Two good articles today from Tony Graham on the BlueClaws getting ready for tonight’s opener, but from two different perspectives.

First, this article looks at the opener from the front office perspective, reflecting back on the first nine years in team history.

“The first day we put season tickets on sale at 9 or 10 on a Saturday morning, the first guy got there at noon on Friday,” BlueClaws General Manager Geoff Brown said.

“By the time we opened up, the line had to be two, three hundred, four hundred people deep.

“The line was all day long. That office at Airport Road was off the beaten path. I don’t think 10 years ago anyone had a GPS in their car. They were all pulling out maps to find out where this office was.

And this article talks about BlueClaws hitting coach Greg Legg, now in his fourth season with the BlueClaws, first as the original manager and his third straight as hitting coach.

Legg said each season presents a different set of challenges. “We try to keep them (hitters) on a good plan,” he said.

“Most of the time we have the young hitters on a two-strike approach. The breaking ball is one of the things you have to address a lot.

“You don’t see too many 3-2 sliders in high school.”

The BlueClaws have arrived back in Lakewood. For all but trainer Mickey Kozack, it’s the first time here in 2010. The team went from Florida to Asheville to Hagerstown. So when they say home opener, they mean it.

Gates at 6. Festivities at 6:30. First pitch at 7:05.

Dusty Wathan was featured in an article in the Buffalo News that ran today (read here). Wathan was a very popular player in Buffalo, where he played for three seasons, including a three home run game in 2005.

That promoted then Toldeo manager Larry Parrish to say: ”When he hits three, you’ve got to start buying lottery tickets.”

But the best line belonged to Wathan, who went 3-5 in the big leagues back in 2002 with Kansas City.

“I’m probably the only baseball player you’ll ever talk to who would have wanted a chance to lower his career batting average.”

Wathan is now managing Clearwater.

The finale of this eight-game trip means one thing, tomorrow night is the home opener! But first things first, the series finale. Win means a 5-3 trip, loss means 4-4.

Listen Live (at 6:20)
Game Notes

LAK: LHP Matt Way (0-1, 18.00)
HAG: RHP Trevor Holder (0-1, 4.15)

All Or Nothing…The BlueClaws have scored at least seven runs (43 total) in five games so far this season (4-1) and have only scored one run each in the other two games (0-2)…In their five 7+ run games, the team his hitting .343 (59-172)…In the other two games, they are hitting .235 (16-68)…Overall, Lakewood is hitting .313, second in the league to their first opponent, Asheville (.324).

Hit Parade…The BlueClaws have recorded at least 10 hits in six of the first seven games this year…Jonathan Villar has hit safely in all six games that he has recorded a plate appearance…Anthony Hewitt has a six game on-base streak, and Jeremy Barnes has reached base in all seven games so far.

Ole Valle…Sebastian Valle is 6-12 with a double and home run after starting the season 1-16 (he began 2009 1-12)…Valle is the 7th ranked prospect in the system according to Baseball America…He played half of last year with Lakewood before going to Williamsport…He returned for the post-season.

Go Deep…Last year, the BlueClaws hit just six home runs in April and 56 on the year (14th of 16 in the South Atlantic League)…This year, they have already hit seven home runs, one each by Jeremy Barnes, Jiwan James, Darin Ruf, Sebastian Valle and Domingo Santana and two by Anthony Hewitt.

Matt Way…Way, 23, makes his second start of the season after taking the loss on Saturday in Asheville…Way made eight starts with the BlueClaws last year, including game one of both the SAL Division Series (win) against Kannapolis and Championship Series against Greenville (no decision, team win)…Entering this year, his career K/BB ratio was 85 to 12…Way played at WSU with his 2009 BlueClaws teammate Jim Murphy…Way is originally from Sitka, Alaska…He was drafted in the 38th round by the Giants in 2008, but decided to return to school for his senior year…Way is ranked 28th in the system by Baseball America.

5:38: Weather is perfect once again.

6:46: Another hit for Hewitt but Lakewood held scoreless in the first.

7:03: Four hits but one run. RBI single for Lafrenz to score Ruf, but Lafrenz was thrown out on a Villar single making too big a turn around third. That’s the 17th out on the bases for Lakewood in eight games. 1 run, 6 hits, 4 left. Bottom 2.

7:26: Way three shutout. Looks like the pitcher from last year, getting ahead and mixing in change-ups.

7:35: Alan Schoenberger, 5-9 about 155 pounds, just hit a double off the CF wall. 2-0 Lakewood.

7:54: Way gives up four, two earned. Two errors (Bushini, Ruf). Bad inning. 4-2 Hagerstown.

8:17: Lakewood had a chance in the 5th, a hit and three walks, but Castro was gunned out stealing and Batts lined out to right with the bases loaded. Way still in the game, bottom of 5.

8:43: Way goes 5, 4 R, 2 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 7 K. Poe a 1-2-3 inning in the 6th. Still down 4-2. Lakewood has already left 8 on base.

8:50: First and 2nd for Bushini. New pitcher in. 2B Soriano just dropped the laziest pop-up hit by Castro. Very very sloppy play tonight for both sides.

8:55: Bushini grounds into a FC and Ruf pops up to short. Inning over. That’s 10 left for the BlueClaws who are (unofficially) 2-9 with runners in scoring position.

9:15: Last licks, top of the order coming up for Lakewood…Villar, James, Hewitt, Castro down by 2.

9:25: Lakewood had a chance. With Villar at first, James (0-14 slump) is robbed of a base hit by a diving SS Sean Nicol. 6-4-3. Hewitt struck out to end the game. We will see you tomorrow in Lakewood.

We’ve put up a couple of new ClawCasts, one with OF Anthony Hewitt and another with RHP Brody Colvin. Hewitt is off to a hot start, 9-22 with two home runs and eight RBIs (in his six games). Colvin will make his second start as a BlueClaw on Friday, the home opener.

Some selected comments…

Brody Colvin

• I have to work in to get them off the plate, and stay focused throughout the game.
• I was very very close [to being an LSU Tiger], considering I was at orientation, getting my books, and saw my name on the LSU locker.
• Coming into pro ball, I threw a split-change, but they changed it to a circle-change. We’ll get it sooner or later.
• Definitely excited to get the opener, hopefully it’s a good one.

Anthony Hewitt

• I feel great, real relaxed and confident. Just in my own zone.
• I did [expect a hot start]. I felt real good and I’m seeing the ball real well. I’ve been loose and relaxed.
• I just hit every day, worked on my bat path to the ball, and that’s all I focused on this off-season. I want my bat to stay in the zone longer. Last year I was in and out of the zone very quick.
• Doesn’t matter to me where I’m hitting. I’ll go out there and try to hit the ball hard. Being in the spot I’m in now doesn’t phase me. It doesn’t matter.
• I’ve had a few family members have said they’ll come down [from Brooklyn]. I’m looking forward to that.

If you’re coming to the ballpark on Friday night for Opening Day, be sure to get there early.

Pre-game festivities include:

• Ceremonial First Pour in the Coors Light WRAT Trap.
• Full Starting Lineup Introductions for both teams.
• Championship Banner Raising done by a lucky BlueClaws fan.
• Flyover from the 108th Air Refueling Wing of McGuire Air Force Base during the anthem, sung by Evolution.

Then of course post-game fireworks from Toyota/Scion World of Lakewood.

Welcome back to Municipal Stadium in Hagerstown. First pitch tonight at 6:35 as the BlueClaws look to snap a two-game losing streak.

Listen Live (at 6:20)
Game Notes

LAK: RHP Jarred Cosart (1-0, 4.76)
HAG: LHP Josh Smoker (0-0, 6.75)

Different Kinds of Wins…Last year, the BlueClaws were 49-27 in one or two run games, the most wins in the league in these situations…This year, the BlueClaws are 0-2 in one run games and all three wins have come when they’ve scored seven or more runs.

Go Deep…Last year, the BlueClaws hit just six home runs in April and 56 on the year (14th of 16 in the South Atlantic League)…This year, they have already hit six home runs, one each by Jeremy Barnes, Jiwan James, Darin Ruf and Domingo Santana and two Anthony Hewitt.

Go Deep Into Games…Nick Hernandez has thrown 13 innings in his two starts and through six games is the only BlueClaws starting pitcher to last at least six innings in any start…Matt Way (three), Brody Colvin (four), and Jonathan Pettibone (four and a third) could not get through the fifth inning in their first starts.

17, Who Cares…Domingo Santana, the youngest player in the South Atlantic League this year, and the youngest player in BlueClaws history, hit his first Lakewood home run on Tuesday night, tying the game in the 7th inning…After starting 2-11, Santana is 4-7 with a home run and two doubles…He is the 10th ranked prospect in the organization according to Baseball America.

On Cosart…Cosart, 19, makes his second start of the season after pitching last year with the GCL Phillies…Drafted in 2008, he signed with the Phillies over a commitment to Missouri…He is the 8th ranked prospect in the system according to Baseball America… Phillies Assistant GM Chuck LaMar on Cosart (via CSNPhilly.com): “Arm speed, acceleration, looseness of the wrist. If you could teach that, you’d make a lot of money. In the old days, we used to call it buggy-whip. With some kids, the ball just comes out of the hand easier and with more life. This is one of those guys. He might be our most improved minor-league pitching prospect from this time a year ago.”

6:02: Now playing on the PA system, the theme song to Las Vegas, which followed Barbara Ann, which followed Surfin’ Bird.

6:30: 62 degrees, clear.

6:50: Two Ks in the first for Cosart, who made a throwing error on a pickoff attempt, but got through it. 0-0.

7:01: Bushini and Barnes have back-to-back doubles…eventually Santana brings Barnes in w/ a SAC fly. 2-0 Lakewood.

7:33: A little trouble for Cosart in the 3rd. Two wild pitches, hit a batter and gave up two runs on two hits. But has now fanned six through three. 3-2 Lakewood. Cosart is at 59 pitches.

7:56: Leandro Castro smacks a 2r triple to right-center field. 5-2 Lakewood, still going here in the 5th.

8:07: Cosart so far: 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 7 K. 85 pitches. 5-2 Lakewood to the 6th.

8:19: Another run…RBI single for Anthony Hewitt through a drawn-in infield. Cosart stays in for the 6th.

8:37: Cosart goes 5.1, throws 95 pitches. Put one runner on in the 6th before coming out, but leaves with the lead and Lebron comes in to get the last two (after loading the bases). 6-2 Lakewood to the 7th.

8:57: Four run inning for Lakewood includes a Valle opposite-field home run and a two-run single for Anthony Hewitt. 10-2.

9:12: Uh oh. Lebron gives up three. Diekman in one out in the 7th 10-5.

9:18: Diekman fans a lefty and gets a righty to ground out to end the inning. Good job out of the pen. 10-5 to the 8th.

9:47: Three outs to go…Doss in for Valle behind the plate, who had a ball fouled off his foot.

10:04: Well, a win is a win. Jordan Ellis gets his 8th pro save, gives up two in the ninth on three hits, all of them infield hits. He then strikes out Kobernus, who had six hits in the last two games, to end it w/ the tying run at 3rd. Just as Mark Parent drew it up. 10-9 final.

The first Phillies minor league review, sent to us by Larry Shenk of the Phillies (through games of Sunday).

Lehigh Valley IronPigs

1-3, International League North Division . . . Opened with a four-game series in Syracuse . . . Lost first three before 6-5 win on Sunday . . . RHP Scott Mathieson picked up the win in his second outing; 2 total innings, 2 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, 2 strikeouts . . . CF Chris Duffy hit .368 and drove in 7 runs; 7 hits included 2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 homer . . . SS Wilson Valdez, .474 with three multi-hit games; led IL with 9 hits.

(more…)

One of the ways that we are going to celebrate our tenth season is through a special feature in the Catch of the Day game program that is handed out free to all fans. This year, we’ll have a special section called the BlueClaws All-Time Ten. In each of the ten issues, we will highlight one former (or perhaps current, we’ll see how the season goes), BlueClaw.

First up on the all-time ten is 2009 BlueClaws OF Anthony Gose, who we spoke to earlier this off-season.

It’s going to be a fun feature, I think you’ll like it. But you’ll have to come to the ballpark to get your copy.

Hopefully you can collect all of the issues too!

Gose’s cover and the 2009 champions on the right.

Here is the rundown of promotions and events for the first homestand, which runs April 16th through 23rd. It’s the first homestand of our 10th season. Let’s get to it.

• April 16th…pre-game championship banner raising, starting lineup introductions and flyover from the 108th Air Refueling Wing of McGuire Air Force Base…Evolution sings the anthem…post-game fireworks (Toyota/Scion World of Lakewood)
• April 17th…Dollar Weekend…Buster’s Birthday with several of his mascot friends…Fleece cap giveaway to the first 2,000 fans 18 & older (TD Bank)
• April 18th…Dollar Weekend…Kids Club Sunday with Kids Eat Free…BlueClaws 5K Race (details here)
• April 19th…Kids Eat Free…magnet schedules to the first 2,000 fans (JerseyShore.MomsLikeMe.com)
• April 20th…Seniors Eat Free…magnet schedules to the first 2,000 fans (JerseyShore.MomsLikeMe.com)
• April 21st…magnet schedules to the first 2,000 fans (JerseyShore.MomsLikeMe.com)
• April 22nd…Thirsty Thursday (special offer still valid)…Tree seedling giveaway and energy efficient lightbulb giveaway (Earth Day) thanks to Honda of Freehold
• April 23rd…post-game fireworks (Toyota/Scion World of Lakewood)

See you at the ballpark!

Who says the BlueClaws only win baseball games? Congrats to BlueClaws Executive Chef Sandy Cohen, crowned last night as the Boss of the Sauce by judges at 105.7 The Hawk’s annual event last night in Point Pleasant.

“I’m honored that our sauce was selected,” said Cohen. “There were obviously some other great restaurants in the competition, and it’s very special for us to win.”

Cohen is entering his sixth year with the BlueClaws and 17th in the industry. He is in charge of all catered food at the ballpark, including party decks, and SkyBoxes, where fans can now sample his famous tomato sauce.

“Our fans have always known Sandy was a great cook,” said BlueClaws General Manager Geoff Brown. “Now everyone else does.”

Welcome back to rainy Hagerstown, Maryland. Game two of four this week (and 25 this year). As I type at 4:35, a light rain is falling, but it doesn’t look like they are going to put the tarp on the field, at least at this moment. Forecast says rain should stop around 5 so we should be fine.

Listen Live (at 6:20)
Game Notes

LAK: LHP Nick Hernandez (1-0, 3.00)
HAG: LHP Daniel Rosenbaum (1-0, 0.00)

Bat Attack…The BlueClaws are batting .333 as a team (leads league), having scored 34 runs in five games (3rd in league)…They have at least 10 hits in all five games. Hot Start Hewitt…2008 first round pick Anthony Hewitt is already 7-14 to start the year with two home runs. In his first two seasons in the organization, Hewitt hit eight

home runs in 350 at bats. A Brooklyn native, Hewitt played in high school at Salisbury (CT).

Go Deep…Last year, the BlueClaws hit just six home runs in April and 56 on the year (14th of 16 in the South Atlantic League)…This year, they have already hit five home runs, one each by Jeremy Barnes, Jiwan James, Darin Ruf and two Anthony Hewitt.

Fast Starter…Jiwan James is already 10-23, but seven of those hits have come in his first two at bats of the game. James is 7-10 in his first two at bats, including 2-2 in the first inning of the season…The 11th ranked prospect in the system by Baseball America, James committed to Florida and was on campus enrolled in classes when he changed his mind and decided to sign with the Phillies (22nd round, 2007)…After pitching for one year, he missed 2008 with an arm injury and moved to the outfield in 2009.

On Hernandez…Hernandez, 21, makes his second start for Lakewood after going 8-1 with Williamsport last year…In his first start of the year, he allowed two home runs in Asheville, the same amount of home runs he agave up all of last season…He gave up three runs or less in all but two of his starts last summer (of 15)…Hernandez is the nephew of MLB umpire Angel Hernandez…Father (Nicholas) was selected 8th overall in the 1978 MLB draft by Milwaukee (catcher)… Selected in the 36th round of the 2006 MLB Draft (Oakland).

4:37: Two lefties drafted last year. Hernandez in the 12th out of Tennessee and Rosenbaum in the 22nd out of Xavier.

6:17: Same lineup as last night but Santana DHs, Hewitt moves to RF, Castro plays LF.

6:53: Hernandez had a 1-2-3 first but two 1-2-3s for Rosenbaum.

7:20: Run for Hagerstown on an RBI double by 2nd round pick Jeff Kobernus, just off Buschini’s glove at 3rd.

7:37: Had ‘em loaded in the 5th w/ one out but Hewitt struck out and Villar flew out to left. 1-0 Hagerstown bottom of 5.

8:00: Rosenbaum out after 6. 2 hits, 1 walk. 1-0 top 7.

8:08: Domingo Santana, welcome to the SAL. His first HR (to the opposite field, right-center) ties the game 1-1 at the stretch.

8:18: Great job by Hernandez, gets out of 1st and 3rd in the 7th and finishes 7 IP and one run, a great outing.

8:19: Also note that the last three BlueClaws starters went less than 5, so they need a long outing and got one.

8:39: Valle’s leadoff single wasted in the 9th. 1-1 bottom half.

8:55: Tough inning in the 10th. James almost nailed a hit and run w/ 1st/2nd and one out but the 2B Kobernus got to the ball for the out. Castro down looking to end the inning. Bottom 10.

9:10: Tough loss. Wertz a leadoff walk. Ellis allows a single on an 0-2 pitch with one out to Jeff Kobernus. 2-1 Suns win it.

Here’s how to enjoy Opening Day…your own private suite in the FirstEnergy Park press box.

You can bid on eBay here. The suite comes with the following:

• four tickets in your own private suite
• wait service
• a behind-the-scenes tour of the press box
• a $100 food and drink credit
• the best seat in the house for the pre-game ceremonies and post-game fireworks.

Good luck!

Greetings from Municipal Stadium (built 1930) in Hagerstown, MD for the first of four between the BlueClaws and Suns. 6:35 first pitch today.

Listen Live (at 6:20)
Game Notes

LAK: RHP Jonathan Pettibone (2-4, 5.35 Williamsport)
HAG: RHP Paul Demny (3-11 5.14 Hagerstown)

Baserunning Blunders…In four games this year, the BlueClaws have made 11 outs on the bases…They have had six players caught stealing, two doubled off, two more picked off on the bases, and one thrown out trying to tag up. Good thing that baserunning coordinator Steve Henderson is in town.

Go Deep…Last year, the BlueClaws hit just six home runs in April and 56 on the year (14th of 16 in the South Atlantic League)…This year, they have already hit four home runs, one each by Jeremy Barnes, Jiwan James, Darin Ruf and Anthony Hewitt. The only problem? Asheville hit six off BlueClaws pitching.

Four-For-Four…Jeremy Barnes (7-17), Adam Buschini (5-14) and Jiwan James (7-18) are the three BlueClaws players that have hits in each of the first four games of the season last Thursday…Jonathan Villar (5-13) has hit safely in the three games that he has recorded a plate appearance (he had Sunday off)…As a team, the BlueClaws are batting .331 with 27 runs in four games and at least ten hits in all four games.

Fast Starter…Jiwan James is already 7-18, but six of those hits have come in his first two at bats of the game. James is 6-8 in his first two at bats, including 2-2 in the first inning of the season…The 11th ranked prospect in the system by Baseball America, James committed to Florida and was on campus enrolled in classes when he changed his mind and decided to sign with the Phillies (22nd round, 2007)…After pitching for one year, he missed 2008 with an arm injury and moved to the outfield in 2009.

5:48: Regular lineup today…Villar, James, Castro, Valle, Bushini, Barnes, Ruf, Santana, Hewitt (DH)

5:49: Pre-game guest today will be Jeremy Barnes.

6:51: Moving along, already through an inning and a half. Pettibone had a 1-2-3 first. 0-0. James is now 7-9 in his first two bat bats of games after singling to left in the first.

7:16; Anthony Hewitt just pulverized a fastball on a 1-2 count over the batting cage beyond the LF wall. His 2nd home run. 3-0 Lakewood.

7:34: Pettibone throws 30 pitches and gives up a run in the bottom of the inning. Villar missed a ball he should have had on the leadoff hitter and ultimately the run scored on a walk.

8:03: 4-2 after James led off the 5th with a double and scored on a Valle SAC fly. But Pettibone gets knocked out in the bottom of the inning. Zeid in for Lakewood. Pettibone: 4.1 IP, 7 H, 1 BB, 7 K. Two in and two on.

8:09: One of Zeid’s inherited runners score, so three runs allowed by Pettibone. 4-3 Lakewood, top of the 6th.

8:34: Great job by Zeid going 2 2/3 scoreless. Looks like his night is over. 4-3 to the 8th.

8:45: Castro and Valle both with doubles to right-center, Valle drives in Castro and has two hits. He looks out of his slump. 5-3. Bottom 8. Diekman in.

9:04: Parent pulling out all the stops. Massingham six out save? He got the first three after Diekman hit and walked his two hitters. 5-3 BlueClaws, top 9.

9:13: RBI 1B for Jiwan James, on which Hewitt was thrown out trying to score, but it’s 6-3. Hewitt doubled again. Three hits tonight.

9:40: Six out save for Massingham, who did give up a run, but Lakewood wins it 7-4.