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2008 Savannah Sand Gnats Season Pass

Sandgnat Apr 10 2008 01:16 PM

Let's give this thing another go again this year, shall we? First, some off the field news. Hardball Capital, an Atlanta-based firm that currently operates the Fort Wayne Wizards, a Class-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres purchased the Savannah Sand Gnats just a few weeks before the start of the season. This came as quite a surprise as former owner John Simmons seemed to really be committed to the team both financially and as a fan. In fact it was his own personal money that paid for the new scoreboard that debuted at historic Grayson Stadium last year. ("Historic" is an obligatory preface whenever one says "Grayson Stadium" for some stupid reason that will no longer be repeated herein). Grayson Stadium continues to get a much-needed face lift that began prior to last season. The crumbling leftfield bleachers are gone and the left-field fence has been moved back 30 feet from 290 to 320 down the line. A burm now replaces the bleacher area. There is a brand new playing surface and a new drainage system which hopefully means that 8am showers don't mean 7pm rainouts anymore like in years past. In the clubhouse, there is a new sheriff in town as well. New manager Donovan Mitchell takes the reigns over from Tim Teuffel. Mitchell is a former player in the Houston Astros organization from 1992-1998 where he made it as far as Triple A. He was an All-Star second baseman in the Sallie League in 1993 for Asheville and won a Double A title in 1996 with Jackson, MS and a Triple A title in 1998 with New Orleans. He has been coaching in the minors since 1999, most recently with Kingsport the past two seasons. Up next: This year's roster and a recap of the first few games on the road.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 10 2008 01:20 PM

Not to intrude, but I thought I'd mention that the Ultimate Mets Database this year is going to try to keep more or less up to date with minor league stats throughout the season, rather than just posting them all for the first and only time after the season concludes. The stats won't be updated daily, but perhaps weekly. Anyway, here are this year's Sand Gnats, so far: http://www.ultimatemets.com/metannual.php?ThisYear=2008&tabno=8&teamno=67 Sorry for the interruption. Back to you, Sandgnat!

Sandgnat Apr 10 2008 01:23 PM

all contributions are welcome!

Valadius Apr 10 2008 01:52 PM

Francisco Pena's performing well! We have a catching prospect on our hands!

Sandgnat Apr 10 2008 02:04 PM Meet the Gnats

This year's Gnat roster features 12 returning players from last season and like last year is very young with 13 players twenty years of age or younger. There should be some talent this year as 5 of the Gnats 25 players were drafted in the first 10 rounds. Leading the prospect list will be pitchers Nathan Vineyard and Scott Moviel. Vineyard, the No. 9 prospect in the Mets organization according to BA was drafted in the first round (supplemental) of the 2007 draft. Moviel, a second round pick in 2007 and the No. 12 ranked prospect, started 12 games for the GCL Mets after being drafted out of St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio. He was 0-2 with a 3.38 ERA and struck out 37 batters in 40 innings. Returning from last year for the pitching staff will be Angel Calero, Emary Frederick, Julio Polanco, and Josh Stinson. On the infield, Jake Eigsti and Greg Veloz return from last year's squad. Jose Jimenez, who hit .309 with 7 home runs for Kingsport last season, joins them alont with New York-Penn League All Star Matthew Bouchard. Francisco Pena is back behind the plate. Juan Lagares, last year’s starting shortstop is back with the team but is currently on the disabled list. Darren Clark, Richard Pena and Daniel Stegall all return again this year in the outfield and will be joined by Raul Reyes, who spent 2007 with the Brooklyn Cyclones. PLAYER BIOS: CATCHER JORDAN ABRUZZO: Batted .222 with 3 HR, 7 RBIs in 11 games for Kingsport (rookie); hit .250 in 16 AB in 4 games for short-season Brooklyn (A). Selected by Mets in 13th round of the 2007 draft. PITCHER MICHAEL ANTONINI: Went 1-1 with a 3.71 ERA, 2 BB, 18 K in 17 IP for Kingsport; was 0-0 with 0.46 ERA, 5 BB, 12 K in 19.2 IP for Brooklyn. Selected by Mets in 18th round of the 2007 draft. PITCHER JOSE BIERD: Went 2-0 with a 6.49 ERA, 1 save, 16 BB, 4 K in 26.1 IP over 14 games for Kingsport. Signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2007. SHORTSTOP MATTHEW BOUCHARD: Batted .267 with 10 doubles, 27 RBIs in 225 ABs over 70 games for Brooklyn. Selected by Mets in 11th round of the 2007 draft. PITCHER ANGEL CALERO: Went 5-1 with a 2.79 ERA, 17 BB, 43 K in 51.2 IP over 11 games for Kingsport; was 2-0 with a 1.54 ERA, 5 BB, 8 K in 11.2 IP over 2 games in Savannah. Signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2004. OUTFIELDER DARREN CLARK: Batted .277 with 5 HR, 19 RBIs in 130 AB over 36 games for Kingsport; hit .304 with 13 RBIs in 92 AB over 24 games for Savannah. Signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2006. PITCHER MAIKEL CLETO: Went 1-2 with 5.03 ERA, 25 BB, 28 K in 34.0 IP over 11 games for Gulf Coast Mets. Signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2006. 3B JAKE EIGSTI: New York-Penn League All-Star batted .275 with 32 RBI in 66 games for Brooklyn; hit .125 in 8 AB over 3 games for Savannah. Selected by Mets in 29th round of the 2006 draft. PITCHER EMARY FREDERICK: 2-0 with a 6.80 ERA, 3 saves, 35 BB, 50 K in 46.1 IP over 32 games for Savannah. Signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2006. PITCHER JOHN HOLDZKOM: Went 0-1 with 6.00 ERA, 3 BB, 4 K in 6 IP over 4 games for Gulf Coast Mets; was 1-0 with 3.60 ERA, 5 BB, 6 K in 5 IP over 3 games for Kingsport. Selected by Mets in third round of the 2006 draft. 1B JOSE JIMENEZ: Batted .309 with 7HR's 41 RBIs, 17 doubles in 51 games for Kingsport. Signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2006. 3B RICHARD LUCAS: Batted .264 with 30 RBI in 52 games for Gulf Coast Mets. Selected by Mets in 4th round of the 2007 draft. CATCHER TONY MACCANI: Batted .048 in 21 AB over 9 games for Savannah. Signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2007. PITCHER SCOTT MOVIEL: Went 0-2 with 3.38 ERA, 11 BB, 37 K in 40 IP Gulf Coast Mets. Selected by Mets in 2nd round of the 2007 draft. PITCHER JACOBO NEGUILIS: Went 0-4 with 6.75 ERA, 12 BB, 11 K in 26.2 IP in 8 games started for Gulf Coast Mets. Signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2003. CATCHER FRANCISCO PENA: Batted .210 with 30 RBIs, 12 doubles, 5 HR in 103 games for Savannah. Signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2006. CF RICHARD PENA: Batted .227 with 14 RBI in 47 games for Kingsport; hit .205 in 39 AB over 11 games for Savannah. Signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2004. PITCHER JULIO POLANCO: Went 3-8 with a 6.67 ERA, 43 BB, 72 K in 83.2 IP in 21 games (17 starts) for Savannah. Signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2004. PITCHER EDGAR RAMIREZ: Went 4-0 with a 3.07 ERA, 18 B, 23 K in 29.1 IP over 19 games for Brooklyn. Selected by Mets in 36th round of the 2006 draft. PITCHER ELVIN RAMIREZ: Went 1-4 with 5.52 ERA, 29 BB, 48 K in 45.2 IP over 12 games with Kingsport. Signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2004. RF RAUL REYES: Batted .233 with 13 doubles, 9 HR, 33 RBI in 71 games for Brooklyn. Signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2004. LF/RF DANIEL STEGALL: Hit .200 with 14 RBI in 64 games for Savannah; batted .226 with 27 RBI, 10 doubles, 6 triples (tied for 2nd in Appalachian) in 66 games for Kingsport. Selected by Mets in seventh round of the 2006 draft. PITCHER JOSH STINSON: 3-11 with 4.86 ERA, 33 BB, 52 K in 109.1 IP over 26 games (21 starts) for Savannah. Selected by Mets in 37th round of 2006 draft. 2B GREG VELOZ: Batted .171 with 14 RBI in 66 games for Savannah; hit .271 with 28 RBI, 13 doubles, Appalachian League-leading 9 triples, 18 SB (4th) in 66 games for Kingsport. Signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2006. PITCHER NATHAN VINEYARD: 0-3 with 5.27 ERA, 9 BB, 33 K in 27.1 IP over 9 games (7 starts) for Gulf Coast Mets. Selected by Mets in first round of the 2007 supplemental draft. PITCHER NICK WAECHTER: Went 5-4 with a 3.89 ERA, 17 BB, 60 K in 69.1 IP over 15 games started for Brooklyn; went 0-0 with 15.00 ERA in 3 IP, one game for St. Lucie (A). Selected by Mets in 23rd round of the 2006 draft.

Sandgnat Apr 15 2008 11:29 AM

Let's make like a crushed tomato and catch up... The Gnats started the season on the road in encouraging fashion, taking the season opener 2-0 against the defending Sallie league champs the Columbus Catfish. Starter Michael Antonini had a no-hitter through 6 innings before he was removed (why??????) for Jacobo Neguilis who started the 7th and gave up the only hit of the evening. At the plate, Francisco Pena doubled in Jose Jimenez with the first run of the game in the 4th. Jimenez doubled home Matthew Bouchard in the 6th to complete the scoring in the game. The next night, the Gnats won 7-4. The Gnats scored early and often in this game with Greg Veloz leading off the game with a double and scored on a Bouchard single. They added another run in the second aided by two Columbus errors in the inning. Jimenez ripped a 2 run home run to left in the third to bring the lead to 5-0. Starting pitcher Scott Moviel got the win tossing 5 innings with a run on 5 hits. Josh Stinson got touched up a bit, giving up 3 runs on 5 hits in 3 innings of relief work. A rainout Saturday caused the Gnats to play two the following day and they started the season 3-0 by winning the first game 4-3. Starting pitcher Elvin Ramirez got the win, going 5.0 innings, allowing 1 run on 2 hits with 4 strikeouts. Francisco Pena led the offense with a 2 run HR in the first. The Gnats lost their first game of the season on the backend of the twin bill 5-0. Starting pitcher Nathan Vineyard was roughed up for 4 runs on 6 hits in only 4 innings or work. After winning their first three games, the second game of the double header started a woeful losing streak reminiscent of last year’s team. They got swept in Charleston 4-2, 7-3, 8-6 and 7-4. In the finale, Josh Stinson was knocked around again with 5 runs, 8 hits and 2 walks in 4 innings in his first start of the season. The home opener finally came this past Friday and it was great to see such a huge crowd at the ballpark. I have seen some decent size crowds on Thirsty Thursday games, when Scott Kazmir pitched against the Gnats a few years ago, and for Jon Lester's rehab start against us, but nothing like this. I would dare to say it was almost a sellout. The official attendance figure was posted as 4,265 which was more than last year’s home opener of just over 4000 and just shy of the 5742 fans who came to see John Smoltz pitch a rehab start at Grayson in 2001. Unfortunately, the Gnats didn't hold up their end of the bargain on the field, as they dropped their 5th game in a row 8-3 to Columbus. The lone bright spot for the Gnats was Greg Veloz who hit a 3 run HR in the 7th to make it 8-3. The next night didn't get any better as they Gnats fell 9-2 for their seventh straight loss. The Gnats finally got on the left side of the record column with a dramatic 11-7 come from behind win on Sunday against Columbus. The team fell behind 7-2 before Matt Bouchard hit a one out single to right in the 7th and scored on a Richard Lucas triple to center. Jose Jimenez then hit his first home run of the day, a two-run shot to make it 7-5. In the 8th, Columbus retired the first Gnat batter before Jordan Abruzzo and Jake Eigsti drew walks to put two on. Daniel Stegall then singled to load the bases for Matthew Bouchard who also walked, scoring Abruzzo. Richard Lucas kept the inning going with a single that drove in Jake Eigsti and Daniel Stegall to give Savannah its first lead of the series before Jose Jimenez hit his second HR of the game, this time a three run shot to make it 11-7 Sand Gnats. I was all set to go to the game last night, but some unseasonable weather blew through Savannah with temperatures just north of 45 little dot with 15 mile an hour gusts. Apparently I was not alone by passing on the game as the attendance was just above 500 and from what I heard there were less then 100 people left by the end of the game. Starter Michael Antonini gave a nice effort tossing 5 strong innings of 1 run ball, but the bullpen gave it up late and the Gnats dropped the game 7-4. Richard Lucus went deep for Savannah and backup catcher Jordan Abruzzo went 3-4 as the DH for his second straight 3 hit game. Abruzzo holds records at the University of San Diego for most hits and RBI's in a career and had a 3 home run game in the 2006 NCAA tournament. The Gnats are off today before opening a 2-game set with the Charleston River Dogs who are currently 10-1 on the young season.

Sandgnat Apr 16 2008 08:12 AM

up-to-date transactions: Date Player Action Details 04/15/2008 Vineyard, Nathan Placed on disabled list Placed on Savannah disabled list (left shoulder strain) 04/15/2008 Olivares, Manuel Transferred Transferred from Savannah roster to Kingsport roster 04/13/2008 Pena, Richard Placed on disabled list Placed on Savannah disabled list (left ankle) 04/12/2008 Cleto, Maikel Transferred Transferred from Savannah roster to Brooklyn roster 04/12/2008 Ramirez, Edgar Transferred Transferred from Brooklyn roster to Savannah roster 04/11/2008 Oliveras, Manuel Transferred Transferred from Kingsport roster to Savannah roster 04/11/2008 Rosa, Wendy Transferred Transferred from Gulf Coast roster to Savannah roster 04/11/2008 Ramirez, Edgar Transferred Transferred from Savannah roster to Brooklyn roster 04/07/2008 Ramirez, Edgar Transferred Transferred from Brooklyn roster to Savannah roster 04/07/2008 Frederick, Emary Transferred Transferred from Savannah roster to Brooklyn roster 04/03/2008 Juan Lagares Placed on disabled list Placed on disabled list 04/01/2008 Stinson, Josh Transferred Transferred from Savannah roster to Brooklyn roster

Benjamin Grimm Apr 16 2008 08:17 AM

What happens to players who are transferred to the Brooklyn roster? The Cyclones don't begin play for another six weeks or so. Do they stay in Florida and do extended spring training?

Sandgnat Apr 16 2008 08:21 AM

Both Brooklyn and Kingsport stay in Florida for extended spring training I believe. Well, I don't believe. I know for sure about Kingsport. I am speculating on Brooklyn.

AG/DC Apr 16 2008 08:23 AM

Yeah, the Clone roster is just a paper tiger (K-port also) and those players are part of the extended spring conttingent. I'm working on getting the organization-wide roster together.

Sandgnat Apr 17 2008 10:13 AM Everything you want to know about the Gnats.....

Well, I tried to reproduce most of this information in a post, but it doesn't format very well so I will just give you the link instead. 9 pages of some tasty Gnatformation. [url]http://sandgnats.com.ismmedia.com/ISM3/std-content/repos/Top/News/4.16.08%20vs.%20CHA.pdf[/url]

Sandgnat Apr 30 2008 09:22 AM Lou Brissie Night in Savannah

Who is Lou Brissie? Last night was Lou Brissie night at Grayson Stadium, as the Sand Gnats paid tribute to the pitcher and WWII veteran. Brissie pitched seven seasons in the majors. He won 44 games and earned 29 saves. He won 14 games in 1948 as a rookie and and led the league in strikeouts per nine innings that year. In 1949 he won 16 games and was named to the All Star team. Brissie was a paratrooper in World War II. In Italy he led a patrol of 12 men into a battle zone and was the only survivor. On December 2, 1944, Lou's unit suffered an artillery barrage in which a shell exploded which shattered his left tibia and shinbone in 30 pieces. After 2 years and 23 major operations, Lou was able to return to baseball with a metal plate in his leg. Lou's comeback began in Savannah where he won 25 games in 1947. At the end of the 1947 season (September 28,1947) he realized his "life's ambition" of pitching in the major leagues. Legend has it that Lou was pitching against Ted Williams in 1948 when he was hit by a line drive right back up the middle on the metal plate in his leg. Lou turned to his fellow veteran who was standing on first base and teasingly yelled "Damn it Ted, pull the ball". The next at bat, Williams did pull the ball...for a home run and as he was rounding the bases Lou yelled to him again "Don't pull it that much!" Lou was traded to the Cleveland Indians on April 30, 1951 and retired in September 1953. He has since served as the National Director of the American Leagion baseball league until 2005. It was an honor to be at the game last night to be a part of a celebration of this inspirational gentleman. Typically, the Gnats didn't hold up their end of the deal as they lost again. Without rehashing last nights game, or the previous games not reported above, I will just sum it up by saying that if this is the future of the New York Mets, we are in big trouble folks. Besides a few pitchers, there just isn't any talent down here. Jose Jimenez, Jordon Abruzzo and maybe, maybe, Fernando Pena are about the only guys who will ever have a shot in the show.

themetfairy Jun 04 2008 05:43 AM

The Gnats bats were active last night with [url=http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080603&content_id=409107&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp&partnered=rss_nym]five home runs in the first inning![/url]

MFS62 Jun 04 2008 07:40 AM

Gnat, how has F Pena looked this year? Last year I noticed that he seemed to have his best hitting games when he wasn't behind the plate. Maybe a (then) 17 year old having to call/ manage a game took away from his concentration when at bat? Later