Swamp Out of the Park Baseball 2017 - Offseason

bapo! · Post by **bapo!** » Fri Apr 07, 2017 9:34 am

Giff wrote:bapo! is the Craig Biggio of post-game comments.

Yep, I'm already cozying up to the media. Always looking ahead, working on that post-baseball career.

Giff · Post by **Giff** » Fri Apr 07, 2017 9:44 am

bapo! wrote:
Giff wrote:bapo! is the Craig Biggio of post-game comments.
Yep, I'm already cozying up to the media. Always looking ahead, working on that post-baseball career.

Just keep giving 100% and take it game by game.

Johnnie · Post by **Johnnie** » Fri Apr 07, 2017 9:47 am

Carlos Chinchilla is an outstanding name.

degenerasian · Post by **degenerasian** » Fri Apr 07, 2017 9:59 am

Why do i suck so hard? Maybe being on the road will help.

govmentchedda · Post by **govmentchedda** » Fri Apr 07, 2017 10:06 am

Pruitt wrote:This is fantastic!

Thanks for all the effort on this. Now if only our bullpen didn't suck so bad...

I'm doing all I can to counteract Dsafe's impact on the team.

DSafetyGuy · Post by **DSafetyGuy** » Fri Apr 07, 2017 10:33 am

govmentchedda wrote:
Pruitt wrote:This is fantastic!

Thanks for all the effort on this. Now if only our bullpen didn't suck so bad...
I'm doing all I can to counteract Dsafe's impact on the team.

Sometimes, a junkballer is just junk.

Coach, can I stay at home during the series in Utica instead of the hotel?

sancarlos · Post by **sancarlos** » Fri Apr 07, 2017 12:44 pm

That shortstop needs to get his ass in gear and start hitting.

bfj · Post by **bfj** » Sat Apr 08, 2017 11:43 am

Bronto "Wally Pipp" Burgular

Johnny Carwash · Post by **Johnny Carwash** » Fri Apr 14, 2017 6:55 am

WEEK 2 UPDATE

After going 3-4 on our opening homestand, we heat out onto the road to face the Utica Clubs followed by the Middlesex Offenders. That's right, the Middlesex Offenders—the only team whose players actually look forward to being sent to the minors.

April 10 - Game 8

Sports Frogs Roll Over Clubs, 9-4
The Burlington Sports Frogs defeated the Utica Clubs, 9-4. Earning player of the game honors was right fielder Omar Lopez, who hit 2 home runs, while adding 4 RBI and scoring twice. With the win, Burlington pushes its record to 4-4.

One important at-bat came with a runner on 1st in the top of the fourth inning. Facing Utica hurler Ruben Perez, Duff hit a single. The Sports Frogs went on to win.

Duff told a Burlington Observer reporter that he was "satisfied" with the win.

Editor's note: Fuck Omar Lopez. How do you give a guy player of the game when his team loses 9-4?

April 12 - Game 9

Great Stroke: Espinoza Gets 5 Hits
Even as a kid, Victor Espinoza said his coaches told him the key to hitting was making contact, and letting everything else flow from there. At Admirals Ballpark today, Espinoza showed how well he learned that lesson.

The 31-year-old first baseman had 5 hits in 5 at-bats for the Utica Clubs, helping his team knock off the Burlington Sports Frogs by a score of 7-4.

"They always said, just keep your eye on the ball, don't overswing, make contact and you never know what will happen," he said. "That's all I did today."

Victor Espinoza singled in the 1st, singled in the 4th, singled in the 6th, hit an RBI single in the 7th and hit an RBI single in the 8th.

For the season Espinoza is batting .294 with 10 hits and 2 home runs. He has scored 7 times and batted in 6.

April 13 - Game 10

Sports Frogs Squash Clubs, 11-2
Though the conditions were not ideal, the Burlington Sports Frogs and Utica Clubs came back from a rain delay to finish their game.

Burlington starter TT2.0 kept the Utica offense in check, while his team cruised to a 11-2 win. The Clubs drop to 4-5 and continue their inconsistent start to the 2017 season.

The Sports Frogs used some clutch hitting to beat the Clubs, a good example being the at-bat of wlu_lax in the top of the fourth. With two down, wlu_lax gave his team the lead, 5-1, when he hit a grand slam.

"At least I did my job," wlu_lax said.

April 14 - Game 11

Ochoa Slugs Offenders to 8-0 Win
Carlos Ochoa left his imprint on the 8-0 Middlesex win against the Burlington Sports Frogs. Ochoa was 2 for 4 with 2 home runs and a walk, while adding 6 RBI and scoring twice. Dobbe Hendriks, who went 8 innings, was the winning pitcher. He was charged with no runs on 4 hits, while walking 5 and striking out 4. His record now stands at 1-0. The Sports Frogs fall to 5-6 and continue their uneasy start to the 2017 season.

Ochoa had a key at-bat for Middlesex early in the game. With runners on 2nd and 3rd, he hit a 3-run home run. It was his 3rd home run of the season and gave Middlesex an early 3-0 lead.

"Getting a lot of baserunners and getting some timely hits, it's a good combination," said Ochoa.

April 15 - Game 12

Sports Frogs Stun Offenders, 8-6
With third baseman Pruitt leading the charge, the Burlington Sports Frogs defeated the Middlesex Offenders, 8-6, at Bears Ballpark. Pruitt went 3-5 with a home run and 2 singles. He drove in 3 runs and scored once. Johnnie earned the save for Burlington, his 2nd of the year. The Offenders fall to 5-6 and continue their wobbly start to the 2017 season.

Burlington pinch hitter rass changed the complexion of the game in the top of the eighth inning. That's when he belted a 3-run home run off Matt Brown. His 1st home run of the season put Burlington in front, 7-6.

"I just try to see the ball and put a good swing on it," said rass.

April 16 - Game 13

Sports Frogs Lose, 5-2, at Bears Ballpark
The Middlesex Offenders defeated the Burlington Sports Frogs, 5-2, in Bensell Conference action at Bears Ballpark, with Middlesex pitcher Eli Rubio named player of the game. Todd Taber earned the save for Middlesex, his 3rd of the year. With the win, Middlesex goes to 6-6.

The Offenders got a big at-bat from shortstop Manny Pena. For the game, Pena went 1 for 3 with a triple. He drove in 2 runs and scored once. In the bottom of the fourth, with a runner on 1st, he stroked a run-scoring triple. His 1st triple of the season gave Middlesex a 3-2 lead.

"One win at a time, one game at a time. We try not to get too far ahead of ourselves," Rubio told the Middlesex Times.

April 17 - Game 14

Offenders Clip Sports Frogs, 5-4
The Middlesex Offenders picked up a win at Bears Ballpark, knocking off the Burlington Sports Frogs, 5-4. On the mound for Middlesex was right-hander Matt Breidenbach, who played a pivotal role in the win. The Sports Frogs fall to 6-8 and continue their uninspiring start to the 2017 season.

Felipe Bernal, who leads the Bensell in extra base hits with 10, aided the Middlesex cause with a 2-run double in the bottom of the seventh. For the game, the second baseman was 1-4 with a double, while adding 2 RBI.

"This was a good win," said Breidenbach.

Johnny Carwash · Post by **Johnny Carwash** » Fri Apr 14, 2017 6:56 am

Other news and notes:

-Here are the injuries Bronto has reported since the beginning of spring training: knee soreness, intercostal strain, hand soreness, hamstring soreness. Nevertheless, he has managed to play in 12 of 14 regular season games and leads the conference in batting average and OPS.

Batting Stats to Date

Pitching Stats to Date

On the bright side, our AAA Burlington (NJ) Coats have started 8-2, getting good contributions from our Swampers:

Gunpowder: hitting .361 with 3 HR and an OPS of 1.145
Giff: hitting .469 with 2 HR and an OPS of 1.271
Rams Fanny: hitting .270 with 0 HR and an OPS of .700

Johnny Carwash · Post by **Johnny Carwash** » Fri Apr 14, 2017 6:57 am

So here's where things stand after two weeks. A somewhat disappointing start, but we're by no means in an insurmountable situation.

From the stats above, it's clear that our biggest problem is our pitching. We actually lead the conference in total runs scored and HR, but our ERA is 5.67, including a bullpen ERA of 6.43. From the ratings and scouting reports, all of our pitchers should be at least decent, so hopefully this is just early-season noise and things will calm down soon.

Next week we're back home for a three-game series against the Newark Murder, and then another three vs. the Rimouski Rockets. Here are our projected starting pitchers for the week:

4/18 vs NEW - TT
4/19 vs NEW - Sabo
4/20 vs NEW - Degen
4/21 vs RIM - Brian
4/22 vs RIM - DSafe
4/23 vs RIM - TT

Stay tuned...

rass · Post by **rass** » Fri Apr 14, 2017 7:13 am

I can't wait for wlu_lax to start giving quotes like that after losses.

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Fri Apr 14, 2017 7:21 am

I forgot to say this upfront, but the trendy new stat for 2017 is RBI/H ratio. Says a lot about clutchness and stuff.

Brontoburglar · Post by **Brontoburglar** » Fri Apr 14, 2017 7:39 am

I am a warrior

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Fri Apr 14, 2017 7:58 am

I GOt no pop. Can we hire Jose canseco as a special advisor?

govmentchedda · Post by **govmentchedda** » Fri Apr 14, 2017 8:08 am

I really should have waited a few weeks to talk shit about DSafe.

Gunpowder · Post by **Gunpowder** » Fri Apr 14, 2017 8:30 am

Utica Infections would be a good name.

Ryan · Post by **Ryan** » Fri Apr 14, 2017 8:32 am

I stopped reading after the minors joke, did I get any playing time?

DSafetyGuy · Post by **DSafetyGuy** » Fri Apr 14, 2017 9:54 am

govmentchedda wrote:I really should have waited a few weeks to talk shit about DSafe.

Clubhouse cancer you are. No wonder I don't talk to people.

sancarlos · Post by **sancarlos** » Fri Apr 14, 2017 12:06 pm

That shortstop needs to get his ass in gear and start hitting.

degenerasian · Post by **degenerasian** » Fri Apr 14, 2017 12:23 pm

how did I get into 4 games? Do I have a relief appearance? and if so was the manager drunk?

Ryan · Post by **Ryan** » Fri Apr 14, 2017 1:00 pm

degenerasian wrote:how did I get into 4 games? Do I have a relief appearance? and if so was the manager drunk?

I'd get than BB/IP up to 1.00 and retire. That's pretty badass.

Johnnie · Post by **Johnnie** » Thu Apr 20, 2017 4:45 pm

Saw this and thought of the league.

The Isotopes announced they will change their name for one night and become the “Albuquerque Green Chile Cheeseburgers,” on June 16. Isotopes Park also known as “The Lab” will be transformed into “The Grill.”

The visiting Fresno Grizzlies will be in town for the matchup and will wear their Fresno Tacos jerseys, according to the Isotopes website.

Rush2112 · Post by **Rush2112** » Thu Apr 20, 2017 4:47 pm

Johnnie wrote:Saw this and thought of the league.

The Isotopes announced they will change their name for one night and become the “Albuquerque Green Chile Cheeseburgers,” on June 16. Isotopes Park also known as “The Lab” will be transformed into “The Grill.”

The visiting Fresno Grizzlies will be in town for the matchup and will wear their Fresno Tacos jerseys, according to the Isotopes website.

If possible, you need to grab me a hat.

sancarlos · Post by **sancarlos** » Thu Apr 20, 2017 4:56 pm

Funny, my parents live in a suburb of Albuquerque and one of their favorite meals is green chile cheeseburgers.

degenerasian · Post by **degenerasian** » Thu Apr 20, 2017 5:44 pm

I'm pitching tonight!!!!!

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Thu Apr 20, 2017 6:11 pm

sancarlos wrote:Funny, my parents live in a suburb of Albuquerque and one of their favorite meals is green chile cheeseburgers.

Had a green chile cheeseburger at a local burger joint a few weeks ago. It was .... lacking.

Johnnie · Post by **Johnnie** » Thu Apr 20, 2017 8:39 pm

Rush2112 wrote:
Johnnie wrote:Saw this and thought of the league.

The Isotopes announced they will change their name for one night and become the “Albuquerque Green Chile Cheeseburgers,” on June 16. Isotopes Park also known as “The Lab” will be transformed into “The Grill.”

The visiting Fresno Grizzlies will be in town for the matchup and will wear their Fresno Tacos jerseys, according to the Isotopes website.
If possible, you need to grab me a hat.

I shall try. I'm hoping they made some hats already because I'll be at the game tomorrow.

Rush2112 · Post by **Rush2112** » Thu Apr 20, 2017 9:40 pm

Johnnie wrote:
Rush2112 wrote:
If possible, you need to grab me a hat.
I shall try. I'm hoping they made some hats already because I'll be at the game tomorrow.

I'm going to try to make to ABQ this summer, have to catch a game.

Johnny Carwash · Post by **Johnny Carwash** » Fri Apr 21, 2017 6:48 am

WEEK 3 UPDATE

Murder Drop Another One
Burlington Sports Frogs starter TT2.0 was in a groove as he led his team to a win over the Newark Murder, 5-3. The Murder, now 4-10, continue their poor start.

In the bottom of the 6th, left fielder bapo! gave Burlington the lead when he hit a 2-run single. The Sports Frogs had been trailing 2-1, but the two-out single off Newark pitcher Jonathan Marks changed that -- and Burlington went on to win.

In comments to the Burlington Observer, bapo! admitted he's been told to improve his work habits. "But," he said, "I know when to take it to another gear."

Great Day for Castillo in Murder Win
Newark shortstop Frank Castillo had a 3-RBI performance, which helped his team grab a 6-3 win over the Burlington Sports Frogs. Kevin Teems was the winning pitcher. Over 7 innings, he allowed 3 runs on 9 hits, with 3 walks and 1 strikeout. Alfredo Montano earned the save, his 1st, for the Murder.

Castillo had a game-changing home run in the top of the eighth. On a 0-1 fastball from L-Jam, he banged a 3-run home run to left, giving the Murder a 6-3 lead. It was the 1st home run of the year for Castillo.

"It's a long season," said Castillo. "We'll keep working to improve."

Newark is off to a sluggish start, getting just their 5th win in 15 games.

Sports Frogs Need Extras to Top Murder
The Burlington Sports Frogs topped the Newark Murder, 6-3, with right fielder Duff playing a big role. Duff went 3 for 4 with a double, 2 singles, and 2 walks for the Sports Frogs in the win. The Murder drop to 5-11 and continue their inconsistent start to the 2017 season.

Burlington won the game in the bottom of the 12th inning. With one out and Joe Kyle on the mound for Newark, third baseman Pruitt hit a dramatic 3-run home run, bringing Sports Frogs fans to their feet.

"It feels good to get this one," Duff told the Burlington Observer.

Editor's note: Syb, who plays for Newark, went 2-for-15 in the series and was struck out twice each by Sabo and Degen.

Sports Frogs Clip Rockets in Tight Contest
The inspired effort of Rimouski shortstop Alex Aguayo was not enough to prevent a 3-2 loss to the Burlington Sports Frogs. Aguayo went 3 for 3 with a home run, 2 singles, and a walk. Burlington reliever Johnnie picked up the win, bumping his record to 2-1. Mike Brown was collared with the loss. The loss drops Rimouski to 11-7.

BrontoBurglar was the walk-off hero for Burlington. With the game tied in the bottom of the ninth inning, the Sports Frogs first baseman hit a dramatic run-scoring single to send the teams home.

"I'll probably toss and turn tonight," Rimouski manager Armando Gonzales said following the tough loss.

DSafetyGuy 'Lights Out' in Burlington Win
The Burlington Sports Frogs went home winners at Green Mountain Grounds, thanks in large part to starter DSafetyGuy. DSafetyGuy silenced the Rimouski Rockets, enabling Burlington to grab the 4-0 win. The win takes Burlington to 10-9.

DSafetyGuy's performance can only be described as masterful. He notched 10 strikeouts in 7.2 innings while allowing 4 hits. DSafetyGuy goes to 1-2 on the year with 20 strikeouts.

"We made a couple of mistakes," said Rimouski skipper Armando Gonzales, "and it cost us."

Editor's note: Hey look, DSafe helped his own cause with a HR! Should we start up the DH debate again?

Rockets Nip Sports Frogs, 2-1
The Rockets grabbed a win, 2-1, at Green Mountain Grounds, overcoming a fine effort from Burlington pitcher TT2.0. TT2.0 went 7 innings and allowed 1 earned run. George Harmon finished to wrap up his 5th save. Rimouski, now 12-8, has gotten their season off to a good start.

Dustin Allers aided the Rimouski cause with a run-scoring walk in the top of the first. For the game, the first baseman drew 1 walk.

"If you pitch well, you give yourself some opportunities," said Rimouski manager Armando Gonzales.

Editor's note: Geez, shut the fuck up, Armando Gonzales.

Johnny Carwash · Post by **Johnny Carwash** » Fri Apr 21, 2017 6:49 am

Other News and Notes:

-Mister D, who is hitting .071 in 33 plate appearances, is unhappy because he expects to be in the regular starting lineup.

-BSF finally drew a walk! He now has 1 in 58 plate appearances.

-The team chemistry report classifies players with distinct personality types:

Captain material: Giff (minors)
Sparklug: Rams Fanny (minors)
Pranksters: Shirley, chedda
Disruptive: wlu_lax
Outspoken: rass, Ryan
Selfish: Brian
Unmotivated: sancarlos, bapo!

Batting Stats to Date:

Pitching Stats to Date:

Minor League Update:

Our AAA Burlington (NJ) Coats continue to perform well at 11-5 behind the standout performances of Swampers:

Gunpowder: .323 with 6 HR and an OPS of 1.051
Giff: .327 with HR and an OPS of .967
Rams Fanny: .305 with 2 HR and an OPS .849

Johnny Carwash · Post by **Johnny Carwash** » Fri Apr 21, 2017 6:49 am

So after an up-and-down start to the season, we rebounded nicely with a 4-2 week, getting back to .500 on the year. We saw a noticeable improvement to our pitching, which was mostly solid with a few exceptions (*cough* L-Jam *cough*).

Next week we're back on the road, starting off with an important three-game series against the first-place Woonsocket Sealfisters (featuring Jerloma!), followed by another three against Danbury. Here are our projected starting pitchers for the week:

4/24 @WOO - Sabo
4/25 @WOO - Degen
4/26 @WOO - Brian
4/28 @DAN - DSafe
4/29 @DAN - TT
4/30 @DAN - Sabo

Stay tuned...

BSF21 · Post by **BSF21** » Fri Apr 21, 2017 6:55 am

Duff is fuckin' raking.

I'm proud to be the reverse Kevin Youkilis of this team...who does that make me? Mark Reynolds?

Post by **brian** » Fri Apr 21, 2017 6:56 am

Is a .289 OPS bad? Asking for a friend.

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Fri Apr 21, 2017 6:57 am

Johnny Carwash wrote:-Mister D, who is hitting .071 in 33 plate appearances, is unhappy because he expects to be in the regular starting lineup.

I'm a rhythm hitter.

EnochRoot · Post by **EnochRoot** » Fri Apr 21, 2017 7:02 am

DFA Enoch Root.

Johnny Carwash · Post by **Johnny Carwash** » Fri Apr 21, 2017 7:05 am

brian wrote:Is a .289 OPS bad? Asking for a friend.

Well, having an OPS 200 points higher than your batting average is usually really good.

tennbengal · Post by **tennbengal** » Fri Apr 21, 2017 7:07 am

Excellent, a 10.0 K:9 for me. I rule annonymous relief.

degenerasian · Post by **degenerasian** » Fri Apr 21, 2017 8:39 am

got my ERA under 9!

Ryan · Post by **Ryan** » Fri Apr 21, 2017 8:43 am

Our catchers and first basemen are raking - the company softball team is going to be really good