Monday, April 30, 2007

Bobblehead swap

Just got word of a change in the promotional calendar. The Chase Utley and Cole Hamels bobblehead giveaways have swapped dates. The Hamels bobblehead will now be given away on May 11, while the Utley bobblehead moves to July 27.

Clay Harris named Phillies Minor League Player of the Week

Just received word that Clay Harris has been named Phillies Minor League Player of the Week.

This is the first time this year one of our position players has been honored with this award, and the first week this year that one of our pitchers was not honored. In a bit of an ironic twist, Harris did pitch for a year while in college at LSU.

Look for a story on the Official Site soon.

It's time for a Feeding Frenzy!

Tonight kicks off our Feeding Frenzy Monday promotion for the 2007 Clearwater Threshers season. All tickets are just $10 and include an All-You-Can-Eat Menu from 6:00-9:00pm.

Remember, if you are a season ticket holder, you are included in the Frenzy at no extra charge! Remember to stop by a wristband table or the Customer service/Advance ticket window to pick up your wristband.

The unused season ticket exchange program is not available on Mondays due the Frenzy.

Tonight's menu includes hot dogs, hamburgers, Westshore Pizza, and much more.

Tonight's special guest restaurant appears to be Buffalo Wild Wings.

Spread the word and enjoy Feeding Frenzy Monday all summer long.

Updated at 4:40pm: Lineups have been posted.

For the Ft. Myers Miracle:
  1. # 7 Juan Portes (2B)
  2. # 8 Steve Tolleson (SS)
  3. # 15 Jeff Cirillo (3B)
  4. # 32 Erik Lis (LF)
  5. # 11 Whit Robbins (DH)
  6. # 21 Eli Tintor (CF)
  7. # 9 Edward Ovalle (RF)
  8. # 16 Caleb Moore (C)
  9. # 10 Matt Betsill (1B)

Starting on the mound is # 31 Alexander Smit

For the Clearwater Threshers:

  1. # 3 Victor Hall (RF)
  2. # 2 Greg Golson (CF)
  3. # 10 Michael Spidale (LF)
  4. # 21 Jeremy Slayden (DH)
  5. # 25 Clay Harris (1B)
  6. # 27 Welinson Baez (3B)
  7. # 12 Brad Harman (2B)
  8. # 6 Lou Marson (C)
  9. # 13 Fidel Hernandez (SS)

Starting on the mound is # 16 Dan Brauer

Sunday, April 29, 2007

Three Game Series against Ft. Myers starts at 1:00pm

The Ft. Myers Miracle are on their way into town for a three game series. Today's game is a Bright House Networks Family Day which includes a 4-pack for $25 or a 2-pack for just $15. The 4-pack includes 4 Premium Box Seats, 4 hot dogs, 4 sodas, 4 bags of Cracker Jack, and 2 programs. It's a great value, as 4 Premium Box tickets themselves usually cost $24 on their own. The Bright House Networks Family Day offer available for in-person Window Sales Only

Gates open at Noon today with the game scheduled to start at 1:00pm.

Updated at 11:40am: The Miracle are warming up on the field now.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Mike Alstott Celebrity Softball Challenge is tonight!

Just got a peek at what may be the final roster for tonight's Mike Alstott Celebrity Softball Challenge that benefits the Children's Cancer Center.

Mike Alstott's team (Red) includes Wade Boggs, Darren Daulton, Ron Diaz, and Michael Pittman, as well as several others.

Warren Sapp's team (Black) includes Ronde Barber, Von Hayes, Shelton Quarles, and Winky Wright, as well as several others.

Look for some brand new Threshers commercials soon

Plan B was here yesterday shooting commercials for the current Threshers season. They are editing today and you should start seeing them on your TV (or on your computer) soon.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get any pictures of the filming, but hopefully someone did, and we can get them posted here.

Updated at 8:45pm: Plan B finished editing the commercials and dropped them off at the office tonight. Not sure when they are hitting the air, but they should be on YouTube soon. I've already got a favorite.

Monday, April 23, 2007

Looks like Ryan Budde won't be back in Clearwater anytime soon

Catcher Ryan Budde, who played for the Threshers on April 17 through the 19th on a Major League rehab assignment, was reinstated from the disabled list. The Phillies then put him on waivers, which he cleared, and he was offered back to the Angels. Budde had been taken by the Phillies in the 2006 Rule 5 draft.

Stats Update: Patrick Overholt

Per request, here is some information about Patrick Overholt's last couple outings for the Threshers.

Perhaps Patrick read the blog and wasn't happy seeing a story about a hot pitcher, and it being about an opponent. He pitched an eight-inning gem on Saturday night in what may have been the quickest nine-inning game that we've ever had at Bright House Networks Field. It was so quick, that I didn't even get the chance to eat dinner at the ballpark. Turned out well though, since my wife and I did have time to go out to dinner for a change. Had a great honey BBQ sirloin at Chili's on US19.

Sorry for the detour. Patrick gave up zero runs and six hits on Saturday. He struck out three and walked only one on his way to evening up his record at 2-2. Patrick's ERA is now a stellar 1.93 through four games.

Patrick struck out seven in the game at Tampa on Monday (4/16). He ended up picking up the loss despite only giving up one run in five and two-thirds innings.

Random Stat: Patrick's best inning so far this year is the fourth. So far, he's struck out three and only given up one hit.

Updated 2:45pm: Patrick has just been named Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Week (April 16-22). Check the Official Site later for the full story.

Updated 3:00pm: Phuture Phillies has a recent blog entry about Overholt that can be found here.

Former Thresher Hamels mows down 15 on Saturday

Former Threshers' pitcher Cole Hamels was all over the sports highlight shows on Saturday night and Sunday morning after striking out 15 Reds in a complete game for the Phillies. He threw 82 strikes in just 115 pitches.

Cole's record now stands at 2-0 and he dropped his ERA down to 2.57 through four games.

Saturday, April 21, 2007

Threshers facing hot pitcher tonight

The Reds are on a six-game winning streak, and Sarasota is scheduled to start Carlos Fisher in tonight's ballgame. Fisher's record is 3-0, and he's only given up one run in his 19 innings of work this year. That's good for a 0.47 ERA. He's struck out 10 batters, and opposing teams are batting only .191 against him. Of the 13 hits Fisher has given up so far this year, 12 of them have come with no one on base.

Friday, April 20, 2007

First Bobblehead of the year Tonight

The Jimmy Rollins Bobblehead (sponsored by Old Harbor Bank) kicks off our 2007 Bobblehead Series tonight.

The rest of the series includes Chase Utley (sponsored by the St. Petersburg Times) on May 11, Ryan Howard (sponsored by Yuengling Brewery) on June 22, and Cole Hamels (sponsored by the Buena Vista Hotel) on July 27. Keep checking this site and the Official Site to make sure that the dates and promotions haven't changed.

Rollins, Utley, and Howard will be wearing their Clearwater Phillies uniforms for their bobbleheads, while Hamels will be in a Threshers jersey.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Been a busy morning so far...

This is the busiest the phone and window have been this early in the morning on the day of a game since Opening Day two weeks ago.

Guests have been purchasing the most tickets for the game Saturday night with post-game Fireworks. Also, interest has picked up for the Mike Alstott Softball Challenge that is ONE week away.

Tonight is yet another Thirsty Thursday which gives you 2 for 1 drinks all over the ballpark. It is also Silver Sharks Night where Seniors (55 and over) receive 2 for 1 Senior Field Box tickets. That's 2 tickets for only $4.

We've got a few groups in the ballpark tonight, including try # 2 for the PODS Championship Volunteers. The last attempt for that group was rained out.

Just a reminder, the Jimmy Rollins bobblehead is tomorrow (Friday 4/20) and we are also giving out mugs from LoJack.

Updated at 4:55pm: Lineups are in.

For Sarasota:

  1. # 9 Mike Griffin (3B)
  2. # 39 Jeff Keppinger (2B)
  3. # 32 Jay Bruce (CF)
  4. # 50 Jeremiah Piepkorn (1B)
  5. # 22 Danny Dorn (LF)
  6. # 23 Adam Rosales (DH)
  7. # 27 Craig Tatum (C)
  8. # 28 Eric Eymann (SS)
  9. # 29 BJ Szymanski (RF)

Starting for the Reds is # 33 Richie Gardner

For Clearwater:

  1. # 3 Victor Hall (RF)
  2. # 2 Greg Golson (CF)
  3. # 10 Michael Spidale (LF)
  4. # 21 Jeremy Slayden (DH)
  5. # 27 Welinson Baez (3B)
  6. # 55 Ryan Budde (C)
  7. # 12 Brad Harman (SS)
  8. # 25 Clay Harris (1B)
  9. # 15 Kevin Howard (2B)

Starting for the Threshers is # 16 Dan Brauer.

Updated at 5:15pm: Catcher Ryan Budde is on our roster on a Major League rehab assignment. He was selected by Angels in 12th round of the 2001 draft. This will be his third game here with the Threshers. He hit a double in yesterday's game at Tampa.

Updated at 5:45pm: Leftfielder Michael Spidale is batting third in the order for the fifth time this season. He's also seen time in the leadoff slot (six games) and also batted eighth in one game.

Updated at 6:00pm: Rightfielder Victor Hall is 7 for 13 (.538) with runners on base this season.

Updated at 6:30pm: Designated hitter Jeremy Slayden is 9 for 25 (.360) at home.

Updated at 9:30pm: Kevin Howard flys out to end the ballgame. Threshers lose 4-3.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Quite a game in Tampa last night

In case you missed it, the game over in Tampa lasted five hours and 14 minutes yesterday. Clearwater scored three runs in the top of the 20th inning to break the 1-1 tie. The Threshers and Yankees meet up again in about a half hour (11:30am) for a morning game. The game last night did not end until 12:15am and the Threshers team bus left the ballpark this morning at 9:30am.

Mike Spidale and Greg Golson both had 10 official at-bats in the game. Brad Harman scored the winning run from third after Golson was forced out at first.

The Threshers used seven pitchers in the game. Derek Griffith (2-0) ended up with the win, while Michael Zagurski picked up his first save of the year.

Updated at 11:35am: ATM: He said, She said has a post about the game last night. You can find it here. According to the post, this is the third time that the Clearwater team has played in a 20 inning game, and it was the longest game (hours, minutes) ever for a Clearwater team.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Citizens Bank Park won the 'Best Ballpark Eats' Award at the 'Food Network Awards'

Citizens Bank Park beat out Camden Yards (Baltimore), AT&T Park (San Francisco), and Safeco Field (Seattle).

How do you think Bright House Networks Field would stack up if they extended the choices to Minor League Baseball?

Monday, April 16, 2007

Three Random Stats

  1. Only Greg Golson and Jeremy Slayden have appeared in all 10 games for Threshers this season.

  2. Daniel Brauer and Andrew Carpenter have identical 0.82 ERAs. They have both pitched 11 innings and appeared in two games.


  3. The Clearwater Threshers 6-4 record through 10 games in 2007 is identical to the 2006 season.


Updated at 4:30pm: Brauer has been named Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Week. Check the Official Site for the story.

New Threshers Season Ticket Holder Sharon Wootten trips back to Delmarva

The Daily Times in Salisbury, Maryland has a story about New Threshers Season Ticket Holder Sharon Wootten. Sharon recently moved down to the Tampa Bay area from Maryland where she was an avid fan of the Delmarva Shorebirds.

"It's just so much fun, it's the whole minor league atmosphere (that brings me back)," Wootten said. "I would rather go to a minor league game than a major league game and just look at these kids and know that we watched Brian Roberts grow up."

You can read the whole story here.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Quite a morning

My weather radio at home chirped four times overnight and when I left my house this morning it was a torrential downpour. My average speed on US19 was probably somewhere around 30-35 MPH. However, by the time I got down to Old Coachman Road, the worst had passed. Setup had begun for the Big Brothers / Big Sisters event that is taking place prior to the general Gate Opening at Noon.

Just got word that the tarp is coming off at 11:00am.

Updated at 11:15am: The tarp is off. It was put on last night right after the fireworks show.

Updated at 12:20pm: Today's lineups are up.

For Lakeland:

  1. # 10 Will Rhymes (2B)
  2. # 11 Cameron Maybin (CF)
  3. # 24 Justin Justice (DH)
  4. # 13 Michael Hernandez (RF)
  5. # 17 Pedro Cotto (1B)
  6. # 18 Wilkin Ramirez (LF)
  7. # 7 Miguel Linares (3B)
  8. # 4 Mark Haske (SS)
  9. # 14 Adrian Casanova (C)

The starting pitcher is # 28 Sendy Vasquez

For Clearwater:

  1. # 23 Matt Thayer (RF)
  2. # 2 Greg Golson (CF)
  3. # 10 Michael Spidale (LF)
  4. # 21 Jeremy Slayden (DH)
  5. # 27 Welinson Baez (3B)
  6. # 9 John Urick (1B)
  7. # 6 Lou Marson (C)
  8. # 15 Kevin Howard (2B)
  9. # 13 Fidel Hernandez (SS)

The starting pitcher is # 18 Andrew Carpenter

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Big day/night at Bright House Networks Field

The fun starts early as Tech Data has their company picnic in the park from 1:00-5:00pm. Tech Data employees and their families will be enjoying great food and all kinds of different activities. The gates open at their regular Saturday time of 5:00pm for the rest of our guests who are attending tonight's Clearwater Threshers vs. Lakeland Flying Tigers game. The game is set for a 6:30pm start with a fantastic fireworks show post-game. We've got several groups in the park for tonight's game along with Tech Data. The largest will be from two area schools. Curtis and Coachman have a night at the ballpark every year, and nearly 1,000 usually attend with that group. We're expecting an even bigger number of them this year. There is also one church group coming out from First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks. Other company outings include American Express Business Travel, Avaya, Linvatec, and Sensidyne. Last but definitely not least, there are five birthday parties scheduled for tonight.

Threshers Food and Beverage Manager Brad Dudash also is celebrating his birthday today.

Updated at 12:35pm: Pictures are starting to go up on the Photo Gallery at the Official Site from yesterday's 1/2 Way to Halloween Night.



The Merchandise Staff all dressed up for the event

Friday, April 13, 2007

It's 1/2 way to Halloween Night

1/2 way to Halloween Night is tonight. There are some folks already dressed up in the office, but we haven't yet had a guest come in costume to get their half-price ticket. There will be Trick-r-Treat Stations throughout the ballpark and a Costume Contest during the game.

Updated at 2:00pm: Through games of 4/12, the Phillies Minor League Organization is a combined 13-13. The Threshers are in second place in the organization at 4-3, while Ottawa (AAA) is holding down last place (1-4).

Updated at 4:15pm: Pictures are being taken of folks throughout the office who are dressed up. One special picture is already on the front page of the Official Site. Be sure to check it out.

Updated at 5:15pm: Tonight's lineups are in.

For the Flying Tigers:

  1. # 24 Justin Justice (RF)
  2. # 11 Cameron Maybin (CF)
  3. # 18 Wilkin Ramirez (LF)
  4. # 13 Michael Hernandez (DH)
  5. # 55 Dusty Ryan (C)
  6. # 8 Ronnie Rourquin (3B)
  7. # 22 Ryan Roberson (1B)
  8. # 10 Will Rhymes (2B)
  9. # 4 Mark Haske (SS)

Pitching tonight for Lakeland is # 20 Luke French

For the Threshers

  1. #10 Michael Spidale (LF)
  2. # 2 Greg Golson (CF)
  3. # 12 Brad Harman (2B)
  4. # 21 Jeremy Slayden (RF)
  5. # 25 Clay Harris (3B)
  6. # 27 Welinson Baez (DH)
  7. # 6 Lou Marson (C)
  8. # 9 John Urick (1B)
  9. # 13 Fidel Hernandez (SS)

Pitching tonight for Clearwater is Carlos Carrasco

Updated at 7:25pm: Lakeland flys to an early 3-0 lead (2nd inning).

Updated at 7:55pm: Lakeland leads 6-1 in the top of the fourth.

Thursday, April 12, 2007

The Three Score Club is on the field right now

The Three Score Club is one of the groups that will be enjoying the Hot Corner Cafe at today's ballgame. The club visits every year and plays a few games on the field prior to a Threshers game.


I believe they are on Game # 2 for today. Looks like the Green Team leads the White Team 4-1 in the 1st inning.

I do apologize for the blurriness of the crowd shot on the left. I didn't have a whole lot of time to frame the pictures.

Here is a wider shot of the action.


Updated at 5:45pm: Just came back from trying to get the lineup for the Yankees. Apparently their bus isn't arriving until 6pm.

Former Thresher Adam Shafer named pitching coach for the Slippery Rock Sliders

The Sliders have a story about it on their web site, which also includes a picture of Adam in his Threshers jersey.

OurSports Central also has the release on their web site.

Shafer spent about half the 2005 season and about three-fourths of the 2006 season with the Threshers.

Noon update

For whatever reason, blogger wouldn't let me update my previous post...

Updated at Noon: After splitting yesterday's doubleheader with Tampa, the Threshers record sits at 3-3 which ties them for second place in the FSL West with Dunedin and Tampa. Sarasota leads the division with a 5-1 record. Sarasota and Dunedin play tonight in Sarasota, while Clearwater and Tampa finish off the series tonight. Gates open at 6:00pm for the 7:00pm game.

The Threshers are currently the hottest hitting team in the FSL with a team batting average of .289. Jeremy Slayden and Greg Golson are leading the team and are still in the FSL Top 10 in batting average. Slayden is batting .400 with six RBIs and Golson is batting .375 with four RBIs through their first six games. Golson's five extra-base hits so far put him in second place in the league.

Clay Harris is tied for the FSL league lead in home runs with two.

We had a couple transactions on our roster yesterday. Pete Shier was promoted to Reading, and Freddy Garcia has officially completed his rehab assignment.

Looking outside of Clearwater, former Notre Dame wide receiver Jeff Samardzija is scheduled to start tonight for the Daytona Cubs in their game at Vero Beach.

Updated at 2:15pm


Just caught a picture (above) of our hat for our give-a-way tomorrow.
The first 1,000 guests receive a hat. The give-a-way is sponsored by Richard's Charter.

Come Thirsty Tonight!

We're expecting a pretty good crowd tonight. It's Thirsty Thursday again when all drinks in the ballpark are 2 for 1. It's also our second Silver Sharks Night of the year. Silver Sharks (Seniors 55 and over) receive 2 for 1 Senior Field Box Tickets on Thursdays in 2007. That's 2 tickets for only $4.

There are several groups in the house tonight including Finishmaster, Morton Plant-Mease Rehab, and Honeywell. The Three Score Club will also be here as a group outing and also they will be playing a softball on the field pre-game.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Day Game Today....

Good news to start the day. I walked out my house and it was bright and sunny. Much of the staff arrived before 9am today in order to pull the tarp off the field so the grounds crew can get it prepared for today's doubleheader against the Tampa Yankees. No FSL Western Division teams got their games in yesterday.

Another positive is that even with the doubleheader today, we still are starting everything at our previously scheduled times. Gates still open at 12:30pm and the first game starts at 1:30pm. Remember, both games will be seven innings long.

$1 tickets, $1 hot dogs, and $1 sodas for Seniors (55+) and FREE PARKING for each car today.

Updated at 10:20am: Patrick Overholt is scheduled to start Game 1 for the Threshers, with Zac Stott scheduled to start Game 2 for the Threshers.

Updated at 10:35am: Today's starting lineups have been posted.

The Yankees lineup for Game 1 is:

  1. # 6 Reegie Corona SS
  2. # 21 Tim Battle CF
  3. # 56 Jose Tabata RF
  4. # 46 Juan Miranda 1B
  5. # 26 Marcos Vechionacci 3B
  6. # 24 Colin Curtis LF
  7. # 2 Kevin Russo 2B
  8. # 25 Jared Greenwood C
  9. # 12 James Cooper DH

The starting pitcher for Game 1 for Tampa is Guillermo Villalona. Apparently MiLB and the official Yankees roster has different names for Villalona.

The Threshers lineup for Game 1 is:

  1. # 3 Victor Hall DH
  2. # 2 Greg Golson CF
  3. # 12 Brad Harman 2B
  4. # 21 Jeremy Slayden LF
  5. # 25 Clay Harris 3B
  6. # 9 John Urick 1B
  7. # 6 Lou Marson C
  8. # 23 Matt Thayer RF
  9. # 13 Fidel Hernandez SS

As stated earlier, Patrick Overholt is the scheduled starter for Game 1 for the Threshers.

Updated at 3:35pm - Game 1 is in the books. Yankees win it 4-1.

Updated at 5:45pm - Game 2 is in the books. Threshers win 1-0.

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Freddy Garcia to start against Yankees tonight

The Clearwater Threshers and Tampa Yankees start a three game series at Bright House Networks Field tonight. The Yankees come into Clearwater with a 2-2 record, which is equal to the Threshers and nearly every other FSL Western Division team at this early date.

The Yankees bring the FSL's leading hitter, Jose Tabata who is hitting .583 through 4 games. Tampa also has the FSL's leading strikeout pitcher, Ian Kennedy. Kennedy struck out eight Flying Tigers in five innings on April 6. Kennedy is scheduled to pitch in Wednesday's ballgame which is scheduled for a 1:30pm start.

Tonight's game is scheduled for a 7:00pm start with Gates scheduled to open at 6:00pm. Freddy Garcia is scheduled to make his second rehab start for the Threshers tonight while the Yankees are expected to send Bryan Villalona to the mound.

Tuesday's are still Lil' Anglers Nights and the popular Parent-Kid Catch is also making a return this season. Be one of the first 1,500 guests through the turnstiles and receive the 2007 Clearwater Threshers Magnet Schedule sponsored by the Buena Vista Resort.

Updated 1:10pm: The tarp is on the field. We ARE planning on playing tonight. Refresh here and check the Official Site for updates.

Updated 1:20pm: Parent-Kid Catch is scheduled for 6:25-6:40pm (weather permitting). Radio Disney is scheduled to be here for a live remote at 5:30pm outside the West Entry near the fountain.

Updated 6:00pm: The Gates are Open! It appears that the Radio Disney live remote was canceled due to the weather. I haven't heard for sure about Parent-Kid Catch, but it doesn't look good since the tarp is still on the field.

Updated 6:15pm: Just got word that tonight's game has been postponed due to the weather. There will be a doubleheader (Two seven-inning games) starting at 1:30pm tomorrow. Check the Official Site for more information.

Monday, April 09, 2007

Two former Threshers sent down to Triple-A Ottawa

Former Threshers Joe Bisenius and Zack Segovia have been optioned to Ottawa (AAA) to make room for Jon Lieber. Lieber was on the disabled list and was rehabbing with the Threshers.

Did anyone buy a program on Saturday?

If so, did you check out the inaugural edition of Shark Tails?

Not sure what Shark Tails is? Read a little about it at the Official Site, and pick up your copy of the Threshers Times Game Program next time you are at the ballpark.

Saturday, April 07, 2007

Former Thresher Zack Segovia to make Major League debut Sunday

Former Thresher Zack Segovia is scheduled to make his Major League debut tomorrow against the Florida Marlins.

Charlie Nobles from MLB.com has a story about it that can be found at Phillies.com

Segovia pitched for the Threshers for the entire 2005 season. He started the 2006 season in Clearwater but quickly moved up to Reading (AA).

First Saturday night game of the year tonight!

Saturdays are always exciting at Bright House Networks Field, because those are usually our highest attended games of the week. We have post-game fireworks scheduled for every Saturday of the season this year, except August 4th (Bark at the Ballpark II). Saturday game times have moved to 6:30pm this year, with Gates Opening at 5:00pm.

There are several groups on the schedule tonight including a few birthday parties, as well as Plumb Elementary School and Top Notch Pest Control.

I'll update if I hear anything about the lineup or who is scheduled to pitch tonight. I did see that Jon Lieber pitched three and two-thirds innings yesterday in Dunedin. He gave up four hits, but also struck out four. Greg Golson had another good game yesterday. He had two hits, including a double in his five at-bats. Golson also scored another run. Newcomers Clay Harris (1B) and Jeremy Slayden (DH) hit their first home runs as Threshers yesterday as well. Slayden went three for five with three RBIs on the night.

Updated at 1:15pm: Just got word that Carlos Carrasco is the scheduled starter for the Threshers tonight. This will be his first start for the Threshers. Carrasco spent the 2006 season at Lakewood where he was 12-6 with a 2.26 ERA. He struck out 159 batters while only giving up 103 hits and 65 walks.

Updated at 8:00pm: Just heard the HR music. Greg Golson just hit his first of the year.

Updated at 9:50pm: Tonight's ballgame, Launch-A-Ball, and a fantastic fireworks show are now over. It's an early night at Bright House Networks Field as the crowd of 3,380 heads home to get out of the mid-50 degree weather. The Blue Jays come up on top tonight 5-3. The loss drops the Threshers record to 1-2. Chris Coste, who is down here on a rehab assignment, and Jeremy Slayden led the Threshers batters tonight. They both were two for four with a run scored. Carrasco had a solid start tonight. After walking two batters in the first inning, he settled down and only walked one more batter in his five and two-thirds innings of work. He also struck out four and only gave up three hits. He gave up zero runs on the night.

Friday, April 06, 2007

Former Thresher Tim Moss released by Phillies

Was just reading Todd Zolecki's Phillies Notes column from the Philadelphia Inquirer from April 3rd and saw that former Thresher Tim Moss has been released from the Phillies organization.

Moss spent the entire 2005 season as well as half of the 2006 season with the Threshers before getting called up to Reading (AA).

Updated just a few minutes later: I completely forgot to post the good news in that same article. It's old news now, but in case you missed it, former Thresher Joe Bisenius was added to the Phillies 25-man roster.

Standouts from yesterday's game against the Jays

Several Threshers had great nights at the plate yesterday, and they were led by Thresher veterans Greg Golson and Brad Harman. Golson was a home run away from batting for the cycle, and he nearly got an inside-the-park home run before he was held up at third for his first triple of the year. Golson scored one-third of the team's runs yesterday and also picked up an RBI. Harman hit the first Thresher home run of the year which was a two-run shot in the seventh inning.

Patrick Overholt picked up the win in relief of Freddy Garcia. Overholt struck out four, gave up three hits, and walked two, but only one of the three runs he gave up was earned giving him a 1-0 record and a 1.93 ERA to start of the year.

Freddy Garcia update

Bill Conlin has a story on Philly.com about Freddy Garcia's start yesterday against the Dunedin Blue Jays. According to Conlin, Garcia is scheduled to start again on Tuesday. The Threshers are home Tuesday night against the Tampa Yankees, but the story isn't clear whether or not his start is with the Threshers or with the Extended Spring Training squad. I'll update if I hear anything more about it.

Conlin's story also mentions Chris Coste's rehab appearance yesterday which was a late surprise for many of us here.

You can read Conlin's whole story here.

Thursday, April 05, 2007

Opening Night is here....

and so is the rain. Tonight's game against the Blue Jays is currently in a rain delay. Folks are still around the park enjoying Thirsty Thursday (2 for 1 on all drinks) and checking out the store.

Also, if you haven't visited the Official Site in awhile, check it out. It re-launched today with our first new look since Day 1. I have noticed some issues that haven't cleared up as of yet and other items that we are still working on getting updated, but the new look from our designers is up.

Updated at 9:05pm: The 2007 Threshers season is officially underway.

Updated at 10:10pm: The game is now official here in the middle of the 5th inning with the Threshers leading 3-0. The ticket windows have closed.

Updated at 11:40pm: The Threshers start the season with a big win over the Jays. The final score of 9-3 sends the hundreds of fans who braved the cold and wet night home happy. The Threshers travel to Dunedin tomorrow before returning home for a Saturday night game against these same Blue Jays. Game time is 6:30pm, with Gates Opening at 5:00pm. Fireworks light up the night post-game.

Catching up on comments

I do apologize for taking so long to respond to some of the comments on the blog, and not having any new postings in awhile. Been putting in 60+ hours weeks finishing up Spring Training and getting ready for the Threshers season and still haven't had time for the blog. Hopefully that will change and I'll get better now that the season has started.

On to the recent comments...

SF Fan in FL said, "I have a quick question for you Kevin...I have not financially been able to purchase my season tickets yet, however would like to do so within the first month of the season. So, would the price be prorated to when I actually purchase them? Also, would the VIP card still be part of the package?"

My response - It probably would not be prorated. Updated on 4/6 at 11am - Just wanted to clarify something. While the season package probably would not be prorated, you would be able to use the tickets from the games you missed as part of our Unused Season Ticket Exchange Program.

Ben said, "I read on CBS Sportsline that Freddie An Garcia would be the opening night pitcher. Is this true? IF it is I'll have to bring the kids."

My response - I know this is a few hours too late, but according to the lineup I just saw about 2 hours ago, yes, he is scheduled to start tonight.

Anonymous said, "Kevin,Have you thought about putting a link to this blog on the home page? Unless one knows it exists or is poking around in the older news articles there is no way for a person to find it."

My response - I try to keep the news article on the front page as a way to make up for the lack of a permanent link. Unfortunately I haven't been able to get it (a permanent link) on there as of yet. I'll keep trying.

SF Fan in FL said, "I just had another thought that would surely get me more involved... a General Comments section/post. A place where we the fans can direct the conversations and throw out some comments about things that you haven't necessarily touched on, without having to be in our own (poorly visited) blogger/blogspot pages. Either way, I am sure that once the season actually begins, participation will improve.Also, do you have any info yet on the Mike Alstott Celebrity Softball Tourney? I just saw a commercial last night about it."

My response - I have not been able to get authorization as of yet for a message board type venue. I can start new blog posts on some topics that the fans want. Just let me know what they are and we'll get it started. We've got some info on the Alstott Event at our Buy Tickets Now portion of our website here. Basic info is that it is scheduled for Thursday, April 26 the Gates Open 5:00pm, Home Run Derby is at 6:00pm and the Game Time is 7:00pm. Some player names include Warren Sapp, Fred McGriff, Shelton Quarles & Michael Pittman. I also got some more names today that haven't been posted yet. They include: Derrick Brooks, Joey Galloway, Chris Simms, Wade Boggs, and Ron Diaz among many others.

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