 6-2 Wt: 190 Bats: Right Throws: Right Last year: Solid season for the Tides in which he hit .272 with eight homers and 41 RBIs in 93 games. This year: Should see a lot of time at shortstop with the Tides. Jeff Keppinger Infielder Age: 25 Ht: 6-0 Wt: 180 Bats: Right Throws: Right Last year: A banner season was cut short by injury when Keppinger fractured a bone in his leg while turning a double play. Was hitting .337 and seemed headed for a callup before the injury occurred. This year: Will look to pick up where he left off while trying to show the Mets he has more range at second base. Chase Lambin Infielder Age: 26 Ht: 6-1 Wt: 180 Bats: Switch Throws: Right Last year: Had a break-out year in which he was an Eastern League All-Star infielder in Double-A, then was promoted to Triple-A and flourished. All told, Lambin had 24 homers and batted a combined .309. This year: Could make a name for himself with another productive season. Ray Navarette Infielder Age: 27 Ht: 6-0 Wt: 190 Bats: Right Throws: Right Last year: Hit .232 for Double-A Corpus Christi in the Houston organization and .260 for Independent League-member Somerset. This year: Shooting to reclaim the magic that led to a .318 average with Class A Lynchburg in 2002. Juan Tejeda First baseman Age: 24 Ht: 6-2 Wt: 195 Bats: Right Throws: Right Last year: Hit .291 with 14 homers and 82 RBIs for Double-A Erie in the Detroit organization. This year: His transition to Triple-A ball could be eased should the Mets send Anderson Hernandez down to Norfolk. Tejeda and Hernandez are best friends. Cory Aldridge Outfielder Age: 26 Ht: 6-1 Wt: 220 Bats: Left Throws: Right Last year: Played briefly with Triple-A Omaha, but mostly with Double-A Wichita, where he hit .271 with 27 home runs and 77 RBIs in 98 games. This year: If the winds are friendly at Harbor Park, he could be the Tides� most dangerous lefthanded power hitter since Roberto Petagine. Lastings Milledge Outfielder Age: 20 Ht: 6-1 Wt: 187 Bats: Right Throws: Right Last year: Baseball America tabbed him the top prospect in the Mets organization, with good reason. The 12th overall pick of the 2003 draft, Milledge hit .302 for Class A St. Lucie and .337 for Double-A Binghamton. This year: With a .313 career average in the minors, it�s just a matter of continuing to hit . . . and waiting for a shot at the majors. Julio Ramirez Outfielder Age: 28 Ht: 5-11 Wt: 197 Bats: Right Throws: Right Last year: Spent majority of the season with Triple-A Fresno, hitting .241 with 23 homers and 60 RBIs. Was a September call-up to the San Francisco Giants and played briefly. This year: With his power and speed � he stole 22 bases last season � a bump up in batting average could make increase his value. Todd Self Outfielder Age: 27 Ht: 6-5 Wt: 215 Bats: Left Throws: Right Last year: Batted .298 for Triple-A Round Rock in the Houston organization with eight homers and 47 RBIs. Hit .200 in 18 games with the parent Astros. This year: The Mets picked Self up off waivers when Houston designated him for assignment last September. It could prove to be a smart move by the Mets. Tony Tijerina Interim manager Tijerina was named interim manager while Ken Oberkfell recovers from leg surgery. In five years as a manager in the Mets organization, he compiled a 333-308 record (.520 winning percentage). He is the Mets minor league field coordinator.

[Guest Rotblatt]

Also from the Pilot:

]Lima, who has 12 years of experience in the majors and is trying to get back there after going 5-16 with the Kansas City Royals last season, was tagged with the loss, allowing seven hits over five innings and leaving with the Tides trailing 4-0. But he made a curtain call to sing �God Bless America� on behalf of the local police and firefighters who were honored by the Tides on Opening Night. And Lima was impressive with the microphone in hand. Then again, it did not surprise the Tides after what he�d done on Wednesday. With local national anthem singers testing the speakers at Harbor Park while the Tides took batting practice, Lima strolled over and calmly took the mike from one of the singers after she�d finished. He then leaned against the netting behind home plate and casually started singing �God Bless America.� Asked by team officials if he could do that during games, he happily agreed. �I�d heard about him singing in the clubhouse during spring training to keep the guys loose,� Basak said. �He�s definitely got some talent.�

[Guest Edgy DC]

By the way, minor league umpires are on strike arnd being replaced by scabs whose names aren't being released. Review the issues and see if you want to support your minor-league umpires.

[Guest Rotblatt]

Norfolk game called on account of rain yesterday.

April 7
Chase Lambin singled in Lastings Milledge in the bottom of the first to give the Tides a lead, but the Tides held it for only 1/2 an inning, as SP J. Gonzalez got dinked to death by the powerhouse Bulls:

5.33 IP, 7 H (1 2B, 1 3B), 5 ER, 1 K

Lavigne, Feliciano & Fortunato were all perfect in relief, going 1.7, 1.3 & .7 innings, respectively. DH Navarrete hit a two-run homer in the second to tie the Bulls and CF Julio Ramirez hit a solo shot in the 8th to bring the Tides within 1.

They went down quietly in the 9th, however, and lost 5-4.

[Guest Rotblatt]

Tides won their second game last night, 6-4, as Lima pitched 6 strong innings, allowing 4 hits and 1 earned run while striking out 3. He didn't walk anyone.

Tides are 2-4 on the season.

Milledge went 1-3 with a double and a walk. He's batting .300 AVG/.400 OBP/.400 SLG/.800 OPS in 20 AB. 1 BB, 3 K.

Keppinger went 0-3 with a walk. He's been displaying a fine eye at the plate in 17 AB: .235 AVG/.391 OBP/.294 SLG/.685 OPS with 5 BB & 0 K.

SS Basak went 1-3 with a walk. He's been Norfolk's hottest hitter so far, going .375 AVG/.524 OBP/.500 SLG/1.024 OPS in 16 AB. 5 BB, 2 K.

3B Chase Lambin, who's been hitting cleanup, went 2-4 with a double. .273 AVG/.304 OBP/.409 SLG/.713 OPS

Feliciano pitched a scoreless inning in relief.

Fortunado got hit hard, giving up 3 ER in 2/3 of an inning.

Ring relieved with a runner on second and two outs, but didn't make an out, walking Cooper, hitting Merloni with a pitch, then giving up a single to Gautreau.

Heath Bell came on to strike out Jose Flores. In the ninth, he earned his first save of '06 by striking out Einar Diaz & Franklin Gutierrez before getting Ben Francisco to ground out.

For the season, Bell has been perfect through 2.3 IP, striking out 6 of the 7 batter he faced.

Here's a crazy idea--let's call him up.

[Guest Rotblatt]

Iriki's been released.

Batters

Lastings "I'm ready NOW" Milledge:
44 AB, .386 AVG/.491 OBP/.636 SLG/1.127 OPS, 6 BB, 7 K, 3 SB, 1 CS

IF, Juan "Picking up Where I Left Off This Spring" Tejeda:
22 AB, .318 AVG/.348 OBP/.545 SLG/.893 OPS, 1 BB, 4 K

Middle IF, Chris "Consistent" Basak, .310 AVG/.420 OBP/.381 SLG/.801 OPS, 7 BB, 10 K, 1 SB, 2 CS

Kaz "Meh" Matsui:
11 AB, .273 AVG/.273 OBP/.455 SLG/.727 OPS, 0 BB, 2 K

Jeff "I was good last year!" Keppinger:
38 AB, .263 AVG/.362 OBP/.289 SLG/.651 OPS, 7 BB, 1 K

Pitchers

SP Jeremi Gonzalez: 18 IP, 3.50 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 14 K, 3 BB
SP Lima Time: 15 IP, 8.40 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 13 K, 1 BB
SP John Maine: 12 IP, 1.50 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 6 K, 3 BB
SP Scobie: 9 IP, 8.00 ERA, 1.67 WHIP, 8 K, 3 BB
RP Lavigne: 8.2 IP, 2.08 ERA, 0.46 WHIP, 4 K, 2 BB
C Bell: 5.1 IP, 3.38 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 5 K, 1 BB
RP McGinley: 4 IP, 2.25 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 3 K, 3 BB

On edit:

Gonzalez is a 31-year old journeyman with a career line of 516.2 IP, 4.84 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 310 K, 215 BB. He's pitched mostly in the AL, last pitching in the NL in 1998 at the age of 23.

If we needed to call up a starter, Gonzalez would be a pretty good bet. Most NL batters won't have seen him, and he might do a little better than average his first time through teams

Maine's looking pretty decent now too, although he's going to have to work on improving his K rate.

Bell's been solid, although he's no longer pitching lights-out.

With Julio seemingly turning it around and Feliciano looking decent yesterday, Bell won't get a chance unless someone goes down with an injury.

Kind of a shame. I wonder if we'll end up letting him go and regretting it, ala Wheels.

[Elster88]

Matsui is hitting better than Keppinger??

What has gone wrong with this world?!?! After Cairo and Hernandez, I was assured that Keppinger was also better than Matsui.

[Guest Yancy Street Gang]

]Lastings "I'm ready NOW" Milledge: 44 AB, .386 AVG/.491 OBP/.636 SLG/1.127 OPS, 6 BB, 7 K, 3 SB, 1 CS

Wow.

I have to at least ask, why are we diddling around with Jose Valentin in left field?

[Elster88]

Excellent question. I'm not able to answer it.

I can never remember the rules though about call-ups and call-downs and how many times it can be done before other teams can snatch him and when his free agency clock starts.

If Beltran and Floyd really aren't hurt that badly I wouldn't want to f--- with any of that stuff.

[Centerfield]

Where's Alay Soler?

[Guest Edgy DC]

I'm certain that it hasn't so much to do with free agency clocks but rather putting the long-term needs of Milledge's development ahead of the short-term needs of outfielders for this series. Disagree with that as you may.

[Guest Yancy Street Gang]

I think that's the case too. And by asking the question, I wasn't necessarily advocating Milledge's promotion.

But I'm also not convinced that it would be a bad idea either.

[Guest *62]

Centerfield wrote: Where's Alay Soler?

st. lucie

17K and 8H in 15 IP (3 starts) ........ 0.60 ERA ........ 1.00 WHIP

He's dominating

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=t_ibp&cid=507

[Centerfield]

Thanks 62. Couldn't help but notice from your link that we have an Edgar Alfonzo pitching! Is that who I think it is?

[Guest Edgy DC]

Not convinced either and I'm sure it's come up.

The thing is that up until 15 hours ago there was no pressure to do anything. One smacking and we're all al ittle nervous.

It's bad that none of their AAAA-type batters are performing.

One thing --- the Mets have got to take Matsui to San Diego.

Edgar is the Fonz's nephew and my adopted son. I'm calling him Spike.

[Frayed Knot]

]I can never remember the rules though about call-ups and call-downs and how many times it can be done before other teams can snatch him and when his free agency clock starts.

Conditions vary depending on the status of the guy you're calling up, but here's what would be involved with Milledge:

- He's not yet on the 40-man roster so would need to be added first.
That would entail taking someone off it such as was done when adding Feliciano (and while I doubt too many are crying over the loss of Iriki, with the lack of starting depth at the ML level you never know when a guy like him might be valuable - even if only temporarily).

- 2006 would become his first "option year". This is probably small potatoes as I suspect we'll see him at some point this year anyway even if it's not until Sept call-ups. Plus, if he's as good as projected than you're not going to be worried about have the ability to farm him out 3 years down the road. And if he's not as good as projected ...

- You'd also "start the clock" on his ML service time which *MIGHT* speed up his eligibility for Arb and FA. If it's only a temp call-up the 10-15 days he's active won't change a thing.


I doubt we'll see him anytime soon.
If Beltran needs DL-ing than Diaz comes back and if Beltran isn't DL'ed than there's no room for him.
The '4-into-3' theory works OK if you've got guys who are mix-n-match types but it's not like a healthy Beltran, Floyd or even Nady as he's hitting now are going to sit out much and you're not going to bring Lastings up just to platoon. At least not yet.

[Guest Edgy DC]

Yeah, but it's not like they're healthy right now. And part of that strategy is getting and keeping them healthy.

If everybody's hitting, I can't see why anybody whould have a large problem not starting once every fifth or sixth day instead of every tenth. If everybody isn't hitting, the problem will solve itself.

[Frayed Knot]

"I can't see why anybody whould have a large problem not starting once every fifth or sixth day instead of every tenth"

Re-phrased that could read as; 'we're developing a plan where we make sure our multi-million dollar sluggers (Beltran, Floyd, maybe Delgado) miss at least 17%-20% of our games'

[Guest Edgy DC]

Well, 17-20% of their starts, anyway, but

• better they miss them in staying healthy, than on the DL or hobbling;


• they also have a big long-term investment in Milledge, even most of it isn't already accounted for in his current contract


• they also have a big long-term investment in winning as many games this eyear as possible.

Floyd is the only one in a contract year, so he's the most likely to be a malcontent because the difference between 24 and 28 homers could cost him, but presumably increased rest would improve his percentages.

[Frayed Knot]

I want the big bats in my lineup starting more than 130 games/year and am not real anxious to have my #1 prospect sitting even more often instead of playing everyday at AAA.

[Guest Edgy DC]

Well, the assumption (this conversation is in the wrong thread) was Dickshot's scenario "Millege called up temporarily and rakes" which I assume to mean that he hit as good as or better than at least one of the "big bats."

[Guest Rotblatt]

4/20/06

Norfolk's mistress Luna has kept the Tides (4-11) at a constant ebb this season, as last night's 3-9 loss to the Red Wings floated them into a tie for last place.

Rochester capitilized on Norfolk's waning defense, overcoming waxy performances from Milledge, Lambin & Keppinger.

Milledge went 1-3 with 2 walks and stole his fourth base on the year. He has now walked in four straight games. Lambin, hitting in the three hole, went 2-3 with a double and a home run, also walking twice. Keppinger went 2-5 with a double.

Starter Maine struggled, then was hung out to dry in the third inning by the defensive blunders of shortstop Basak and first baseman Tejeda.

With 2 out in the third, the Red Wings had gained 2-1 lead, and Terry Tiffee was at the plate with 2 out and runners on first and second. Tejeda fielded Tiffee's grounder and threw it past Maine, who was covering first. Both runners came around to score, and Tiffee advanced to second. Josh Rabe followed with a grounder to Basak, who misplayed the ball, allowing Rabe to reach and Tiffee to score.

Maine's final line: 5 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 1HR, 1 WP

Season stats:

Maine: 0-3, 17 IP, 3.18 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 9 K, 4 BB, 1 HR
Milledge: 50 AB, .400 AVG/.530 OBP/.620 SLG/1.150 OPS, 4 SB, 2 CS, 1 HR, 11/8 BB/K
Lambin: 54 AB, .185 AVG/.237 OBP/.315 SLG/.552 OPS, 1HR, 3/9 BB/K
Keppinger: 48 AB, .292 AVG/.379 OBP/.333 SLG/.712 OPS, 8/1 BB/K

If Beltran's MRI comes and he's going to be out for a while, we should really think about bringing Milledge up. Dude's on fire, and he's walking at an incredible rate right now. If the eye he's showing is legit, he's going to be a serious, serious threat.

Keppinger, meanwhile, is showing an unusually fine eye at the plate. He's never struck out much, but he's also never walked much. If HIS eye is for real, it'll really help make up for his lack of power.

Victor Diaz sat the game out, but he's played in two games so far, amassing 10 at bats and hitting 3 singles, with no walks, 4 strikeouts, and one stolen base.

[duan]

thing is, if milledge comes up he can play centre and possibly hit, unlike for example, ENDY CHAVEZ, who we are currently running out there. Bringing Diaz back up DOES not stop that.

I'm 100% with Edgy on the 4 outfielders into 3, especially when Delgado gets an occasional rest Nady can fill in for him instead of y'know John Valentin or something horrible like that.

[Elster88]

][Keppinger's] never struck out much, but he's also never walked much. If HIS eye is for real, it'll really help make up for his lack of power.

It's well documented that I think Kaz is a better player. But this sounds like the ideal #2 hitter to me if that doesn't work out. High OBP.

Can he run?

[Guest Rotblatt]

Elster88 wrote: It's well documented that I think Kaz is a better player. But this sounds like the ideal #2 hitter to me if that doesn't work out. High OBP. Can he run?

Not so much. He's got 26 career minor league steals in 3 years, and he's never broken more than 10 steals in a year. His career SB% is 68.4%.

This year, over 14% of his plate appearances have resulted in a walk. Over his minor league career, that number is 7.8%. His start could very well wind up being a fluke or a minor uptick instead of a dramatic change, but at the very least, it's encouraging.

Milledge career: 7.3% PA resulting in BB
Milledge 2005: 7.2%
Milledge 2006: 18%

Again, it might be flukey. FWIW, the rest of the Tides haven't seen a similar uptick, so it's probably NOT as simple as the pitchers being shitty, but they might be working around Milledge in a weak lineup (stupid idea, IMO, since he's leading off and has good speed).

Last night, however, Red Wing starter JD Durbin WAS pretty wild, walking 7 in just 4.3 IP.