Former Clearwater star Gavin Floyd the focus of an article from the Philadelphia Daily News

The story is from Paul Hagen who writes for the Philadelphia Daily News. The link itself is from TimesLeader.com.

Catch the whole story here.

Former Thresher Alfredo Simon the focus of an article on phillyBurbs.com

Randy Miller has the story on phillyBurbs.com.

Now that he's back with the Phillies, Simon looks like a different person, as he's grown two inches and slimmed down from a hefty 270 to a solid 250.

For a time, Simon was regarded as a pretty decent pitching prospect for the Phillies, as he put up good ERAs five consecutive seasons as a starter before being shipped to San Francisco with Ricky Ledee in a 2004 trade deadline deal for Felix Rodriguez.

Catch the whole story here.

Phan Fest Happening Now!

Phillies Phan Fest is happening right now out on the concourse. Thousands of folks are inside Bright House Networks Field enjoying the festivities. The weather is in the 60s and clear which is the best we've had here for a Phan Fest at Bright House Networks Field.

The lines have started to move at the autograph stations, and the photo booth is about to close. I checked out the silent auction not to long ago and there were some great items out there for folks to bid on.

Tonight's festivities benefit Clearwater Little League, Clearwater for Youth, and the Hospice of the Florida Suncoast.

Fireworks are scheduled to go off just after 8pm.

Former Thresher Joe Bisenius the focus of an article in the CourierPost

Michael Radano has the story:

Bisenius has caught the eye of Phillies management and while he's a long shot to make the big club's roster out of spring training, he's seen as the quality type arm who could nicely fill out a bullpen that has been the focus of some concern over the winter.

"Obviously I'd like to make the team out of spring training but I have to be realistic," said Bisenius, who had a combined ERA of 2.25 with Clearwater (High A) and Reading (AA) last season. "There are only so many slots. I have to go out and impress these guys every day. I have to force them to make a decision. When they go into their meetings, I want them to change their opinions. I just have to go out and pitch and prove myself."

Catch the whole story here.

Updated 2/24 at 11:20am: The Associated Press has a story about Bisenius making the rounds. You can find it at MyrtleBeachOnline.com among other places.

Updated 2/24 at 2:00pm: Dennis Deitch has a pretty long story in the the Delaware County Times about Bisenius. Check it out here.

Former Thresher Tim Gradoville has a web site

You can find it at www.timgradoville.com.

Gradoville spent most of the 2004 season with the Threshers.

Hat tip to Lynx Fan over at the Ottawa Lynx blog for this find.

Former Thresher Update: Omar Bramasco

Just caught this news release from OurSports Central about former Thresher Omar Bramasco. He played for the Threshers during the 2005 season.

Some info from the release about Bramasco:

The Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings re-signed shortstop Omar Bramasco, one of the team's most valuable players last year who has extensive experience in affiliated baseball.

Bramasco was originally drafted in the 16th round of the 2002 amateur draft by the Philadelphia Phillies. He played four years in the Phillies organization, making it as high as Double-A Reading. Bramasco's combined totals after five years in the minors: .234 career batting average, a .343 on-base percentage, and 188 walks in 407 games.

Bramasco, who will be 26 in 2007, had a .286 batting average with a .402 on-base percentage in 76 games for the WhiteWings last season.

Some quotes about Bramasco from the release:

"He was the best shortstop in our league last year. Scouts believe if a spot opens up in A or AA ball anywhere, he can come in and feel their needs immediately.''
- WhiteWings manager Eddie Dennis

"He not only is a team leader on the field, but off the field as well. Talent wise, he can 'pick it' with the best off them, and can play with an organization today."

- Wings teammate Bub Bergstrom

Information about the WhiteWings and the United League from the release:

The Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings are one of six teams in the independent United League, which begins its second season in 2007. Other teams in the ULB are Laredo, San Angelo, Amarillo, Edinburg, and Alexandria, La. For more information, visit www.whitewingsbaseball.com.

Former Threshers among Phillies Top 10 Prospects

Baseball America has released its list of the Phillies Top 10 Prospects and the new Phillies affiliate in Williamsport has a story and the list on their web site.

Former Threshers' Scott Mathieson (#5), J.A. Happ (#8), and Greg Golson (#10) are on the list.

Group Area Profile: Hot Corner Cafe

One of the most popular options at the ballpark, the Hot Corner Cafe is appealing to both children and adults alike. Located near the playground and Frenchy's Tiki Pavilion, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The package includes:

* All-You-Care-To-Eat menu for 3 hours: hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, peanuts, popcorn, chips, ice cream sandwiches, soft drinks, and bottled water.

* 16 oz. draft beer for just $2 for 3 hours.

* Picnic Terrace Seating / Section(s) 119 and 120 are used for overflow

* Your group will be welcomed on our video board

The Hot Corner Cafe is available for groups from 30-1,500 people and is just $13 per person (including food and drinks). Beer tickets are available for just $2 each.

Phillies agree to terms with 3 Former Threshers

Former Threshers' pitcher Cole Hamels, pitcher Alfredo Simon, and outfielder Chris Roberson have agreed to terms on new contracts with the Phillies. They are all on the current Phillies 40-man roster.

Group Area Profile: Threshers Club

Located on the Club Level behind the Threshers' dugout, the Threshers Club offers you a Press Box view of the action. If you're looking for an area to decorate and celebrate while still catching the action, the Threshers Club is for you. Enjoy all-you-care-to-eat hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, Tyson chicken tenders, baked beans, potato salad, peanuts, soft drinks, bottled water and bottled beer. For dessert, indulge yourself with sweets from your cookie & brownie platter. The climate controlled Threshers Club also has a flat-screen TV and windows that open so you can hear all the action. You will also be privileged to two VIP parking passes and we will welcome your group on the videoboard. The cost, including food & beverage, is just $26 per person. The Threshers Club is designed for groups from 20-50 people.

Former Clearwater player Marlon Anderson helping the Gulf region

Former Clearwater player Marlon Anderson, who is now with the Los Angeles Dodgers, was part of a group of Major League Baseball players who recently traveled to New Orleans. The reason for the trip was to highlight the Major League Baseball Players Trust million-dollar contribution to Volunteers of America. The grant is set up to help create more affordable rental housing in the Gulf Coast Region.

You can read the whole press release here.

Marlon was part of the Phillies Organization from 1995 through 2002. He spent part of the 1996 season with Clearwater.

2007 Phillies Phan Fest Coming Soon

The Official Site has some information about the 2007 Phillies Phan Fest which is coming up on Friday, February 23.

The 2007 edition of Phillies Phan Fest, sponsored by the Clearwater Threshers, the City of Clearwater, and COSTCO of Clearwater, is scheduled for Friday, February 23 at Bright House Networks Field. The event will run from 5:30pm to 8:00pm.

Admission is FREE, but there will be a charge for Player Autographs, Silent Auction, Photo Stations, and Raffle Prizes that will be donated to Phillies Charities, Inc. Last year's Phan Fest raised nearly $12,000. A fantastic Fireworks Show will cap off the night.

Catch the 2007 Threshers in Action for the First Time on April 3rd

We've just received word that the first time that you'll see your 2007 Clearwater Threshers in action will be on Tuesday, April 3rd at 6:30pm. It is an exhibition game against the squad from Extended Spring Training and is scheduled to be played at Bright House Networks Field.

Admission is free, however the concession stands are not scheduled to be open so be sure to eat dinner before you drop by the ballpark.

PhillyBaseballNews.com profiles former Thresher Derek Griffith

PhillyBaseballNews.com (a part of the Scout.com network) is profiling prospects throughout the Philadelphia Phillies organization.

Former Thresher Derek Griffith comes in at #30, and his profile happens to be part of a free preview on the site.

Check it out here.

Go see Phinley at Taylor Park on February 24

This story was in the Seminole Beacon, a part of Tampa Bay Newspapers.

The festivities at Taylor Park, which begin at 11 a.m., will include an appearance by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders, the Clearwater Threshers mascot, radio personality Skip Mahaffey, a cooking demonstration, live blues music and more.

Participants in the walk will receive a T-shirt and pedometer.
Other prizes and festivities will be available at Taylor Park.

Call 391-8345 for further details.

Read the whole story here.

July 15th game against St. Lucie pushed to 4:00pm

Just wanted to post that we were just informed that the game time on July 15th versus the St. Lucie Mets has been changed from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

Some materials like the Season Ticket Books, Calendars, and Group Brochures have already gone to print so they will have the old game time. If you are a Season Ticket Holder and you do get a Ticket Book, please be sure to make a note of that change so you are not extra early to that game.

Why should you get 2007 Clearwater Threshers Season Tickets?

2007 Clearwater Threshers Season Ticket Holders receive:

* A 50% discount per seat compared to single-game prices

* FREE Parking with a VIP parking pass

* 15% discount at Diamond Outfitters with VIP card

* FREE admission to all Threshers regular-season road games with VIP card

* Exclusive pre-season party and special events

* Unused Season Ticket Exchange Program (based on availability)

* Monthly Drawing

* A FREE All-You-Can-Eat menu at every Monday home game

Get all of the above PLUS a summer full of entertaining professional baseball action at beautiful Bright House Networks Field for just $210 per seat.

Great seat locations are still available.

Please call 727-467-4457 or email kbrahm@threshersbaseball.com to pick out your seats now!

*Benefits may be amended at any time*