Richard Lucas has started his stint with the Brooklyn Cyclones hitting safely in his first eight games and is currently hitting .351 this season with the Cyclones, Kingsport and the Gulf Coast Mets with four homers and 30 RBI.

Jordany Valdespin has hit safely in eight of his nine games with the team and has a homer and four RBI during that span.

In other news:

Alex Gregory bounced back from a mediocre July, where he hit .240, and is currently hitting .315 in August with 15 hits in 15 games.

With his save on the 27th, Mike Powers has surpassed Robert Paulk as the single season saves leader with 16.

Sam Honeck’s struggles this month continue, as he’s hitting only .180 through 50 at-bats.

With 12 saves this season, Clones closer Michael Powers is just three away from the single-season team record held by Robert Paulk in 2003.

Nicholas Santomauro is hitting .286 with five RBI in August after hitting .232 in July.

The Cyclones top four starting pitchers of Mark Cohoon, Collin McHugh, Brandon Moore and James Fuller have a record of 21-11 and have given up only 200 hits in 249.1 innings this season.

Photo by Ron Hatcher.

Jake Eigsti made his return to Brooklyn last week, making him the only player on the team to have played parts of four seasons with the Cyclones. In his eight games with the club so far, he’s hitting .258 with eight hits and an RBI.

Sam Honeck is hitting .243 over his last ten games, cooling down after an excellent July, where he hit .333. For August, the slugger is hitting just .156

Brandon Moore continued his excellent season on Thursday, giving up just one earned run in six innings, lowering his ERA for the season to a stellar 2.40.

After giving up three earned runs against Batavia on Tuesday, Cyclones closer Mike Powers bounced back and earned his tenth save of the season.

Photo by Conroy Walker.

Above all else however, he’s focused on becoming a leader.

Called down to Brooklyn before the season started after starting the season in Savannah, Henriquez knows exactly what the organization is looking for in him.

“They told me when they sent me here that it wasn’t a demotion, that it was a promotion,” Henriquez said. “I love it here and I’m happy to be back. I learned a lot from last season and I’ll do whatever I have to do to help the team.

Showing up to camp this season in much better shape and 15 pounds heavier, the now bulkier, yet toned backstop is ready to leave his best on the field.

Despite being just 22 years old, Henriquez has been in professional baseball since 2005. The son of Atlanta Braves roving catching instructor Ralph Henriquez Sr., the youngster comes from a good pedigree and is ready to cash in on his promise after a few mediocre seasons.

“I’m here to win a championship,” Henriquez, who has a homer and three RBI in just 28 at bats so far this season, said. “The added weight has helped a lot. I feel a lot stronger. In this game, strength means a lot. I feel much better [than he did last year] and I have a lot of confidence.”

An All-Ivy player during all three seasons he played at Dartmouth, Santomauro hit .372 with eight home runs, 40 RBI and 13 doubles this season, while ranking among the league’s top 10 in eight separate offensive categories to earn the Player of the Year award.

“It’s exciting,” he said while in the Cyclones dugout before the game. “I told my parents not to come tonight because I haven’t been activated yet. I can’t wait to get started.”

Photo by Patrick Hickey Jr.

Brad Holt- 4-1, 3.02 ERA in nine starts between St. Lucie and the B-Mets.

Last season, I said that I saw Holt as a starter for the foreseeable future, mainly due to the fact that not many knew what his secondary pitches were capable of. On top of that his power curve showed significant problems and came an amazingly long way in just a summer of hard work. This season is obviously still foreseeable and Holt has been excellent, averaging over a strikeout an inning and keeping opposing hitters to a measly .203 batting average. With his last start at the AA level yesterday, the future looks to be getting brighter by the way for the youngster.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis- Eight homers, 20 RBI and five steals in 47 games.

Overall, Captain Kirk is proving he can survive on the High-A level and has shown that he has more power than people gave him credit for last season. With his excellent defensive ability as well, I think a call up to AA is an inevitable one at some point this season. Nevertheless, he has to cut down on his strikeout totals and improve his ability against left-handed pitching. Otherwise, he’ll project more as a fourth outfielder than the starting outfielder many thought and still believe he can be when they watched him in Brooklyn last year.

Dylan Owen- 0-5, 6.97 in 10 starts in AA.

It seems that Owen’s start power has diminished a bit and he’s come back to earth. Maybe a stint in St. Lucie can revitalize him.

Ike Davis- .283, four dingers, 21 RBI.

Aside from an alarming amount of strikeouts, Davis is making a believer out of many who thought he jumped the shark in Brooklyn last season. On pace for a solid 15 homer, 70 RBI season, Davis projects to be more like the Lyle Overbay-type player I projected him to be everyday.

Jenrry Mejia- 4-1, 1.97 ERA in nine starts in St. Lucie.

Just called up to AA, Mejia, just like Holt is proving he may have what it takes to move up through the system at a pace not many expected. Many questioned his maturity at times last season, so it’s important to see how he handles his first rough patch with the B-Mets. Nevertheless, at 19, he’s quickly becoming one of the best prospects in the system.

Photo by Ron Hatcher.

In this interview done in September 2007, Rodriguez talks about the transition to first base and the interesting way he planned to improve his footwork at the position.

As always, you can listen to the interview here @

http://media.switchpod.com//users/dembrooklynbums/TheLostInterviewsJoaquinRodriguez.mp3

Photo by Daniel Wos.

Jeffries Tatford- 11 homers, 50 RBI in Savannah with a cup of coffee in St. Lucie. After wasting away in Brooklyn for two seasons, many believed he was going to eventually be released. However, he was called up to Savannah and responded marvelously, hitting .276 with 12 RBI in 30 games. If Ike Davis is promoted straight to St. Lucie this season and doesn’t hit Savannah first, Tatford will get more playing time and will continue to move up the organizational ladder.

Sean Ratliff- 15 homers, 55 RBI in Savannah and St. Lucie- Despite alarming strikeout totals, Ratliff showed some power towards the end of the season last year in Brooklyn and much like Servidio, showed an ability in the outfield that any team in the organization would be happy to possess. Simply put, Ratliff has the ability to be a star, he just has to find some sort of consistency at the plate. If that happens, expect those numbers I have posted up there. If not, expect a low batting average and high strikeout totals.

Eric Campbell- eight homers, 60 RBI in Savannah and St. Lucie- While he didn’t put up the power numbers many thought he would last season, Campbell is a good contact hitter with a penchant for clutch hits. He also has good patience for a youngster, a trait that is almost impossible to teach and something that should benefit him as he moves up the ladder. His ability to play a few infield positions and left field also make him extremely versatile and make it that much easier for him to get in the lineup. As well, his defense and speed are much better than most people give him credit for. If he can hit in the sixth spot and has a few guys in front of him that can get on base, Campbell will have a very good year this season.

Ike Davis- .270 BA, 15 HR and 75 RBI combined with Savannah and St. Lucie. Contrary to what many think, I don’t see Davis making his major league debut until sometime in 2010, most likely in August or September. His swing still has a few kinks in it and I think spending some time in A-Ball before heading up to High-A will help him address those concerns. When I spoke to Savannah manager Edgar Alfonzo after the instructional leagues were over this past Fall, he believed Davis had come a long way. Rather than push him through the system quickly, I think the Mets, who still have Carlos Delgado at first, will make sure Davis matures into the extra base hitter and slick fielder he’s supposed to be. I see that process beginning this season.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis- .300, six HR, 60 RBI, 30 SB with St. Lucie. Notice the higher batting average than last season? That’s because Nieuwenhuis has the tools to be an excellent professional outfielder and I believe this is the season that he begins to show it. If he can cut down on his strikeout totals from last season as well, he’ll be able to produce even more and may even warrant a call up to Double-A.

Josh Satin- .285 18 HR 59 RBI with Savannah. Eventually showing the tools of a solid second baseman last season, I think Satin would have shown a lot more if the Cyclones made the playoffs. Patient at the plate with a great approach, Satin will make a full-season team out of Spring training and begin to show some promise.

Jordan Abruzzo- .295 14 HR 55 RBI with St. Lucie and B-Mets. Not only is Abruzzo a great catcher that has the skills and attitude to manage a pitching staff at any level of professional baseball, he’s an extremely clutch hitter. While he’d secure himself a spot in Double-A right now if he could hit for more power, I think that after about 30 games this season, you’ll see him in Binghamton where he’ll earn his stripes and show why the fans at Brooklyn loved him so much. Good defensive catchers that can switch hit for power don’t grow on trees and Abruzzo can do it all. This will be the season, unless injuries slow him down, that he shows what he is truly capable of.

Photo by Ron Hatcher.

Chatting with DBB on the phone from California on Feb. 4, Satin talks about his offseason, what it was like playing Brooklyn last season and what he expects from himself in the future.

You can listen to the file here:

http://www.switchpod.com/users/dembrooklynbums/DemBrooklynBumsPodcastJoshSatinInterview204.mp3

Or go to the site’s page on I-tunes and listen there:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=284456470

Last week, I shared my thoughts on a trio of pitchers I thought would provide some interesting stories for the new season.

Here are my best bets as far as infielders go.

Reese Havens- Spending all of that time injured in Brooklyn last season didn’t diminish his star power one bit if you ask me. In the limited time he was there, he showed he can be a more than a solid gap to gap hitter and can even thrive in the leadoff spot if given a chance. The only question is, what position will he play? For that reason alone, I think this upcoming season will be an interesting one for him.

Wilmer Flores- There’s no way I could have had this list and not put him on it. Simply put, the kid is built like a god and is only 17. He’s got quick hands and even though he’s shown a lack of composure against off-speed pitches, he in no way, shape or form is a Pedro Cerrano [the dude from “Major League” that needed the power of VooDoo to hit a curveball] clone. Unless he gets injured, I expect a more than solid season from the kid, hopefully in Brooklyn, where I can keep my eyes on him.

Emmanuel Garcia- This guy really showed me something when he was here a few summers ago. However since then, he’s been average at best. Nonetheless, I really think he’s due for a good season in 09. Good pitch recognition skills and excellent speed don’t run on trees and luckily, Garcia has both.

On another note, I just want to say that I would have really liked to put two other players on this list, but I feel that for their own reasons, may be too tough to judge. One is Ike Davis, who in spite of playing excellent defensively all season in Brooklyn last season, just never put it together with his bat. Before I saw him play, I heard a few people comparing him to someone like Derek Lee, but for my money, I see him in more of a Sean Casey, Lyle Overbay or Sid Bream [old reference, I apologize to some of my younger readers] role in the bigs. Rather than being a 30 homer and 100 RBI guy, I see him as a 15-80, .275 type of player that may eventually be shifted to the outfield if the team can find a slugging first baseman once he gets to the bigs. Nothing wrong with that if you ask me, it’s just not what the Mets ordered when they saw him on the draft menu last season.

The other player is Zach Lutz, who I feel that when healthy, is a top 10 prospect in this system. The only problem is getting him healthy and if he’ll ever really have that chance to show how talented he really is. If he does, you heard it here first: lock up your daughters and watch out; this kid has the goods.

Photo by Patrick Hickey Jr.

Jason Jacobs- Probably my all-time favorite Cyclones position player, Jacobs was the feel-good story of 2007. After sharing catching duties with Danny Cummins in 2006, Jacobs blossomed in 2007, leading the team in both home runs and RBI. However, there was so much more to Jacobs than his game. A true professional, Jacobs too was a guy that was always available to the press, regardless of the situation. When he came back for a few games when the team was dealing with injuries in 2008, I told him I hoped I never saw him in Brooklyn again. In a Cyclones uniform that is.

Dylan Owen- When Owen first joined the team in 2006, he was a spare part. However after injuries partially ravaged the Cyclones staff he was thrust into action and responded by putting together one of the best seasons in team history. So quiet and timid at first, Owen eventually warmed up to life in Brooklyn and despite his southern accent, was a full-blooded New Yorker by September. Humble in spite of his success, Owen always remains gracious of his time in Brooklyn and of the opportunity to had to prove his worth.

Joe Smith- Smith’s month in Brooklyn went by so quickly that many fans don’t remember it very well. Nevertheless, the Mets reliever is without a doubt the most dominant closer in the team’s history. After fouling up his professional debut against the Yankees, giving up a bunch of unearned runs, Smith responded and quickly became a force to be reckoned with. Combining a wicked slider and a 94-mph fastball, Smith was a blast to watch as well. Calm and cool in the clubhouse, Smith was another guy that was always fun to talk to after a game.

Scott Shaw- Easily one of the smartest players I’ve ever interviewed, Shaw could describe his performances with such detail that you almost wondered if he even pitched. It was almost as if he watched someone else pitch and described what he saw. It was a different type of experience for me as a reporter, as my recaps during the games that he pitched possessed a certain amount of depth that I never thought was possible before. I also always liked that he made eye contact with the reporters that asked him questions, letting them know that he was extremely serious when being interviewed. If his class in the clubhouse wasn’t enough, the guy had a great arsenal of pitches and was one of the most efficient pitchers I’ve ever seen in person.

In other news, my Islanders site, TheDriveForFive.com, has been nominated for Islanders blog of the year on YesIslanders.com. However, in order to win, I need votes from you, my readers! If you wish to support me in my quest to become an award-winning blogger, just click the following link and then register [They won't spam you, I promise]. It’s easy!

Thanks in advance!
Photos by Conroy Walker, except the Turkey .

The names of the people have not been changed for their protection.

In the summer of 2006, the Brooklyn Cyclones started their season so miserably that they were forced to make wholesale changes in an effort to get the team going offensively. Alongside guys like Jon Malo and Joe Holden, right fielder Jonathan Sanchez was called up as well.

Big mistake.

Hitting .235 with nine homers and 27 RBI and 11 stolen bases in 85 games with the Hagerstown Suns that season, Sanchez was expected to provide a jolt on offense. Billed as a potential five-tool player, many thought of the guy as a solid prospect in the system and someone that at the very least could spark an otherwise flaccid offensive attack.

What he did instead was provide the Brooklyn coaching staff with headache after headache.

Not only was the guy a strikeout machine, getting called out on strikes 48 times in only 45 games, but he was a lolligagger on defense as well. Owning a gun for an arm, Sanchez felt it necessary to jog for balls hit into shallow right field and use his arm to get himself out of trouble, rather than simply hustle like the rest of the team. Add in the fact that he rarely hit the cut-man from right field, and it’s fair to say he was one of the laziest outfielders I’ve ever seen in pro ball.

Aside from his strikeout habits, Sanchez had problems keeping the ball out of the air, popping out with runners in scoring position at an almost routine basis. With runners in scoring position, where his speed could have been a huge factor, Sanchez’s uppercut swing destroyed any opportunity he had at hitting line drives or any balls on the ground.

In the end however, his attitude was perhaps his most detrimental factor.

After striking out four times one night at Keyspan Park, I asked him what was going on at the plate. I still talk about that moment with some of the other reporters that covered the team that year because even though I knew what answer I was going to get, I was sick of the fact that he consistently avoiding reporters all season, even when he was playing well. After numerous efforts from my fellow reporters to talk to another player, I ended up asking him about his game that night. He got so confrontational that two younger and much smaller reporters were forced to hide behind my 6’4 and 320 pound frame for cover.

In the clubhouse, Sanchez was a bit different. Quiet and keeping to himself most of the time, it was a weird situation, but that was mainly do to the fact that he had a picture of himself in his locker.

I wish I was making this up.

By the middle of August, it was obvious the Sanchez experiment wasn’t going to work, and he was sent back to Hagerstown.

Hitting under .200 the next season in Savannah, Sanchez ironically spent the 2008 season the Gulf Coast League, as a pitcher, going 1-2 with a 3.60 ERA in 15 games. At only 23 years old, who knows, maybe he might end up in Brooklyn again.

Maybe he might have a new picture to put in his locker as well.

Photo by Conroy Walker

DemBrooklynBums.com: What has this season been like for you so far?

Ralph Henriquez: It’s been a bit weird actually. At first, I thought I was going to be in Kingsport, but then I found out that I was ineligible to play there because I played a certain amount of games on a full season team last season. So then I got sent here. It was kind of a last minute thing. I really didn’t know what to expect. Since then, things have been OK I guess.

DBB: Do you feel you have certain expectations to live up to, considering you were traded for one of the Cyclones best relievers last season?

Henriquez: Not really. A bunch of my friends told me that he was a really good pitcher with some good stuff, but you can never think like that.

DBB: Considering that you were rushed here last minute, how have been getting acclimated to Brooklyn?

Henriquez: It’s really different from the Key West. It’s like a completely different world. There’s so many people driving here that it’s hard to get used to at times. Over there, I’ve never gone over 30 miles per hour. There was never any need to. I don’t think there’s a speed limit here. The park is really nice here though and even though it’s most of the same thing wherever you play this game, I’m enjoying my time here.

DBB: Tell us a little bit about your game.

Henriquez: I’m a real energetic catcher and like to take charge. I pride myself on being a leader as well. I like Victor Martinez a lot and I try and mold my game after him.

DBB: Just for the fans at home to get a better idea of what kind of player you are, what do you think your numbers would be if you played a full season?

Henriquez: I really have no idea. I just want to be behind the plate every single day. If that happens, then I’m happy.

DBB: If you got an opportunity to face Vinditte again, would you do anything different?

Henriquez: I’d go up there left-handed and see what happens.

Photo by Patrick Hickey Jr.

At 23 years of age and only one year of pro baseball under his belt, Suire is someone fans may see back again next year as well, as he tries to move up the long ladder of the organization. Who knows, looking into next season, he could be someone Brooklyn fans grow attached to quite quickly. A 35th round pick in the 2008 draft, Suire has already shown the drive and moxie to make himself more than just a filler prospect.

Chatting with DemBrooklynBums.com the day he was called up Suire was excited to make the jump to Single-A and was more than happy to talk about his game.

DemBrooklynBums.com: How do you feel being in Brooklyn?

Kyle Suire: It feels good every time you get called up, but to be here in Brooklyn and help this team win their division, or even a championship is really exciting. While I’m here, I’m going to everything I can to help this team win.

DBB:To be frank, you were hitting the crap out of the ball in Kingsport. What do you think you bring to this team?

Suire:I play the game hard. I’m a gamer. I give it everything I got. I look out for my teammates and I’m always there when they need me. I’m here to be a part of this team. That’s what I offer.

DBB:Do you compare yourself to anyone at the major league level?

Suire: No. You can’t really do that if you want to be successful. Those guys are at a different level. All I can do is go out there and do my best when I’m on the field and just be myself. That’s all I can do.

DBB:Do you consider yourself more of a power hitter or a contact guy?

Suire: I would say I’m more of a gap to gap hitter, but everyone in a while I get lucky and take a ball deep.

DBB:What about your play on defense?

Suire:I’m kind of banged up now with my hamstring and my range isn’t what it’s supposed to be, but I’m feeling better every day. When I’m healthy, I think I’m solid on defense. I’m very dependable.

Photo by Patrick Hickey Jr.

Jordan Abruzzo- The team’s leader in the clubhouse and the calming factor behind the plate. Simply put, Abruzzo didn’t have to be in Brooklyn. He hit over .300 in St. Lucie and Savannah and is excellent at managing a staff. While it was obvious he wasn’t exactly thrilled to be in Brooklyn, he played his heart out and was a driving force in their success. Struggling at times, Abruzzo eventually proved why he was so successful at higher levels and even flashing some serious power from both sides of the plate as well. Combined with his other stops in the organization, Abruzzo hit .290 with 14 homers, 131 hits and 59 RBI in 122 games and 451 at-bats. Next season, he’s a guy that I see starting in High-A and ending up in Double-A. When it’s all said and done, he’s got the drive and tenacity to be a success wherever he plays. Now in winter ball with the Honolulu Sharks, it’s obvious this kid wants to play in the bigs.

Final Grade- A

Luis Alen- Another guy with a ton of desire, but unlike Abruzzo, his bat never materialized and was forced to deal with a variety of injuries. Making stops in New Orleans and St. Lucie by season’s end, Alen is someone that will benefit immensely from time off to heal. Nevertheless, his solid game-calling abilities aside, Alen wasn’t very impressive in Brooklyn this season.

Final Grade- D

Caesar Cordido- He was a pleasant surprise after being called up from Kingsport last season and while his defense was especially solid most of the season, his bat was often sporadic. He did hit .320 over his last 10 games to somewhat solidify his presence in the organization, but I truly believe that Cordido is someone that has to start everyday to see what he’s truly capable of. 74 at bats is just not enough for him. He’s pushing 24 and needs more playing time.

Final Grade B-

Ralph Henriquez- Another guy that needed more playing time. Much like Abruzzo though, Henriquez showed some pop from both sides of the plate, but never got enough of an opportunity. Traded for Josh Appell before the season started, many saw Henriquez, a former second round pick, as the team’s starting catcher this season. That obviously didn’t happen. However, after leaving Brooklyn, he hit .273 with Savannah, but in the end, only accumulated 95 AB’s by the end of the season. If this guy is going to move up in the organization, that’s going to have to change fast.

Final Grade- D+

Photos by Ron Hatcher

Note- These are for players that either spent the majority of the season in Brooklyn or are important prospects worth watching. Considering how many shortstops this team had this season alone, this post could be longer than the declaration of independence.

Matt Smith- .198 BA, 2 HR 9 RBI- Despite his low batting average, Smith was a solid leader in the clubhouse, played adequate defense and drew a ton of walks before injuries derailed his season. With a host of players making the jump to the bigs this season in Binghamton and Smith already having some AA experience, he figures to start the season there.

Grade- C

JR Voyles- .223 BA, 3 HR, 15 RBI- Last season’s cult hero couldn’t cut the mustard in his second season in Brooklyn and it was easy to see that he wasn’t the same player. His defense wasn’t as sharp either, as several errors cost the team games down the stretch. However, if my memory does serve me correctly, the team won 29 of their 45 games after he was called up in mid-July, making him their honorary good luck charm. It’s still unknown how much his play had to do with that success though.

Grade- D+

Jose Jimenez- .212 BA, 4 HR, 16 RBI- He started off so strong, but ended abysmally, hitting .081 in his last 37 ABs. His 42 strikeouts in only 136 ABs were also a huge detriment to the team, going along with a less than mediocre .272 OBP. However, his power is still solid enough to land him at higher levels and if he can be a bit more selective at the plate, he can still develop into a solid infielder.

Grade- D

Ike Davis- .256 BA, 0 HR, 17 RBI- Joining the team after the first week of the season, Davis was supposed to be the team’s savior on offense. However, things just never materialized. Even with a .368 average through his last ten games, Davis was still a huge disappointment at the plate. Nevertheless, after a long college season, the youngster may need some rest. During the season, Davis also admitted he had a rib injury that was bothering him when he swung. With that being said, next season seems to look like the real test for Davis, as his time in Brooklyn will be remembered as mediocre. Aside from his less than stellar play at the plate however, Davis was something to behold on defense, making sensational plays all season, somewhat making up for his ineffective bat.

Grade- D

Reese Havens- .247 BA, 3 HR, 12 RBI- While 12 RBI in only 85 ABs isn’t too shabby for a guy tormented by injuries all season, everyone in the press box at Keyspan knew that Havens wasn’t himself, as he was dealing with injuries to his elbow and his groin all season. In spite of that, his patience at the plate and ability to hit in the gaps at Keyspan Park makes you think that once he’s healthy, he’ll be a more than adequate run producer.

Grade- B

Juan Legares- .250 BA, 1 HR, 7 RBI- Kind of hard to argue with 18 hits in 19 games for a 19-year-old in his second season of pro ball. His smarts on the base paths and rocket arm are also going to be fun to watch once he develops. In spite of all of that however, he needs to develop more patience at the plate before he can really show what he is capable of.

Grade B-

Eric Campbell- .260 BA. 4 HR, 28 RBI- One of the team’s most dependable bats this season, Campbell was unable to stay hot for a long period of time and had the epitome of a roller coaster season at the plate, hitting under .200 in September. It’s hard to knock his .313 BA and 23 RBI with runners in scoring position however and his dependable, but not flashy defense. His ability to play decent left field and sneakily solid speed may also increase his stock as his career progresses.

Grade- B

Josh Satin- .280 BA, 4 HR, 13 RBI- Another guy that was dependable whenever he was in the lineup and someone that could have benefited from his teammates being able to get on base a little bit more. Injuries however caused him to be miss a ton of time, and it felt like he was lost in the shuffle for a big part of the season as the team was trying to find it’s offensive identity. As it turns out, while many thought Satin was replaceable at second base, he ended up with the highest BA among players appearing in over 40 games. Steady on defense, the former All-American looks to have an interesting future ahead of him.

Grade- B+

Zach Lutz- .333 BA, 3 HR, 12 RBI- If this guy remained healthy all season, he was easily the team’s MVP on offense, maybe the league. A warrior at the plate and on the field, Lutz was also playing at 70-75 percent the entire season, making you wonder how effective he could have been if he’d be able to run more on his injured foot. 2009 will be an important season for him and it’ll be interesting to see where he ends up in the organization.

Grade- A

Wilmer Flores- 267. BA, O HR, 1 RBI- He started off uber solid in his first few games, but then showed an inability to hold his own against pitchers with more than a fastball. However, with his smooth and compact swing and some more experience, Flores may find himself on the fast track to the big leagues. His defense also could use a bit more polish as his lanky body was making up for instinctual mistakes that just don’t happen with older players. Some time at instructs and another summer in A ball may be the best step in his development as well, perhaps splitting time at Savannah and St. Lucie.

Grade B+

Photos by Ron Hatcher.

With Kirk Nieuwenhuis, their best hitter all season at the plate in the bottom of the tenth, an absolute bomb off the third round pick’s bat was torn from the sky courtesy of Hurricane Hanna-inspired winds, right into Aberdeen outfielder Jacob Julius’s glove in right center field.

Seconds later, the last Fireworks show of the summer at Coney Island started, symbolizing a beautiful season that in the end, just wasn’t meant to be.

A half inning afterwards, an error from closer Yury Santana opened the door for a two-run Aberdeen 11th, effectively euthanizing the Cyclones 2008 playoff hopes.

“I’m sad, but I’m happy,” said Cyclones manager Edgar Alfonzo. “Everyone got better this year and when you are 15 games over .500, it’s a successful season regardless.”

The Cyclones got on the board in the first after an Eric Campbell sacrifice fly scored Nieuwenhuis and gave them a 1-0 lead. The Mets Single-A affiliate continued to produce in the second as well after a Josh Satin single scored Seth Williams and a Jose Jimenez sacrifice fly [his second RBI since the All-Star break] scored Satin, putting Brooklyn up 3-0.

With an early three-run lead, Cyclones starter Scott Shaw was solid and despite some control problems in the third, kept Aberdeen scoreless and the lead intact. In the fourth however, Ironbirds third baseman Tyler Kolodny brought the shutout bid to end with an RBI single. A passed ball and a sacrifice fly later in the inning allowed two more runs to score, tying the game at 3-3.

Reliever Wendy Rosa replaced Shaw in the fifth and pitched 1.2 innings of shutout ball before walking a pair of hitters. Mattias Carrillo then came out of the Brooklyn bullpen and got the final out of the inning and pitched two shutout innings before leaving in favor of Jeff Kaplan with two outs in the top of the eighth. Getting the final out of the inning, Kaplan kept the score at 3-3 going into the ninth.

The Brooklyn offense could not come through in the bottom of the ninth however, sending the game into extra innings.

Kaplan’s night then came to an end in the tenth, as he lasted only one out into the inning after allowing a walk to Calvin Lester and a sacrifice bunt. Alfonzo was then forced to bring in Santana and things got interesting after that, as Lester stole third with only one out. Santana was on his game though, retiring both hitters he faced to keeping the game tied going into the 11th.

Santana was again on the mound after Brooklyn after the Baby Bums couldn’t produce at the plate in the tenth. This time however, the 26-year-old wasn’t as sharp and committed an error on a routine dribbler down the first base line, which opened the door for a TJ Baxter RBI single later in the inning that put Aberdeen ahead 4-3. Santana then walked the next hitter he faced and was replaced by Roy Merritt with the bases loaded. Despite striking out the first hitter he faced, Merritt soon ran into trouble of his own, walking home a run before ending the inning with the Ironbirds up 5-3.

Continuing to have problems against Aberdeen pitching, Brooklyn couldn’t get back in the ballgame, as catcher Caesar Cordido grounded into a double play after a lead-off walk in the bottom of 11th. Pinch-hitter Sean Ratliff was then retired on strikes to end the game 5-3.

With the loss, the Cyclones are eliminated for post-season play and will not make the playoffs for the first time in three seasons.

“It disappointing,” said Nieuwenhuis. “But we all worked hard this season and we played great baseball down the stretch.”

Notes-

Winning 13 of their last 16 before Friday night’s game, Brooklyn’s offense mustered only eight hits on the night.

With his 79th hit tonight, Nieuwenhuis tied the Cyclones single-season hit record with Dustin Martin and Ambiorix Concepcion.

“I had no idea,” he said. “I would have liked to get one or to more today, but the wind got them.”

Nieuwenhuis also tied the Cyclones single-season record for most games played, set by Ian Bladergroen in 2003.

Even if Brooklyn would have won on Friday, things would have remained tricky in assessing their playoff hopes. Because of the remnants of Hurricane Hanna, which has already begun to hit Brooklyn, the Cyclones may not have been able to play today’s game. Then, if Batavia would have won their season finale today and Brooklyn was unable to play due to the weather, Batavia would have made the playoffs as the wild card due to a higher win percentage. However, if Brooklyn didn’t play and either Batavia or Jamestown lost, Brooklyn would have made the playoffs for the third consecutive season.

Update: 1:30 P.M.

Today’s season finale has been canceled.

Photos by Ron Hatcher.

If he’s 6’3,175 pounds and has braces, it’s Mets prospect Wilmer Flores.

Going through seven other shortstops this season, due to a combination of inconsistent play and chronic injuries, the Brooklyn Cyclones got the baby-faced middle infielder on Aug. 28 from the Mets other Single-A affiliate in Savannah, where he played just one game and collected three hits. Before being sent to Savannah, Flores was starring for the Mets Rookie league team in Kingsport, where he was hitting .310 with eight home runs and 41 RBI.

That’s a lot of traveling for anyone, nevertheless a 17-year-old.

With seven hits in his first four games in Brooklyn however, he’s already become a fixture in the starting lineup. Because of that, it looks like his traveling days are over this season.

“You watch him hit and you know it’s something you can’t teach,” said Cyclones manager Edgar Alfonzo. “He’s very young, but after you watch him in batting practice, you see that he has a routine and he sticks with it. He’s going to be a very good player.”

Because of all the praise he’s received for his play on the field and maturity off of it this season, Flores is having an absolute blast in his first year in professional baseball.

“I always dreamed to be here, but I never thought I’d be here this fast. It’s been amazing,” he said through a translator. “The traveling is part of my job. I have to do it, but it’s been fun too. I’ll play wherever they want me to. I love to do this.”

Playing with players up to nine years older than him this season, you’d expect the youngster, who still has a good four years before he can legally drink a brew after a game, to feel a bit out of place.

In spite of his age and the ages of his teammates though, Flores is looking forward to proving himself in Brooklyn and loves being around older players.

“There were a lot of younger players in Kingsport and in Brooklyn, there are more experienced guys,” he said. “It’s a tougher league and I’m learning from my surroundings. It’s good for me to be in this locker room. In Kingsport, the pitchers threw a lot of fastballs, but here, I’ve been seeing curve balls, change-ups and sliders too. It’s a good test for me.”

Considering how large Flores is and how many years he has left to grow, one would expect him to end up a first baseman or a corner outfielder by the time he makes it to the big leagues. Right now however, Flores is focusing on being the best shortstop he can be.

Already showing solid range and a more than adequate arm on the field in his short stint in Brooklyn, Flores doesn’t want to think of moving to another position right now.

“Right now I’m playing shortstop,” Flores, who models his game after Derek Jeter, said. “And that’s what I’m going to continue to do. If they want to move me later that’s fine. I just want to play baseball. This is what I love to do.”

Nevertheless, while idolizing the current Yankee shortstop, Flores doesn’t see himself becoming a playboy any time soon.

Because for him, baseball comes first.

“I’m not worried about any female fans,” Flores said. “I’m here to play baseball.”

Link-

Box score to last night’s 5-2 Cyclones win.

Photos by Ron Hatcher

After reliever Jeff Kaplan inherited a one run lead in the fourth and pitched his best game this season however, that thread just got a little longer.

Beating Oneonta 3-2 behind Kaplan and a two-RBI night from Seth Williams, Brooklyn, who have now won six in a row, aren’t laying down and are focused on stealing a playoff spot anyway they can.

“I feel like they know what they need to do now to win games,” said Cyclones manager Edgar Alfonzo. “A couple of weeks ago, it was scary. Right now though, everyone is ready to contribute.”

The Cyclones got on the board first on a Sean Ratliff RBI double in the second that scored Wilmer Flores and gave them a 1-0 lead. Williams then stretched the lead even further in the second after an RBI single that scored JR Voyles and Kirk Nieuwenhuis and put them up by three.

The Mets Single-A affiliate saw their lead shrink the next half inning however, after a Brent Wyatt single down the third base line [that was argued by Alfonzo to no avail] scored two runs and made it a one-run ballgame at 3-2.

“That hit really got in my head and I lost my concentration because of it,” said Martinez through a translator. “Other than that, I thought I was okay.”

Giving up six hits in 3.1 innings, Martinez was replaced by Jeff Kaplan with runners on the corners in the fourth. Getting the finals two outs of the inning, Kaplan held the lead and pitched 4.2 innings, giving up only one hit. Losing his spot in the rotation earlier in the season, Kaplan has been a revelation in relief over his past seven outings and has given up only two earned runs in 19.2 innings pitched.

“I knew if I threw strikes, my defense would help me out,” said Kaplan. “I pitched my game.”

Jimmy Johnson came out of the bullpen and replaced Kaplan in the ninth, but lasted only two outs after giving up a lead-off single and an error by Flores.

With the winning run on first base for Oneonta, Alfonzo called in closer Yury Santana, who retired the only hitter he faced via strikeout and gave Brooklyn their 40th win of the season.

Despite the win however, Brooklyn failed to gain any significant ground in the playoff race, as both Batavia and Staten both won their respective games, putting them one and half games out of the Wild Card and four back of the McNamara Division lead. Nevertheless, Kaplan and the Clones know that they can’t control how other teams play and are focused on winning their remaining games.

“We know that we have to win,” he said. “We can’t worry about what everybody else does and we’re not.”

Notes-

Wilmer Flores had three hits again for Brooklyn and by the smile on his face on the field, he seems to be enjoying Brooklyn immensely. [By the way, just to answer a fan's e-mail yesterday, yes, Flores still has braces.]

The coaching staff is enjoying his play as well.

“He’s played well these two games,” said Alfonzo. “This kid is doing good and he has a routine.”

Clones shortstop Reese Havens was seen during batting practice on Friday looking very much like a player very close to returning to the lineup. The Cyclones however, refuse to rush the first rounder back.

“We don’t want to think about it now,” said Alfonzo. “As of right now, we’re still wait and see with him.”

Video-

Havens fielding during BP yesterday.

[youtube ch3JWIxYcso]

Photos by Ron Hatcher. Video by Patrick Hickey Jr.

DemBrooklynBums.com: You were hitting very well down in Kingsport, can you tell us a little about your game?

Dock Doyle: I started off a little slow this summer, I guess it was the transition from college ball and the metal bats to the pros and wood. It just took some time. Now I’m here in Brooklyn and ready to experience the game with the Brooklyn Cyclones.

DBB: To give the fans at home a better idea of what kind of player you are, is there a player at the major league level that you try and emulate?

Doyle: I like watching guys like Jorge Posada and Jason Varitek catch. Mets fans may not like that though.

DBB: What do you take more pride in, calling a game, or hitting?

Doyle: I’m a hitter, I love to hit. I enjoy being behind the plate and helping pitchers and I really like to lead as much as I can when I’m out there, but hitting is definitely my favorite part of the game.

DBB: Has the organization told you what to expect as far as playing time is concerned? Do you have any expectations?

Doyle: I don’t know, I haven’t heard anything from anyone, so I’m just going to enjoy the rest of my summer and see where it takes me.

DBB: Josh Satin and John Servidio spent some time in Kingsport earlier in the season, did you hang out with them at all? Do you know any of the other guys?

Doyle: They were there for a few nights and we went out to dinner a few times. They were a lot of fun to be around. Erik Turgeon was my roommate down there to and I know Seth Williams from when he was there. I haven’t met most of the other guys though.

Link-

Box Score to last night’s 5-4 Cyclones Win.

Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr. and Jim Dolan

For the first few weeks of the season, things seemed to be going according to plan, as he was outshining every player on the team, including the trio of Mets first round picks, Ike Davis, Reese Havens and Brad Holt.

Coming into the season with a vastly redefined upper body, Lutz appeared to be in the best shape of his life.

Looks can sometimes be deceiving though.

Currently rehabbing in Florida after re-injuring his foot a few weeks ago, Lutz was hitting .333 with three homers and 12 RBI in only 24 games with Brooklyn this season and admits now that he was only playing at 75-80 percent during that time. Skeptical of his return to Brooklyn this year, Lutz has been told by the organization to put this season behind him and focus on 2009.

“I hate to say this, but from what we’ve been talking about, the focus is really on the long-term,” he said. “The organization and I really don’t want to come back and risk anything. I want to play more than anything right now and everybody knows it, but everyone is telling me to look out for myself and my future. It really hurts when you hear something like that, but when you sit down and think about it, it makes perfect sense.”

Seen icing his foot after nearly every home game this season in Brooklyn, many reporters wondered just how hurt Lutz actually was, but considering how exceptional his play was on the field, no one thought it was anything more than soreness from a year on the shelf.

Things were a lot worse than they seemed however.

“Every three or four games, I’d have to sit out because it [his foot] was acting up,” said Lutz. “There were times after games this season where I couldn’t even walk without it hurting. Right now, I really don’t know what the point would be in trying to come back because I’m not even at the level I was at when I was there. I don’t feel I’m even close to that level now. I have a walking boot on now and I still have problems with my quad.”

For a 22-year-old that has been a star at every level of baseball he’s played at, staying away from the game may be a bit tougher than it seems. A student of the game, Lutz spent the offseason in 2007 throwing baseballs with his mother and working out his upper body with his father, all while keeping his foot elevated like the Mets wanted him to, for nearly five months. By doing so and playing injured this season, Lutz has proven he’s a warrior that wants to succeed in professional baseball, perhaps more than anyone else in the sport today.

Knowing that, the next few months may be difficult ones for him.

“When I was in college, I’d have a game at three right after school and by six, I’d be home running or have my mom throw golf balls at me,” Lutz said. “I’d have a class the next day at 7:45 and I’d be up at 5:30 running and hitting. This is what I love to do and it hurts so bad not to be able to do it. I just have to be patient now. I’m only 22 and I don’t want to risk losing my career. There’s nothing I can do. ”

Nevertheless, Lutz is focused on coming back a better player and one that is completely healthy.

“I’m going to come into Spring Training in great shape,” he said. “I want to get back to where I was before and I’m going to everything I can to get there. I know I was doing well when I was in Brooklyn, but I know I could do more. When I would hit a ground ball toward the line at third, I know that I could run it out if I wasn’t hurt. The same thing goes for some of the singles I hit that could have been doubles. I stole a bunch of bases in college too and to not be able to do that was really frustrating. I want to make sure it never happens again.”

Link-

Box Score to last night’s 8-3 Cyclones Win.

Photos by Jim Dolan and Ron Hatcher.

Winners of eight of their last 11 games, Brooklyn knows that as long as the victories keep coming, their season is far from over.

“We have the pitching staff, we just need to keep winning,” said Cyclones manager Edgar Alfonzo. “We have a good chance, if everything continues to go the right way.”

Behind solid pitching from both starters, Lowell’s Yeiper Castillo and the surreptitiously-quick Shaw, the game remained scoreless through the fourth inning.

“I was locating my fastball and that’s always the key to success,” said Shaw [5-2, 2.76 ERA]. “When I pitch well, I also work very fast and I don’t throw a lot of pitches. That’s exactly what happened tonight.”

The stalemate was finally lifted in the fifth however, after a Josh Satin solo-homer in the fifth that gave Brooklyn a 1-0 lead.

“I’m starting to swing the bat better,” said Satin, who is hitting .333 over his past ten games. “I feel more comfortable at the plate and right now, it feels like something just clicked.”

Striking out ten and allowing only one hit, Shaw was again solid for Brooklyn and kept the Lowell bats dormant through his 6.2 innings of work.

“He had a good tempo going,” said Cyclones catcher Jordan Abruzzo. “The hitter’s were uncomfortable and they didn’t have time to think tonight.”

Roy Merritt came into the game with two outs in the sixth and a runner on first base and kept the Spinners off the scoreboard in the seventh, while Satin got his second RBI of the night on a double that scored Sean Ratliff in the bottom of the inning and gave Brooklyn a 2-0 lead.

After Merritt threw a scoreless inning in the eighth, Stephen Clyne came in and pitched a scoreless ninth, earning his ninth save of the season and inducing a hard-earned 2-0 win.

Winning the first game of the three-game series with Lowell, Brooklyn knows their season is hanging in the balance, but sees their pitching staff as the key to their playoff birth.

Giving up just one-hit as a staff on Thursday, it’s safe to say the Baby Bums are confident in their post season chances.

“I don’t see us slowing down,” said Shaw. “And if we don’t make the playoffs, it’s going to take a heck of a run by the teams in front of us. We’re going to catch them. I don’t see a way we wouldn’t.”

Notes-

Satin, who hit ninth on Thursday, was surprised where he hit in the lineup, but believes it’s because of the team’s depth and not because of any struggles on his part.

“I never hit lower than fourth in my life,” he said with a laugh. “Our team is just so good from top to bottom though. It’s one of those things that it doesn’t matter where you hit, you just have to capitalize when you get the chance.”

Video-

Josh Satin RBI Double

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Update- 5:25 P.M.

Catcher Ralph Henriquez was optioned to Savannah. As a result, Dock Doyle was called up from Kingsport, where he was hitting .308 with 20 RBI in 41 games.

Photos by Ron Hatcher. Video by Patrick Hickey Jr.

After seven years in the sport, six of those with the Mets organization, Malek was released by the Los Angeles Dodgers and seemed out of options.

That’s until the Mets called and gave the 27-year-old’s career a second life.

A lifetime .262 hitter through 2,286 at bats at the minor league level, Malek was far from a superstar, but was a hard-working and gritty player that never gave up on the field. Because of that desire and perseverance on the field, the Mets gave him an opportunity to help coach their affiliate in the Gulf Coast League.

“I think because of the way I handled myself on the field when I was playing, they asked me if I wanted to come back as a coach,” said Malek, who had only 57 at bats in 28 games this season with the Dodgers Double-A affiliate before rejoining the Mets organization. “I did the right thing off the field and I played the game the way it should be played. I think that’s why they called me. Before that, I didn’t even consider getting into coaching.”

With Cyclones hitting coach Guadalupe Jabalera tending to personal matters last week, an opening at Brooklyn sent Malek back to the team he started his professional career with in 2002, making him the first former player in the team’s short history to ever coach in Brooklyn. While he only played 28 games with the Baby Bums that season, the lore behind his arm in right field is one of legend. Despite only spending a week with the team before heading back to the Gulf Coast, Malek has been a positive influence on them.

Seen spending time with Cyclones outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis, who was on top of his defensive game while Malek was with the team, making several solid catches, it’s obvious he’s gotten through to the players.

“I knew how to play the game right and I was smart,” Malek, who had his best season in the minor leagues in 2004 when he hit 13 home runs and 58 RBI with St. Lucie, said. “I feel like I got the most out of my ability and I had some great coaches. I feel like I could have played in the big leagues defensively with my arm and because of that, I have a lot of knowledge to share with these guys.”

Quickly making the transition from player to hot-shot coaching prospect, Malek is focused on becoming the best coach he can be.

If the reputation he had on the field during his career is any indication, he’ll be just fine.

“I had a really good player career; it was an enjoyable seven years,” he said. “I put my blood, sweat and tears into getting to the big leagues, but it just didn’t happen. I feel like if I looked myself in the mirror now, I know that I gave it everything I had. Considering that, I thought it was time to move on. Now, I’m looking forward to making it to the big leagues one day as a coach. I know this is a learning experience, but I feel like I’ve gotten off to a good start.”

Link:

Box Score to last night’s 9-1 Cyclones win.

Update- 5:36 p.m.

Juan Lagares will be starting tonight’s game in place of injured the Matt Smith, who was ironically taking the place of an injured Reese Havens.

Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr., Jim Dolan and Ron Hatcher.

Eric Campbell isn’t one of those players.

Hitting .283 with 13 RBI through the team’s first 35 games in ’08, the Brooklyn Cyclones third baseman/left fielder believes he’s just getting started proving what he’s capable of on the field.

At 6’3 and 220 pounds, many originally saw Campbell as a DH or someone who would contribute more with his bat than his glove and legs. After half a season in Brooklyn however, Campbell has shown a more than adequate arm from the hot corner and has even proved he could play left field when asked upon. The same thing can be said about his legs, which he’s used to get to balls down the third base line and up against the left field wall that no one thought he had any business near.

Modest and laid back off the field, Campbell is the kind of person that would have a problem telling the collective baseball world, “I told you so.”

He does understand where those same people are coming from though when they try to put a book together on him.

“It’s been like that my entire life,” he said. “After about 30 games, people begin to notice that I’m not a big slow guy.”

Much like the soup that bears his surname, this Campbell comes in many flavors. A lead-off hitter in High School, Campbell knows how to get on base. While his one homer in 35 games may not be eye-popping for a guy with his size and strength, his 17 walks and .392 on-base percentage are stats too big to fit inside a can of “Chunky Minestrone,” making him a hitter that can hurt you with a lot more than a long ball.

Originally looking like he was lost in the shuffle while Dan Murphy and Ryan Church were rehabbing with the team in late June, Campbell has become one of the main ingredients in the team’s offensive attack this season. With Zach Lutz still nursing a variety of injuries as well, it seems that Campbell’s playing time will only increase as the season goes on.

Campbell isn’t thinking about where he’ll be in the lineup once Lutz comes back however and is instead focusing on making the most of the opportunity that has been given to him.

“All I can do is go out there and produce when my name is called,” said Campbell. “Obviously, I want to be in the lineup every day, but I know if I start to do what I have to when they call on me that I’ll stick in the lineup. I think that’s starting to happen now.”

With the team finally back at .500 after a week or so of consistent baseball, players like Campbell will be counted on down the stretch if the Cyclones are to make the playoffs for a third consecutive season.

Confident his game will continue to improve, Campbell is determined to make a lasting impression with the fans in Brooklyn and help the team get back on track.

“Wherever they put me on the field, I have to continue to produce,” he said. “If I keep hitting the way I have been and can get even hotter, I know that I can stay in the lineup.”

Notes-

From the look of the box score, 2007 hero Jason Jacobs is back in town, which may be indicative to the seriousness of Ike Davis’ ankle injury he suffered on Monday in Staten Island. When the team comes back home on Saturday, expect a full-status update on Davis as well as a catch up with Jacobs, who is easily one of the nicest guys to ever put on a uniform in Brooklyn.

Link:

Box Score to yesterday’s 5-4 Cyclones win.

Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr. and Ron Hatcher.

Through the team’s first 18 games this season, it looked like all the preparation had paid off for the 21-year-old Reading, PA-native, as he was leading the team with an uber impressive .340 batting average and nine RBI.

On Jul. 6 however, Lutz hit another barrier in his professional career, as he re-injured the same foot after grounding out in the third inning of a game against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.

For a team already starved for offensive production, the absence of Lutz, which only lasted three games, was a heart-breaking one. Without the youngster manning the hot corner, the Mets Single-A affiliate scored only three runs.

The comeback was a short one however, as two games later Lutz found himself back on the DL, this time after getting 40cc of blood drained from a hematoma on his right quad and hasn’t been in the lineup since.

“I didn’t think it was that bad at first,” he said. “I went to the doctor and had an MRI and I couldn’t believe it.”

However, while Lutz’s latest injury is a setback for him, his endless devotion to the game has so far been able to bring him back to the spotlight.

Wearing a cast on his foot for nearly five months after his first injury last season, Lutz refused to take a day off in rehab. Working extremely hard on developing his upper-body, Lutz came to training camp looking like completely different from the 175-pound infielder he was the year before.

The way he did it is an interesting one.

“It was weird [rehabbing], because I was instructed to always keep my foot elevated,” said Lutz. “But I still did things when I was injured. It was really tough at times, but I had to do something. I usually went outside and put my right foot on a bucket and I would throw the ball around with my mother or father. I tried to do anything to stay active.”

Trying desperately to come back a better baseball player after the injury, Lutz believes he took his body to places it had never been previously.

He also sharpened his mind during that time as well.

“I went back to school and took four classes, which was a little weird as well,” he said. “I had to keep my foot elevated there too.”

By working so hard to continue playing the game he loves, Lutz unbelievably, ended up with an even greater appreciation for the sport than he did before.

“Sometimes you wake up in the morning and you question if you have the energy to go out and perform,” Lutz said. “Sometimes you take it for granted. But then, something like what happened to me can happen and it puts everything into perspective.”

Out for at least another two weeks, Lutz is itching to get back on the field and let his teammates know he isn’t ready to turn in the towel on his season.

“I’m going to keep my head up and keep working hard,” said Lutz during the team’s last homestand. “Hopefully it’s only a few more days until I get back on the field and start practicing with these guys. I want nothing more than to be on the field with my teammates.”

Link:

Box Score to Last Night’s 4-3 Cyclone Win

Photos by Ron Hatcher and Patrick Hickey Jr.

The rest of his teammates didn’t help the cause much either though, amassing only two extra-base hits and committing two costly errors in a 6-4 loss.

“We scored four runs today,” said Cyclones skipper Edgar Alfonzo of his team that ended up with 12 hits on the night. “I know this team is going to score runs. Again, we were one hit away from winning the game. We finished the game strong too, so I’m proud of them for that.”

Jim Fuller made his first professional start for the Cyclones and despite giving up two hits to start the game, the lefty managed to keep the Renegades off the board in the first. Giving up another hit in the second, Fuller was saved after John Servidio made his fourth outfield assist of the season, nailing Michael Ross at the plate and keeping the game scoreless.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis got the Cyclones on the board with an RBI single in the second, scoring Mets fourth round pick Sean Ratliff, who singled earlier in his first professional at bat.

The lead wouldn’t last for long however, as the third inning was also an adventure for Fuller, who left the game with the base loaded in favor of reliever Wendy Rosa.

“He threw the ball well for his first start here in Brooklyn,” said Cyclones catcher Ralph Henriquez of Fuller. “He had good stuff. He was a lot better than it looked.”

The Cyclones reliever couldn’t keep Fuller’s shutout though, walking Ross and allowing a run to cross the plate to tie the game. That was all the offense Hudson Valley could muster however, as catcher John Mollicone grounded out to Brooklyn third baseman Zach Lutz to end the inning.

Brooklyn then got back on top in the third, as Davis scorched an opposite field double that scored Matt Bouchard. Things then began to fall apart for Renegades starter Chris Andujar, who ended up surrendering an RBI ground out from Zach Lutz, giving the Mets Single-A affiliate a 3-1 lead.

Both teams then made pitching changes in the sixth, as Manny Olivares came into the game for Brooklyn and Rob Della Grotta came out of the Hudson Valley bullpen and replaced Andujar. Both pitched scoreless frames in the sixth, but Olivares ended up coughing up the lead, giving up a bases loaded single to pinch-hitter Anthony Scelfo, which tied the score at 3-3.

Mike Lynn came into the game in eighth for Brooklyn and only lasted two hitters, getting Mark Thomas to ground out and walking Jason Appel. Lefty side-armer Roy Merritt made his Keyspan debut and instead of getting out of the inning on a routine ground ball that should have been converted into a double play, Cyclones shortstop Matt Bouchard missed second baseman Josh Satin and threw the ball into right field, allowing a run to score and gave Hudson Valley a 4-3 lead with only one out.

A Jason Corder sacrifice fly later in the eighth also padded the Renegades lead, giving them a two-run cushion with only two innings left to play.

“Roy gave me exactly what I wanted with the bases loaded,” said Bouchard. “I rushed it a bit though and I was a bit off balance. I was too quick with it. I really wanted to get the double play.”

Unlike earlier in the week, the Cyclones didn’t have any come from behind magic in them tonight, as Joshua Satow, who replaced Della Grotta in the seventh, kept the Baby Mets off the scoreboard in the eighth. Merritt continued pitching in the ninth and gave up a Mollicone RBI single, giving the Renegades a three-run lead with Brooklyn’s last licks on the way.

Coming in after Satow gave up a Henriquez single, Renegades closer Travis Risser proved to be no where near as potent as his team’s offense, but was saved by solid defense. Giving up a RBI single from Murphy that scored Henriquez, Risser got Zach Lutz to ground into a a game-ending double-play, putting the finishing touches on a 6-4 Renegades win.

“We had a lot of chances, but we didn’t take advantage of them,” said Bouchard, who had two hits on the night, to go along with two errors. “Our hits weren’t timely either, we put together a couple of good innings late. If we would have put them together earlier, things could have turned out different.”

Notes-

According to a source in the organization, the Mets other first round pick, Reese Havens, is expected to DH today in the second game of the series against Hudson Valley.

Daniel Murphy concluded his rehab assignment with the Clones last night, amassing seven hits and two RBI in just three games and is scheduled to rejoin the Double-A B-Mets today.

“He’s a professional hitter,” said Alfonzo. “He can hit.”

Alfonzo also announced that outfielder Brandon Kawal [stiff back] and Luis Alen [chin laceration] have been added to the Disabled List to make room for Havens. Alfonzo also expects a roster move to take place tomorrow to help sort out a team that is currently carrying six outfielders and three catchers.

Video-

Cyclones LF Sean Ratliff singles in his first pro AB

[youtube D97HTLrpmAM]

Photos by Ron Hatcher, Video by Patrick Hickey Jr.