There's something brewing - A Badenian going America

[Loeffle]

March 2012 - Winnipeg Bisons
Manager and GM Fritsche


3rd March 2012

San Francisco signed free agent reliever Damaso Marte (6-3-2, 2.98 ERA) on a 2-year deal worth $5,520,000. They also netted LF Josh Willingham (.287, 13 HR, 46 RBI) for two years ($3,300,000).

The Rangers signed free reliever Brandon League (2-4-2, 4.86 ERA) on a one year deal worth $1,910,000.

Boise added free relievers Hong-Chih Kuo (5-1-4, 2.85 ERA) on a three year deal worth $6,480,000 and from Japan Hiroki Sanada (1-2-2, 4.26 ERA)

The Hoosiers signed Japanese free agent starter Shintaro Ejiri (10-12, 3.00 ERA) on a 4-year deal worth $60,370,000. He is expected to be their ace. Their payroll is now 3,5 times higher than ours.

Seattle signed Japanese free agent reliever Yasunari Takagi (4-1-1, 3.06 ERA) on a two year deal worth $13,160,000.

[Loeffle]

March 2012 - Winnipeg Bisons
Manager and GM Fritsche


3rd March 2012


S p r i n g T r a i n i n g B e g i n s


Due to contract and out of option year reasons we enter spring training with only 29 players. It's no use wasting players who refuse to get demoted in spring training, when almost all roster spots are distributed anyway.

While I will make the lineup of every game, manager Juan M De Jesús will handle the play by play duty in spring training. In regular season he will be limited to pitching and defense strategy.


Spring Training Roster:

Starters
Tom Gorzelanny
Bryan Morris
Randy Wells
Jacob Morceaux
Josh Stinson

Relievers
Zach Braddock*
Corey Madden
Héctor Martínez*
Sendy Rleal
Christopher Armstrong
Michael Mehlich

Closers
Stephen Shelton*

Catchers
Josh Bard
Rey Gonzalez*
Russell Martin

Infielders
Kendry Morales (1B)
Eric Duncan (1B, 3B)
B.J. Upton (2B, 3B, SS, CF)
Toshiaki Imae (2B, 3B)*
Chris Davis (3B, LF)
Alberto Gonzalez (2B, SS)
Joe Harrington (SS)*
Sharlon Schoop (3B, SS)

Outfielders
John Rodriguez (LF, RF)
Jeremy Reed (CF, LF)
Nate McLouth (CF, RF)
Jason Place (CF)
Hiram Bocachica (RF, LF)
Jayson Werth (RF, LF)

* rookie


Spring Training Game #1 – at Milwaukee (0-0)

Winnipeg 1 - Milwaukee 4

W: B. Cox (1-0), L: H. Martínez (0-1)
H: J. Fanego (1), J. Díaz (1)
BS: B. Cox (1)
SV: I. González (1)
HR: - / B. Webb (1), A. Velásquez (1), B. Roberts (1)

The new Milwaukee manager moved Ryan Braun back 3B. Calamity is back!

[Loeffle]

March 2012 - Winnipeg Bisons
Manager and GM Fritsche


4th March 2012


Spring Training Game #2 (0-1) – at San Francisco (0-1)

Winnipeg 4 - San Francisco 3

W: C. Armstrongh (1-0), L: B. Wilson (0-1)
BS: M. Mehlich (1)
SV: S. Shelton (1)
HR: - / J. Willingham (3)
SB: - / H. Iribarren (1)
CS: N. McLouth (1) / -



Elsewhere:

The Rays gave reliever Kevin Gregg (2-3-3, 3.38 ERA) a new 2-year contract worth $6,920,000.

[Loeffle]

March 2012 - Winnipeg Bisons
Manager and GM Fritsche


5th March 2012


Spring Training Game #3 (1-1) – vs. Los Angeles (N) (1-1)

Los Angeles 3 - Winnipeg 2

W: J. Broxton (1-0), L: S. Shelton (0-1)
H: C. Armstrong (1)
BS: S. Shelton (1)
SV: J. Kawauchi (1)
HR: S. Barker (1) / -
SB: J. Gonzalez (1) / -


Elsewhere:

Boston C George Kottaras (.221, 4 HR, 44 RBI) was suspended for two games after arguing balles and strikes.

Kansas City resigned their star closer Hitoki Iwase (4-2-47, 3.13 ERA) for another year in which he will earn $2,860,000.


6th March 2012


Spring Training Game #4 (1-2) – at Buffalo (1-2)

Winnipeg 3 - Buffalo 4

W: M. Kamida (1-0), L: M. Mehlich (0-1)
BS: M. Rogers (1)
CS: T. Imae (1) / -
E: - / L. Martínez

Our reliever Héctor Martínez suffered a strained elbow ligament and will miss up to six weeks. This means that Zach Braddock will most likely make the 25-man roster.


7th March 2012


Spring Training Game #5 (1-3) – vs. Cincinnati (3-1)

Cincinnati 4 - Winnipeg 5 (13)

W: C. Armstrong (2-0), L: J. Peralta (0-1)
H: C. Madden (1)
BS: Z. Braddock (1)
HR: - / J. Harrington (1)
CS: - / J. Rodriguez (1)
E: - / S. Schoop, J. Harrington


Elsewhere:

Milwaukee gave starting pitcher and 2010 CY Young winner Carlos Villanueva (16-9, 4.41 ERA) a new 2-year contract worth $5,025,000.

[Loeffle]

March 2012 - Winnipeg Bisons
Manager and GM Fritsche


8th March 2012

Spring Training Game #6 (2-3) – vs. Atlanta (1-4)

Atlanta 10 - Winnipeg 1

W: M. Harrison (1-0), L: R. Wells (0-1)
HR: B. McCann (1), J. Francoeur (1) / -
E: - / R. Wells, K. Morales, J. Harrington, B. Upton


9th March 2012

Spring Training Game #7 (2-4) – at St. Louis (2-4)

Winnipeg 0 - St. Louis 7

W: A. Ottavino (2-0), L: J. Marceaux (0-1)
H: H. Ishii (2), W. Watkins (1), J. Grabow (1)
HR: - / C. Rasmus (1)
E: J. Rodriguez / -


10th March 2012

Spring Training Game #8 (2-5) – vs. Colorado (4-3)

Colorado 2 - Winnipeg 4

W: C. Madden (1-0), L: E. Rodriguez (0-1)
H: Z. Braddock (1)
BS: E. Rodriguez (1)
SV: S. Shelton (2)
HR: - / K. Morales (1)

Elsewhere:

The Angels gave their closer Scot Shields (3-6-44, 2.57 ERA) a new 1-year contract worth $5,350,000.


11th March 2012

Spring Training Game #9 (3-5) – at San Diego (5-3)

Winnipeg 2 - San Diego 3

W: E. Frieri (1-0), L: S. Shelton (0-2)
BS: Z. Braddock (2)
HR: - / N. Crosta (3)
E: C. Davis / A. Anderson

Elsewhere:

Buffalo CF Drew Stubbs (.255, 13 HR, 67 RBI) is out for the season with a fractured skull.


12th March 2012

Spring Training Game #10 (3-6) – vs. Florida (5-4)

Florida 8 - Winnipeg 3

W: G. Hernandez (1-1), L: B. Morris (0-1)
H: K. Correia (1)
HR: J. Hermida (2), V. Majewski (2) / -
SB: G. Brock (3) / -
CS: J. Hermida (1) / -
E: - / R. Martin

Elsewhere:

The Mariners gave closer J.J. Putz (6-3-34, 1.98 ERA) a new 3-year contract worth $19,200,000.


13th March 2012

Spring Training Game #11 (3-7) – at Boise (4-6)

Winnipeg 3 - Boise 13

W: N. Shimizu (1-1), L: R. Wells (0-2)
H: E. Alfonzo (2), J. Meloan (2)
HR: J. Werth (1) / J. Crede (1), B. Crosby 2 (3), C. Roberson (2)
SB: - / M. Teixeira (1), J. Denham (3), M. Garcia (5)
CS: - / M. Garcia (2)
E: J. Harrington, H. Bocachica / -

Elsewhere:

The Brewers gave their CF Justin Upton (.277, 15 HR, 57 RBI) a new 3-year contract worth $19,429,800. Looks like the new GM has money I never had...


14th March 2012

Spring Training Game #12 (3-8) – vs. New York (N) (5-6)

New York 2 - Winnipeg 7

W: Z. Braddock (1-0), L: C. Nageotte (1-2)
HR: J. Dye (3) / -
SB: L. Milledge (1) / J. Reed (1)

[Loeffle]

March 2012 - Winnipeg Bisons
Manager and GM Fritsche


16th March 2012

Spring Training Game #13 (4-8) – at Chicago (N) (9-3)

Winnipeg 6 - Chicago 2

W: B. Morris (1-1), L: S. Eyre (0-1)
HR: B. Upton (1), R. Gonzalez (1) / C. Gillespie (4)
SB: J. Werth (1) / -
CS: - / S. Moore (1)
E: - / S. Eyre

Elsewhere:

Arizona gave their CF Chris Young (.267, 28 HR, 70 RBI) a new 3-year contract worth $18,855,000

[Loeffle]

March 2012 - Winnipeg Bisons
Manager and GM Fritsche


17th March 2012

Spring Training Game #14 (5-8) – vs. Toronto (8-5)

Toronto 3 - Winnipeg 6

W: T. Gorzelanny (1-0), L: J. Maine (0-2)
H: C. Madden (2), C. Armstrong (2)
SV: S. Shelton (3)
HR: - / J. Rodriguez (1), J. Reed (1), E. Duncan (1)
SB: - / J. Werth (2)
E: P. Avals / -


18th March 2012

Spring Training Game #15 (6-8) – vs. Arizona (7-7)

Arizona 2 - Winnipeg 7

W: R. Wells (1-2), L: K. Slowey (1-2)
H: C. Madden (3)
HR: M. Montero (4) / E. Duncan (2), N. McLouth (1)
SB: - / B. Upton (1)
CS: J. D'Antona 2 (2), R. Furcal (3) / H. Bocachica (1)
E: J. D'Antona / -

Elsewhere:

Colorado LF Matt Holliday (.277, 17 HR, 52 RBI) will miss up to eight weeks with a herniated disc.


19th March 2012

Spring Training Game #16 (7-8) – at Pittsburgh (8-7)

Winnipeg 1 - Pittsburgh 4

W: P. Henley (1-1), L: Z. Braddock (1-1)
H: P. Neshek (3)
BS: Z. Braddock (3)
SV: J. Williams (7)
HR: - / B. Johnson (2)
SB: B. Upton 2 (3) / -
E: J. Marceaux, J. Harrington / L. Hernandez

Elsewhere:

Colorado C Mike Napoli (.242, 27 HR, 88 RBI) will miss up to six weeks with a suffered wrist.

The Marmots reliever Cesar Ramos (1-4, 7.02 ERA) will miss a year with back spasms.


20th March 2012

Spring Training Game #17 (7-9) – vs. Philadelphia (2-14)

Philadelphia 1 - Winnipeg 9

W: B. Morris (2-1), L: J. Happ (0-1)
H: C. Madden (4), S. Rleal (1)
HR: C. Iannetta (1) / J. Place (1)
SB: A. Richardson (5) / J. Werth (3), H. Bocachica (1)
E: A. Hatch, S. Smith / -


21st March 2012

Spring Training Game #18 (8-9) – at Milwaukee (8-9)

Winnipeg 6 - Milwaukee 8

W: B. Cox (3-0), L: C. Madden (1-1)
BS: B. Cox (2)
HR: - / J. Upton (2), A. Velásquez (2)
E: C. Madden / A. Velásquez, F. Byrd

Trade:

We sent 2B Toshiaki Imae (.254, 5 HR, 45 RBI - AAA, Japan) to the Brewers for minor leagur reliever Ángel Tapia (3-7-19, 3.16 ERA - AAA).

[Loeffle]

March 2012 - Winnipeg Bisons
Manager and GM Fritsche


22nd March 2012

Spring Training Game #19 (8-10) – vs. San Francisco (6-12)

San Francisco 3 - Winnipeg 2

W: O. Matos (1-2), L: T. Gorzelanny (1-1)
H: C. Pignatiello (4), B. Snyder (1), M. Ekstrom (2)
SV: C. Blazek (3)
HR: E. Martinez-Esteve (6) / -

Elsewhere:

Clevland gave their ace Kazumi Saito (14-9, 2.78 ERA) a new 4-year deal worth $29,960,000.

The Braves signed C Jarrod Saltalamacchia (.289, 32, 86 RBI) on a new 3-year contract worth $22,860,000.

The Brewers gave reliever Jesús "Bandit" Díaz (4-4-1, 4.08 ERA) a new 3-year contract worth $8,428,800.


23rd March 2012

Spring Training Game #20 (8-11) – at Los Angeles (N) (11-8)

Winnipeg 6 - Los Angeles 7

W: T. Kawauchi (2-0), L: S. Shelton (0-3)
H: C. Hoorelbeke (6)
BS: W. Wright (1)
HR: J. Harrington (1) / A. LaRoche (2)
SB: - / B. Hall (1), J. Tanton (3)
CS: B. Upton (1) / -
E: J. Bard / -


24th March 2012

Spring Training Game #21 (8-12) – vs Buffalo (8-12)

Buffalo 8 - Winnipeg 10

W: Z. Braddock (2-1, L: S. Olson (1-2)
H: C. Armstrong (3)
BS: C. Madden (1)
SV: S. Shelton (4)
HR: - / J. Harrington (3)
SB: - / H. Bocachica (2), J. Werth (3)
E: C. Dunlap / J. Rodriguez

Elsewhere:

San Diego reliever Scott Cassidy (1-0-1, 4.56 ERA) is out for the season with a torn back muscle.


25th March 2012

Spring Training Game #22 (9-12) – at Cincinnati (13-8)

Winnipeg 1 - Cincinnati 0

W: S. Rleal (1-0), L: D. Turnbow (3-1)
H: C. Armstrong (4)
SV: M. Mehlich (1)


26th March 2012

Spring Training Game #23 (10-12) – at Atlanta (12-10)

Winnipeg 0 - Atlanta 6

W: A. Lerew (1-1), L: J. Stinson (0-1)
HR: - / D. Young (3)
SB: - / G. Blanco (5), N. Logan (2)
E: S. Rleal, B. Upton / D. Young

Elsewhere:

Padres LF Elijah Dukes (.276, 15 HR, 69 RBI) will miss up to four weeks with a strained hamstring muscle.

The Mariners lost 1B Raul Ibanez (.269, 4 HR, 21 RBI) for the year with a fractured knee.


27th March 2012

Spring Training Game #24 (10-13) – vs St. Louis (12-11)

St. Louis 6 - Winnipeg 2

W: C. Narveson (3-1), L: T. Gorzelanny (1-2)
HR: - / N. McLouth (2)
SB: - / J. Reed (2)
CS: D. Carpenter (1), M. Antonelli (1) / B. Upton (2)
E: D. Uribes / N. McLouth

Elsewhere:

The career of Mets RF Jermaine Dye (.259, 13 HR, 54 RBI) ended on last day of spring training when he tore his ankle ligaments.

[Loeffle]

March 2012 - Winnipeg Bisons
Manager and GM Fritsche


28th March 2012

We ended spring training with a 10-14 record. Chris Davis and Hiram Bocachica were the only ones to bat better than .300. Pitching did quite ok. Texas (19-5) had the best record, while the Phillies (6-18) continued to struggle.

Elsewhere:

Cincinnati 3B Edwin Encarnacion (.279, 20 HR, 93 RBI) signed a new 2-year contract worth $10,580,000.

The Dodgers closer Kyuji Fujikawa (6-2-19, 2.02 ERA) signed a new 1-year deal worth $3,270,000.

The Blue Jays gave their starting pitcher Joe Kennedy (10-7, 4.40 ERA) a new 2-year contract worth $4,040,000.

The Phillies gave CF Antoan Richardson (.268, 2 HR, 28 RBI) a new 3-year contract worth $4,620,000.

[Loeffle]

April 2012 - Winnipeg Bisons
Manager and GM Fritsche


3rd April 2012

We played a doubleheader exhibition game at our AAA affiliate Regina. Both games were won (7-3; 5-3) and over 7.000 spectators celebrated the opening of the Regina Fields.

[Loeffle]

April 2012 - Winnipeg Bisons
Manager and GM Fritsche


6th April 2012

Atlanta RF Jeff Francoeur (.286, 40 HR, 117 RBI) signed a new 6-year contract worth $56,340,000.

[Loeffle]

April 2012 - Winnipeg Bisons
Manager and GM Fritsche


9th April 2012

Opening Day

Our owner expects us to stay at least to an even record.

We have in SS Harrington (87th) only one prospect in the Top 100 list. The Phillies have three in the Top 16, while the Mets and Nationals have none.

After a presentation of our Opening Day roster, we set sail for Buffalo to start our big league adventure.

[Loeffle]

April 2012 - Winnipeg Bisons
Manager and GM Fritsche


9th April 2012

Opening Day Roster

SP 1 Tom Gorzelanny (2011 @ PIT: 15-13, 3.89 ERA, 1.19 WHIP - $3,050,000)
SP 2 Bryan Morris (2011 @ LAN: 2-3-0, 4.05 ERA, 1.41 WHIP - $380,000)
SP 3 Randy Wells (2011 @ CHN: 7-12, 5.17 ERA, 1.39 WHIP - $888,720)
SP 4 Jacob Marceaux (2011 @ FLO: 4-3-5, 4.45 ERA, 1.31 WHIP - $380,000)
SP 5 Josh Stinson (2011 @ NYN: 5-5, 4.03 ERA, 1.21 WHIP - $380,000)

MR Corey Madden (2011 @ FLO: 12-7, 5.00 ERA, 1.59 WHIP - $380,000)
MR Zach Braddock (2011 @ NAS (AAA): 6-1-1, 1.81 ERA, 1.02 WHIP - $380,000)
MOR Sendy Rleal (2011 @ NOR (AAA): 3-6-23, 2.91 ERA, 1.33 WHIP - $380,000)
SR Christopher Armstrong (2011 @ MIL: 6-1, 3.96 ERA, 1.08 WHIP - $380,000)
SR Michael Mehlich (2011 @ ATL: 1-1-1, 5.70 ERA, 1.57 WHIP - $380,000)
CL Stephen Shelton (2011 @ PAW (AAA): 4-2-35, 1.23 ERA, 1.11 WHIP - $380,000)

C Josh Bard (2011 @ KCA: .247, 13 HR, 62 RBI, 1 SB - $380,000)
C Rey Gonzalez (2011 @ COL (AAA): .284, 11 HR, 54 RBI, 3 SB - $380,000)
1B Kendry Morales (2011 @ LAA: .265, 11 HR, 44 RBI, 1 SB - $560,000)
1B Eric Duncan (2011 @ NYA: .234, 12 HR, 60 RBI, 3 SB - $565,248)
2B B.J. Upton (2011 @ 2 teams: .241, 13 HR, 64 RBI, 64 SB - $990,000)
3B Chris Davis (2011 @ TEX: .251, 12 HR, 23 RBI - $380,000)
3B Sharlon Schoop (2011 @ BUF: .265, 2 HR, 42 RBI, 10 SB - $380,000)
SS Alberto Gonzalez (2011 @ BOI: .251, 7 HR, 42 RBI, 10 SB - $380,000)
SS Joe Harrington (2011 @ WTE (AA): .317, 22 HR, 79 RBI, 1 SB - $380,000)
LF John Rodriguez (2011 @ WAS: .264, 18 HR, 71 RBI, 1 SB - $2,560,000)
CF Nate McLouth (2011 @ 2 teams: .279, 2 HR, 34 RBI, 27 SB - $380,000)
CF Jeremy Reed (2011 @ SEA: .263, 18 HR, 79 RBI, 22 SB - $1,480,000)
RF Hiram Bocachica (2011 @ VAN: .223, 21 HR, 82 RBI, 7 SB - $550,000)
RF Jayson Werth (2011 @ BAL: .257, 22 HR, 91 RBI, 18 SB - $1,760,000)


BNN Rankings (Team / Organization) out of 36 teams:

Catchers 34th / 14th
First Basemen 34th / 14th
Second Basemen 21st / 20th
Third Basemen 35th / 6th
Shortstops 26th / 5th
Left Fielders 21st / 36th
Center Fielders 22nd / 12th
Right Fielders 25th / 23rd
Starting Pitchers 32nd / 27th
Relievers 31st / 7th
Closers 36th / 1st

[Loeffle]

April 2012 - Winnipeg Bisons
Manager and GM Fritsche


9th April 2012

Opening Day is here and the Winnipeg Bisons play their first regularseason series at Buffalo. The Blizzards were an 2008 expansion team, but went 243-406 so far and never won more than 67 games (in 2011). Somehow I think we should be able to finish with a better record than them, even if they have some big names like Sabathia, Toyoda and Campbell on the roster.
To reduce travel costs the league switched to four or five game series this season.


Injury Report:

Winnipeg:
MR

Buffalo:
2B H. Martínez (1 week)


Game # 1 – Winnipeg [0-0] (T. Gorzelanny 0-0, 0.00 ERA) at Buffalo [0-0] (C. Sabathia 0-0, 0.00 ERA)

Winnipeg:

2B B. Upton
3B S. Schoop
1B K. Morales
RF J. Werth
LF H. Bocachica
C R. Gonzalez - rookie from South Africa (undrafted free agent in 2007)SS A. Gonzelez
CF N. McLouth


Buffalo:

CF J. Goodman - 1st overall pick by Buffalo in 2010
SS I. Desmond
2B E. Campbell
1B C. Dunlap
3B Y. Shimada - 10th overall pick by Texas in 2010
C M. Ramirez
LF M. Cuddyer
RF M. Brantley


Winnipeg at Buffalo: 2-7

W: C. Sabathia (1-0); L: T. Gorzelanny (0-1)
HR: T. Gorzelanny (1) / E. Campbell (1)
SB: H. Bocachica (1) / -
E: - / I. Desmond (1)
PoG: C. Sabathia - 8.0 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
Time: 2:49
Attendance: 47987

We had some chances, they had some chances - but they used them, while we failed.


Elsewhere:

Arizona's star CF Chris Young (1.000, 1 HR, 2 RBI) is out for the season with torn ankle ligaments.

The Astros LF Curtis Granderson (.000, 0 HR, 0 RBI) suffered the same fate as he went down with a fractured cheekbone.

The Blue Jays had the best possible National League debut as their ace Willie Collazo (1-0, 0.00 ERA) pitched a one hitter against the Cubs.

[Loeffle]

April 2012 - Winnipeg Bisons
Manager and GM Fritsche


10th April 2012

Game # 2 – Winnipeg [0-1] (B. Morris 0-0, 0.00 ERA) at Buffalo [1-0] (B. Buckner 0-0, 0.00 ERA)

2B B.J. Upton - CF Jeremy Reed - 3B Chris Davis - RF Jayson Werth - 1B Eric Duncan - SS Joe Harrington - LF John Rodriguez - C Josh Bard

Winnipeg at Buffalo: 3-0

W: B. Morris (1-0); L: B. Buckner (0-1)
H: C. Armstrong (1)
SV: S. Shelton (1)
HR: E. Duncan (1) / -
CS: B. Upton (1) / -
E: - / Y. Shimada (1)
PoG: B. Morris - 7.2 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
Time: 2:34
Attendance: 36574

Bryan Morris was absolutely stunning in his 6th big league start and closer Stephen Shelton collected his 1st save in his 1st big league game.


Elsewhere:

Florida CF Brian Barton (.600, 1 HR, 7 RBI) hit for the cycle in 19-1 victory over the Mets. He had also five hits in six tries.

[Loeffle]

April 2012 - Winnipeg Bisons
Manager and GM Fritsche


11th April 2012

Game # 3 – Winnipeg [1-1] (R. Wells 0-0, 0.00 ERA) at Buffalo [1-1] (C. Silva 0-0, 0.00 ERA)

2B B.J. Upton - CF Jeremy Reed - 3B Chris Davis - RF Jayson Werth - 1B Eric Duncan - SS Joe Harrington - LF John Rodriguez - C Josh Bard

Winnipeg at Buffalo: 7-5

W: C. Madden (1-0); L: F. Cabrera (0-1)
BS: F. Cabrera (1)
SV: S. Shelton (2)
HR: J. Rodriguez (1), J. Harrington (1*) / I. Desmond (1)
E: - / C. Dunlap (1)
PoG: J. Harrington - 2/5, 1 R, HR, 3 RBI
Time: 3:11
Attendance: 34603

* 1st career homerun


Elsewhere:

Angels reliever Chad Bradford (0-1, 0.00 ERA) signed a one year contract extension worth $3,720,000.

[Loeffle]

April 2012 - Winnipeg Bisons
Manager and GM Fritsche


12th April 2012

Game # 4 – Winnipeg [2-1] (J. Marceaux 0-0, 0.00 ERA) at Buffalo [1-2] (S. Marcum 0-0, 0.00 ERA)

2B B.J. Upton - CF Jeremy Reed - LF John Rodriguez - RF Jayson Werth - 1B Eric Duncan - SS Joe Harrington - Sharlon Schoop - C Josh Bard

Winnipeg at Buffalo: 7-5

W: J. Marceaux (1-0); L: S. Marcum (0-1)
H: S. Rleal (1), Z. Braddock (1)
SV: M. Mehlich (1)
HR: J. Harrington 2 (3) / I. Desmond (2), M. Brantley (1)
SB: J. Reed (1) / J. Goodman (1)
CS: B. Upton (2) / I. Desmond (1)
E: - / F. Cabrera (1)
PoG: J. Harrington - 2/5, 2 R, 2 HR, 6 RBI
Time: 3:08
Attendance: 33835

Joe Harrington hit the decisive go ahead grandslam in the 7th. He has now three homeruns in four big league games.

[Loeffle]

April 2012 - Winnipeg Bisons
Manager and GM Fritsche


13th April 2012

Game # 5 – Winnipeg [3-1] (J. Stinson 0-0, 0.00 ERA) at Buffalo [1-3] (M. Belisle 0-0, 0.00 ERA)

CF Jeremy Reed - RF Jayson Werth - LF John Rodriguez- SS Joe Harrington - 1B Eric Duncan - 3B Chris Davis - 2B Alberto Gonzalez - C Rey Gonzalez

Winnipeg at Buffalo: 1-3

W: M. Belisle (1-0); L: J. Stinson (0-1)
H: M. Rogers (1)
SV: K. Toyoda (1)
HR: J. Rodriguez (2) / Y. Shimada (1)
E: J. Harrington (1) / Y. Shimada (2)
PoG: M. Belisle - 7.1 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
Time: 2:44
Attendance: 34029


Elsewhere:

The Brewers were the only team to start the season 0-5 after getting swept by the Dodgers.

[Loeffle]

April 2012 - Winnipeg Bisons
Manager and GM Fritsche


14th April 2012

Our first series in history went quite well and we took three from five at Buffalo. Even if we got only two quality starts, the only bad start was from ace Gorzelanny. The bullpen did its job, while Rodriguez and Harrington carried the offense alone.
Our first homeseries will certainly bring very cold temperatures and with the Cubs a big name with an even bigger payroll. They had an awful start, losing four of five at home against the Blue Jays. Will be interesting to see how Randy Wells does against his former team.


Injury Report:

Winnipeg:
MR H. Martínez (3 days)

Chicago:
n/a


Game # 6 – Chicago [1-4] (S. Gallagher 0-1, 1.29 ERA) at Winnipeg [3-2] (T. Gorzelanny 0-1, 7.50 ERA)

Winnipeg:

CF N. McLouth (.600, 0 HR, 0 RBI)
LF J. Rodriguez (.500, 2 HR, 4 RBI)
RF H. Bocachica (.143, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1 SB)
1B E. Duncan (.250, 1 HR, 1 RBI)
3B C. Davis (.143, 0 HR, 1 RBI)
2B B. Upton (.200, 0 HR, 0 RBI)
C J. Bard (.182, 0 HR, 1 RBI)
SS A. Gonzalez (.000, 0 HR, 0 RBI)

Chicago:

3B N. Samson (.400, 1 HR, 1 RBI)
LF F. Pie (.071, 0 HR, 1 RB)
CF A. Soriano (.227, 0 HR, 3 RBI)
2B S. Moore (.300, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 1 SB)
SS D. Johnston (.214, 0 HR, 1 RBI)
RF T. Colvin (.455, 0 HR, 2 RBI)
1B A. Pagan (.308, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2 SB)
C A. Casanova (.000, 0 HR, 1 RBI)


Chicago at Winnipeg: 2-3

W: T. Gorzelanny (1-1); L: S. Gallagher (0-2)
HR: A. Soriano (1) / -
SB: S. Moore (2), F. Pie (1) / -
E: A. Pagan (2) / -
PoG: T. Gorzelanny - 9.0 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 11 K
Time: 2:17
Attendance: 43635

The crowd saw only seven hits combined in our homeopener, but Gorzelanny showed what a dominant pitcher he can be as he allowed only six baserunners and went the distance.


Elsewhere:

Baltimore lost its veteran LF Jose Cruz Jr. (.211, 0 HR, 2 RBI) for four weeks due to strained rotator cuff. The Orioles gave also their undisputed ace Shinobu Fukuhara (1-0, 2.57 ERA) a new 2-year contract worth $10,100,000.

[Loeffle]

April 2012 - Winnipeg Bisons
Manager and GM Fritsche


15th April 2012

Game # 7 – Chicago [1-5] (C. Zambrano 0-0, 2.25 ERA) at Winnipeg [4-2] (B. Morris 1-0, 0.00 ERA)

2B B.J. Upton - CF Jeremy Reed - RF Jayson Werth - 1B Eric Duncan - SS J. Harrington - 3B Sharlon Schoop - LF Hiram Bocachica - C Josh Bard

Chicago at Winnipeg: 7-1

W: C. Zambrano (1-0); L: B. Morris (1-1)
H: R. Cherry (1)
HR: C. Zambrano (1), T. Colvin (1), A. Pagan (1) / -
SB: - / B. Upton (1)
E: - / J. Harrington (2)
PoG: C. Zambrano - 6.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K - HR
Time: 2:51
Attendance: 39853


Elsewhere:

Buffalo 2B Eric Campbell (.115, 1 HR, 4 RBI) will miss up to three weeks with a strained tricep muscle.

The Diamondbacks lost their second starting player for the year. SS Stephen Drew (.375, 0 HR, 2 RBI) won't be able to return before 2013 with a torn calf muscle.