A Second Half Team

The Asheville Tourists have played phenomenal baseball in the second half of the season. As of this post, they have posted a .703 winning percentage (45-19) and have easily outdistanced second place Savannah building a seven game lead with only three games to go. The Tourists have their fair share of offensive stars. Ryan McMahon has been consistently hitting .280 on the season with 17 homeruns and 100 RBI's, Correlle Prime (a great last name for any athlete) has 21 homeruns and 99 RBI's (I wonder if the Tourists have ever had two players that have had 100 RBI's in a season?), and Raimel Tapia has batted .329 with 9 homeruns, 72 RBI's and leads the team with 33 stolen bases. The Tourists pitchers haven't blown batters away with fastballs but have pitched fairly consistently all season long. Johendi Jiminian is 13-5 with a 4.15 ERA and Antonio Senzatela is 14-2 with a 3.20 ERA. The bullpen has pretty much been bullpen by committee with Trent Daniel leading the team in saves with 14 and Dylan Stamey has 11. The Tourists look ready to make another championship r un.

McMahon On An RBI Tear

Third Baseman Ryan McMahon drove in 5 of Asheville's 7 runs last night including a walk off, bases loaded single up the middle to propel the Tourists to a 7-6 win over Lexington last night. The Tourists jumped out to a quick 6-2 lead before Lexington scored 4 runs off of reliever Jeffri Hernandez to tie the game at 6. McMahon has driven in 65 runs in 76 games played and he displayed the same ability to drive in runs at a high rate at Grand Junction in the Pioneer League last season. He has had an impressive season but I may be more impressed with Ryan McMahon the person. I saw him signing autographs for some young fans along with a couple of other players before a game a couple of weeks ago and I was happy to see that type of interaction. The majority of the other players were passing these same fans by without even a nod. The players are the best form of Public Relations a minor league team can have. My friend and I were talking about how only 2 or 3 players on Asheville's roster this year will even make it to AAA much less the majors. These players had better enjoy the attention and adulation of small town America while they can because the majority of these guys will be completely out of baseball in 2 or 3 years and they will not even be a footnote in a statistical guide.

On The Road Again

The Asheville Tourists spotted Greenville a 2-0 lead last night before scoring all five of their runs in the top of the sixth inning to win 5-2. Asheville loaded the bases in the top of the sixth on a Zach Osborne single, a David Dahl walk, and two errors by Drive Shortstop Tzu-Wei Lin. Raimel Tapia followed with a bases clearing double and Ryan McMahon drove him home with his 12th homerun. The Tourists only had 5 hits in the game but made them count. Starting Pitcher Alex Blalog went 5 1/3 innings, gave up 10 hits but only two runs. He improved his record to 6-3. Reliever Trent Daniel came on next and he pitched 2 2/3 scoreless inning and Matt Carasiti pitched a scoreless 9th inning for his 2nd Save on the season.

Two In A Row

The Asheville Tourists lost their second game in a row to Greensboro, this time 4-0. It was scoreless heading into the 9th inning when Jeffri Hernandez entered the game to pitch for the Tourists. Two soft singles by Greensboro and a fielding error by Hernandez on a bunt attempt quickly loaded the bases. A second error in the inning, this time by Catcher Jose Briceno, allowed two runners to score and put me on first and third. A stolen base and a two RBI single later and it was 4-0 Greensboro. Asheville only managed six hits in the games, two of those by Wilfredo Rodriguez including a double. That broke a string of four consecutive games of getting double figures in hits by the Tourists. Asheville starter Zach Jemiola pitched a great game (8 innings, 0 runs, 5 hits, a walk and a strikeout) but did not factor in the decision. The Tourists are now 8-3 in the Second half of the season.

A Score Worthy Of A Video Game

Asheville had a great offensive performance last night against Greensboro pounding out 17 hits, 9 for extra bases, and scoring 12 runs but unfortunately, Greensboro had a better offensive game. Greensboro had 19 hits, 8 of those for extra bases and scored 15 runs as what could probably best be described as a Wrigley Field kind of game right here in Asheville. The Tourists battled back from a 6-2 deficit early on and a 10-5 deficit in the later innings to tie the score at 11 heading into the 9th inning. Asheville, however, ran out of gas as Greensboro scored 4 runs in the top of the 9th and Asheville could only plate 1 in the bottom of the ninth as they finally ran out of comebacks. David Dahl and Max White both had 4 hits (3 of Dahl's hits were doubles) and White drove in two runs while Jordan Patterson and Correlle Prime both had a homerun and 3 RBI's nut it still wasn't quite enough. Asheville starter Johendi Jiminian only lasted 3 innings and gave up 6 runs, 5 earned, before giving away to a bullpen that didn't fare much better. Trent Daniel took the loss (1-2) giving up Greensboro's final 5 runs in 1 2/3 innings.

On A Roll

The Asheville Tourists pounded out 12 more hits last night in an 8-1 win over Greensboro and that gives the Tourists three straight games with double digit hits. That gives them 8 wins in 9 games since the All-Star break. In the first four games the pitching was dominanat and now the hitting has taken over although last night was a combination of the two. Second Baseman Michael Benjamin led the way at the plate, hitting his 7th homerun and driving in three, while the impressive RBI machines of Ryan Mcmahon and Jordan Patterson rolled on with 2 RBI's a piece. Tourists starter Konner Wade continued his improved pitched going 7 innings and giving up the lone run to get the win. He is now 6-7 on the season. Andrew Brown pitched 2/3 of an inning when Wade started getting tired and Troy Neiman pitched the final frame to finish it off.

The Hits Just Keep On Comin'

To borrow a line from a bad DJ, the hits for the Asheville Tourists have just kept on coming for the past couple of days. They had 16 more hits last night in a 9-4 win over Greensboro and a quartet of players- McMahon, Patterson, Rodriguez, and Briceno- all drove in two runs a piece. Asheville starter Alex Blalog went 7 innings, giving up 3 runs to improve his record to 5-3. Jeffri Hernandez and Dylan Stamey pitched an inning a piece, with Stamey giving up the other Greensboro run. The improves Asheville to 7-1 since the second half of the season started.

The Bats Come Out

The bats finally came alive last night for the Asheville Tourists in a 11-4 win over visiting Greensboro and they improved their record to 6-1 in the second half of the season. They pounded out 16 hits in their best offensive performance of the second half. Ryan McMahon homered and drove in 4, Jordan Patterson went 4 for 5 with a 2 doubles, a homerun, and 3 RBI's; Jose Briceno added 3 hits, 2 of them doubles and an RBI, and Max White had 2 hits and 2 RBI's. Starter Antonio Senzatela improved his record to 8-1 by pitching 5 2/3 innings and giving up 3 runs.

Back On Track

The Asheville Tourists got back on a winning track last night with a 5-4 victory over the Greenville Drive, evening the series at one a piece. The Tourists quickly jumped on top with a four run bottom of the First inning, the big blow being a two run single by Max White. Ryan McMahon and backup Catcher Wilfredo Rodriguez had the other RBI's in the inning. Raimel Tapia drove in the Tourists final run with a forceout in the bottom of the Fourth inning that drove in David Dahl who had singled earlier in the inning. Asheville starter Zach Jemiola went six strong innings only giving up one run before giving way to reliever Jeffri Hernandez in the top of the Seventh inning. He pitched one inning, Trent Daniel pitched the Eighth inning, giving up a three run homerun, and Troy Neiman pitched the Ninth inning for his 5th Save. Neiman added a little bit of excitement to the Ninth inning when he walked the leadoff batter but he was erased by the next batter who hit into a double play, then the next batter singled, before he got the final out on a groundout to the pitcher.

Thirteen Never Has Been That Lucky

The Asheville Tourists were down 14-0 before their bats ever woke up in last nights 14-6 loss to the Greenville Drive. The Drive pounded out 20 hits and scored the 14 runs without the benefit of a homerun although they did hit five doubles. Greenville pretty much hit anything and everyone the Tourists threw at them. Starter Starter Johendi Jiminian, one of Asheville most consistent starters this season, never could get untracked and gave up 8 runs in 2 2/3 innings and his record fell to 8-4. Andrew Brown followed and was touched up for 4 runs in 2 2/3 innings and it was 14-0 by the time the seventh inning stretch rolled around. Correlle Prime led off the bottom of the seventh inning with his 13th homerun and Jose Briceno hit a three run homer, his 2nd, and Max White followed that up a couple of batters later with a two run shot, his 4th, to finish out the scoring.

Three Shutouts In Four Games

The Asheville Tourists pitching staff has pitched three shutouts against the Augusta Greenjackets in the four games they have played since the second half began, two of them by 1-0 scores, including yesterday's game. I hope some stats freak is digging throught the history books to see when the last time that happened or if it has ever happened before in Asheville Tourists history. It is a good thing the pitching has come through because the Tourists bats have not exactly been knocking the cover off the ball. Yesterday, Asheville had more stolen bases (5) than hits (4), and the only run the Tourists scored came off a Michael Benjamin double in the fifth inning, Raimel Tapia got hit by a pitch, Benjamin stole third base and scored on an error by the Augusta Catcher. Asheville starter Konner Wade (5-7) made the lone run hold up as he pitched seven scoreless innings, giving up four hits, a walk, and he struck out two. Reliever Troy Neiman came in for the final two innings, gave up a hit, struck out one, to earn his 4th Save. All of these games have been on the road so it will be interesting to see how well the pitching does when the Tourists return to Asheville tonight to start a lengthy homestand against the Greenville Drive and then Greensboro comes to town starting Thirsty Thursday.

Lights Out Pitching

The Asheville Tourists pitching in the second half of the season has been lights out. Three games played against the Augusta Greenjackets and only two earned runs allowed. The Tourists used five pitchers last night to shutout the Greenjackets for the second time in three games, 4-0. Alex Blalog started and went five innings, allowed three hits, struck out five and walked two; Jeffri Hernandez pitched one inning, two hits and a walk; Matt Carasiti went 1 1/3 with two walks, Dylan Stamey went 1 1/3 alowing a hit, a walk, and struck out two, and Trent Daniel came on to get the final out of the game with two men on for his 7th save on the season. The Asheville Tourists stole four bases on the game, two by Raimel Tapia, and both of his steals led to runs scored. The Tourists opened up the top of the first inning by manufacturing a run. Tapia was hit by a pitch, stole second, and Ryan McMahon singled him in. The second inning saw Second Baseman Alec Mehrten doubled and scored on a Emerson Jiminez triple. The Tourists put two insurance runs up in the eighth inning as David Dahl singled, was wild pitched to third, Tapia singled him in, a walk, Tapia steals third, an error by Augusta's third baseman, and Tapia scored the second run of the inning. The Tourists have done an excellent job of putting pressure on the other teams defense by showing a willingness to run with several of their players as six Tourists players have double digits in steals led by Max White's 15 against only one caught stealing. None of these players are going to lead the league in steals but knowing when to run is an important factor and having six players on the team that can run, keeps constant pressure on the defense provided they can get on base.

Off To A Great Start

The Asheville Tourists improved to 2-0 in the second half last night with a 4-3 win over the Augusta Greenjackets. The Tourists only managed 6 hits in the game and Third Baseman Ryan McMahon was the hitting star going 2 for 4 with two doubles and a Run Batted In. Four Asheville Tourists pitchers combined to scatter nine hits. Antonio Senzatela got the start and he went 4 1/3 innings and allowed two runs, Andrew Brown came in and pitched 2 2/3 innings in middle relief and gave up one unearned run and got credit for the win (3-0), and Matt Carasiti and Trent Daniel came on to pitch a scoreless inning a piece. Trent Daniel got his 6th save on the season. Tourists batters struggled a little bit at the plate, striking out thirteen times. Catcher Jose Brecino is quickly developing a reputation in the South Atlantic League for his willingness to throw to any base at any time to try to keep the opposing teams runners honest. He picked a Greenjackets runner off Third Base last night. Pitcher Andrew Brown also helped his own cause by picking a runner off second base.

A Wild Pitch Win

It is rare enough that the Asheville Tourists are involved in a 1-0 game, but how they won it makes it that much more rare. Michael Benjamin singled to Short to lead off the ninth inning, one of only six Asheville hits. He was wild pitched to Second and Third by Augusta reliever Daniel Slania. With two outs and Benjamin on Third, Augusta replaced Slania with Donald Snelten. Snelten threw Augusta's third wild pitch of the inning and Benjamin came home with what proved to be the winning, and only, run of the game. Asheville starter Zach Jemiola pitched probably his best game of the season, going 6 2/3 innings, scattering six singles, walked three, and struck out two. Reliever Troy Neiman pitched 2 1/3 innings of hitless relief and only walked one and got credit for the win (4-1).

First Game Of The Season

I finally got to go to my first Asheville Tourist game of the season tonight. The woman I am dating is not a big baseball fan (why am I dating her?) so my opportunities to attend have been rare. The Tourists and the Rome Braves made sure I did not overstay my welcome as they completed a 9 inning game in 2 hours and 10 minutes. Rome won 4-2 as Asheville could only muster 5 hits and their 2 runs came on two solo homeruns by Second Baseman Michael Benjamin. Rome starter Daniel Watts kept Tourists batters off balance by mixing in a high 80's fastball and a slow curve. He struck out 8 in 7 innings, only allowing 3 of the hits and one run. Third Baseman Ryan McMahon had two hits, a single and a double, and Ramiel Tapia had the only other hit, a single in the 9th inning. Tourist starter Konner Wade pitched a strong game, giving up 4 runs in 7 innings. He only made two mistakes on solo homeruns by Blake Brown and Victor Caratini. Rome manufactured a run in the top of the First on an infield single, a wild pitch, a ground out and another single. The other run scored on a fly ball that was lost in the sun by Left Fielder Max White. I did get to see the strangest double play I think I have ever seen at a game. Rome Catcher Victor Caratini was on First Base when batter Jacob Schrader swung at a pitch in the dirt for strike three. Tourist Catcher Jose Briceno kept the ball in front of him but Schrader kicked the ball away from him and Caratini advanced to second as a result of that. Caratini was called out because of batter interference and the Tourists had a double play although it was not called that in the box score. Two outs on one pitch equals double play. Jose Briceno had a great game behind the plate as he threw out a runner at second on a steal attempt and picked off Carlos Franco twice at first base.

It All Begins With The Asheville Tourists

I was browsing thru the Colorado Rockies Top Prospects List this morning (according to ColoradoRockies.com) and and I noticed that 9 out of the top 10 Rockies prospects had spent time with the Asheville Tourists. In fact, all but about 4 or 5 of the Top 20 had passed thru Asheville. There are several that have made it to AAA Colorado Springs including former 2009 First Round Draft Pick and #11 overall, Left-handed pitcher Tyler Matzek. He is listed as the Rockies #12 overall prospect. He had two different stints in Asheville in 2010-11 and compiled a 10-5 record in 30 starts for the Tourists. He has made it to AAA Colorado Springs and is 1-0 in 4 starts with a solid ERA. He has spent his entire minor league career as a starter but it seems that his future with the Rockies might be coming out of the bullpen from the reports that I have read. The Rockies had him coming out of the bullpen with moderate success in the Arizona Fall League. Control has always been Matzek's problem with a career walk of average of over 5 per 9 innings. Left-Handed pitchers, relievers or starters, are a hot commodity in major league baseball and if you have the ability to get left-handed batters out, you can usually work your way onto a major league roster somewhere. Even though it seems like he has been around in the Rockies system forever, Matzek is only 23 years old and he is only one step and figuring out the strike zone away from realizing every kid's dream of playing in the major leagues. It all started with the Asheville Tourists.

Dan's Asheville Tourists Blog: How Long Will They Stay?

Dan's Asheville Tourists Blog: How Long Will They Stay?: The problem with being a "Low A" baseball team is that if a team has any top prospects at thisd level, then they will probably not...

How Long Will They Stay?

The problem with being a "Low A" baseball team is that if a team has any top prospects at thisd level, then they will probably not be there for a season if they even last that long. Such is the case with one of the Colorado Rockies top prospects, Ryan McMahon. He has 8 homeruns and 15 RBI's in 60 at bats and 18 games with the Tourists although their schedule has been very home heavy to start the season. Starter Johendi Jiminian is off to a great start with a 3-1 record and a 1.27 ERA. The Asheville Tourists are not off to as great a start with only a 9-10 record but they are only 2 1/2 games out of first in the Southern Division in the South Atlantic League. The Colorado Rockies bypass Asheville when it comes to sending them their top prospects. A lot of bad habits can be developed in McCormick Field because of the short dimensions. Pitchers become afraid to pitch inside because those inside fastballs can quickly be turned around and the power hitters start trying to pull everything to take advantage of those short dimensions. When I saw the Asheville Tourists Opening Day Roster for 2014 I was not that impressed with the credentials of their pitching staff. A lot of Free Agent signees at this level of baseball are ordinarily roster fillers and what most organizations like to refer to as "organizational depth." The Asheville Tourists have a team ERA of 4.03 which is about a half run ahead of last years pace. Maybe there is something to be said for orgnizational depth after all.

The 2014 Asheville Tourists

The Asheville Tourists announced their 2014 Opening Day Roster today and the Tourists have four of the Colorado Rockies Top 20 Prospects, as listed on Coloradorockies.com, on their roster to start the season. Three of the four are Outfielders as #2 David Dahl, #18 Max White, and #19 Raimel Tapia all made the roster. Dahl and White spent some time with the Tourists last season. The #15 prospect and newcomer to the Tourists, Third Baseman Ryan McMahon, was also placed on the roster. It is interesting to note that none of the Rockies top pitching prospects made the Opening Day roster. Pitchers Trent Blank and Matt Carasiti also spent time with the Tourists last season as did Infielder Zach Osborne and Catcher Jose Briceno. The Coaching staff, led by Manager Fred Ocasio, returned intact with the exception of new Pitching Coach Mark Brewer, who has 20 years experience as a Pitching Coach in various Major League organizations. He replaces the Pitching Coach from the past couple of years, Joey Eischen. The Tourists open up the 2014 season at home on a Thirsty Thursday against the Delmarva Shorebirds, the Baltimore Orioles low Class A team.