[Papi]

Southern League Championship Series
Marblehead Magicians v Nashua Titans

Game One- Antonio Rios homered twice, and Jim Phipps and Richard Kinneir each hit homeruns as Nashua took a 1-0 Series lead, blanking the Magicians 8-0. Felips Garcia went the distance, allowing five hits and one walk with five strikeouts earning the win. Nashua would take a 1-0 lead in the first on a wild pitch and in the third, would extend the lead to 2-0 on a double play groundball and in the 4th Norberto Ortega would drive home Dave Chambers with an RBI double, and the power would take over from there, ensuring Marblehead wouldn't come back.



Game Two- Marblehead would get out early this time, taking a 1-0 in the 3rd on an RBI double off the bat of Jesus Pinto. The score would stay that way until the bottom of the 7th, when Nashua would score twice, first on a pinch hit double from German Santos and Jim Phipps would drive him home with an single. Starter John Miller and closer Herb Daunt would close the game out, giving the Titans a 2-1 win and 2-0 Series lead.



Game Three- Nashua would take a 1-0 lead in the top of the first on a solo HR from Jim Phipps. However, Marblehead would tie it in the 2nd after Sergio Rosas would drive home Adrian Fernandez with a single. Each team would score a run in the 4th, Nashua on a solo HR from Rob Kinneir and the Magicians on RBI groundout. Marblehead would take a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the 8th on a bases loaded walk to Rosas, who ended up driving in all three Magician runs, as Marblehead held on to beat Nashua 3-2 and stay alive in the series.



Game Four- Marblehead jumped out to a 2-0 lead on the back of a two run HR from Steve Murphy in the bottom of the 2nd. Nashua would take the lead in the top of the 3rd as Carlos Vazquez would hit a solo HR and two batters later Jim Phipps would hit a two run blast. The Magicians would come right back in their half of the inning as Joey Suave hit a two run blast giving Marblehead a 4-3 lead after 3. Ramon Fernandez would tie the game at 4 as he hit an RBI triple, and later in the inning Felix Rivera would give Nashua a 6-4 lead with a two run double. Sergio Rosas would bring the Magicians within one run as he drove in Suave with a double, but Marblehead would score three more in their half of the 6th as Rob Kinneir would knock in a pair with a single, and Dave Chambers would drive in Kinneir with a double, giving the Titans a 8-5 lead. Marblehead would get a run back in the 6th, making it 8-6. The score would remain that way until the bottom of the 9th inning when Marblehead would get within a run at 8-7 as Tim Neilsen would score on a sac fly, but when the next batter Steve Murphy would fly out to centerfield, the 2009 World Series was set as the Nashua Titans beat the Marblehead Magicians 8-7 and win the Southern League Championship Series 3-1. Nashua 1B Jim Phipps was named SLCS MVP after going .444 (8-18) with 3 HR and 6 RBI.




World Series Results next!

[Papi]

2009 World Series
Bangor Crusaders V Nashua Titans

Game One- Each team scored in the first inning of Game One, Nashua on an RBI single from Antonio Rios and Bangor got their run on a throwing error by C Rob Kinneir, allowing Jose Sanchez to scamper home from 3rd base. The game would stay 1-1 until the top of the 8th, when the Titans would score three times, the runs scoring as a result of an RBI double, bases loaded walk and RBI groundout. Bangor would get one back in the bottom of the 9th, but that was as close as they would get as the Nashua Titans would take Game One of the World Series, beating Bangor 4-2.



Game Two- Rob Kinneir would start the scoring in the top of the first inning with a two run double, little did the Titans know those would be the only runs of the game they would score. Bangor would tie it in the 7th on an RBI double from Pablo Sanchez and a sac fly off the bat of P Pedro Rangel. The game would remain tied until the 11th inning, when Mario Decos lead off the inning being hit by a Herb Daunt pitch, and Bryan Scharf would double him to third. The next batter Mitch Seals never had the chance to be the hero as the first pitch he faced went through the legs of Rob Kinneir, allowing Decos to score and allow the Crusaders tie the World Series at 1 game each, winning Game Two, 3-2.




Game Three- Bangor jumped out to a 4-0 lead after 3 1/2 innings as Jesus Rodriguez hit a two run HR and P Tony Aguirre helped his own cause with an RBI double. Nashua got 3 back in the bottom of the 4th inning as Mike McCarthy had an RBI single and Ramon Fernandez drove in a pair with a double making the score 4-3 after four. Craig Joyner would tie the game in the bottom of the 7th inning with a single that scored Fernandez, and in the bottom of the eighth, Nashua would complete the comeback as a Rob Kinneir double would score Wayne Harper, giving the Titans a 5-4 lead, a lead they wouldn't give up as Herb Daunt closed the door in the 9th, giving the Titans a 2-1 Series lead.



Game Four- Nashua moved within one game of a World Championship as they defeated the Bangor Crusaders in Game Four of the World Series, 8-6 despite allowing a World Series record 18 hits. Bangor would jump to a 2-0 lead after three innings on RBI's from Aurelio Barron (single), and Jesus Rodriguez (single). Nashua would take the lead 4-2 in their half of the 4th inning as Felix Rivera tied the game with a two run single and Antonio Rios gave the Titans the lead with a two run double. Mario Decos and Bryan Scharf each had RBI doubles in the 5th as Bangor retook the lead 5-4. Nashua would score four times in the bottom of the 8th inning on a bases loaded walk, RBI single, RBI groundout and a throwing error to take an 8-5 lead. Bangor would score once in the 9th, but wouldn't get any closer as Nashua took a 3-1 lead.




Game Five- Once again, Bangor jumped ahead early as Denis Sullivan drove in Jose Sanchez with an RBI double, taking a 1-0 lead. Nashua would score three times in the bottom of the third inning on an RBI double from Norberto Ortega, sac fly off the bat off P Felipe Garcia and RBI single from Carlos Vazquez. Bangor would threaten a couple times, including the 4th, when they had runners on 2nd and 3rd with two outs, and could not get the runs home. They also had runners on 1st and 2nd in the 5th and Jesus Rodriguez would hit into a double play to end the inning. The top of the ninth inning saw Bangor load the bases with one out on two singles and a walk off two Titan pitchers. Sullivan would take the first pitch for a strike and the 2nd pitch he would ground to 3B Carlos Vazquez, who threw to 2B Dave Chambers, who relayed to first, completing the double play and giving the Nashua Titans it's first World Championship in the NEBL's second season! Felipe Garcia was named World Series MVP, going 2-0, allowing one earned run in 14 2/3 innings. He gave up 15 hits and one walk with nine strikeouts.




The Nashua Titans are 2009 World Champions!!

Up next will be August and September offseason news!

[Papi]

August/September News and Notes

Post-Season Awards

NL Gold Gloves
P-Dong-joon Yi (Durham) 1st
C-Denis Sullivan (Bangor) 2nd
1B-Frank Rockwell (Bangor) 1st
2B-Jose Salinas (Augusta) 1st
3B-Jesus Rodriguez (Bangor) 1st
SS-Tracy Osborne (Bangor) 2nd
OF-Juan Munoz (Portsmouth) 1st
OF-Jarrod Clark (Augusta) 1st
OF-Jorge Gutierrez (Orono) 2nd

NL Rookie of the Year
Jesus Rodriguez (Bangor) .292 15 HR 69 RBI 72 R 27 2B 30.9 VORP

NL Cy Young
Pedro Rangel (Bangor) 19-3 3.03 ERA 216 2/3 IP 195 H 176/27 K/BB

NL MVP
Roberto Rodriguez (Newmarket) .289 18 HR 60 RBI 32 2B 47.3 VORP 90/64 BB/K (I didn't see this coming at all!! 2nd MVP in a row for the star Mules thirdbaseman. He wasn't nearly as good as he was a year ago, but leading the league in VORP, OBP, Runs Created, walks, and intentional walks apparantely means something!)

SL Gold Gloves
P-Matt Greene (Marblehead) 1st
C-Juan Soto (Danvers) 1st
1B-Jorge Lemus (Marblehead) 1st
2B-Sergio Rosas (Marblehead) 2nd
3B-Mark Lott (Peabody) 1st
SS-Jacob Davis (Marblehead) 1st
OF-Brian Cook (Gloucester) 1st
OF-Alfred Cook (Peabody) 1st
OF-Adrian Fernandez (Marblehead) 1st

SL Rookie of the Year
Sherman Morgan (Manchester) .324 15 HR 55 RBI 53 R 36.3 VORP

SL Cy Young
Chris Briggs (Gloucester) 21-7 2.42 ERA 237 2/3 IP 184 H 224/47 K/BB

SL MVP
Bob Clark (Peabody) .393 17 HR 76 RBI 38 2B 95 R 83.6 VORP

-Newmarket closer John Coury was awarded just over 2.1 million dollars in arbitration. Coury, the NEBL's all time saves leader, was 2-3 with a 2.09 ERA. He pitched in 46 games, covering 56 innings where he allowed 44 hits and 19 walks with 65 strikeouts, and saving 36 games.

-The Dover Green Wave have sent 30 year old P Ryushi Oda to the Danvers Falcons for former Newmarket Mule OF Dennis Spears. Oda struggled last year, going 5-12 with a 4.57 ERA. He started 26 games, pitching 169 1/3 innings, allowing 182 hits and 82 walks while striking out just 65. Spears, in a backup role last year for Danvers, hit .225 with 2 homeruns and 15 RBI in 138 AB's, while playing in 109 games.

-Dover made a second trade this month, sending RP Jose Fernandez to the Peabody Tanners in exchange for 26 year old 2B Ron Brooks. Fernandez was 2-2 with a 3.52 ERA and 2 saves a year ago for Dover. He pitched in 32 games, covering 46 innings where he allowed 36 hits and 20 walks with 42 strikeouts. Brooks hit .235 with 2 homeruns and 21 RBI. His biggest asset however, as he stole 19 bases this past year, but stole 48 bases in the 2008 season.

October and November News and Notes are next!

[Papi]

October/November News and Notes

-Joey Suave and the Marblehead Magicians have agreed on a new three year contract extentsion that will pay the 32 year old just over 13 million dollars total. Last year, Suave hit .273 with 17 HR and 47 RBI in 110 games. He came to the plate 326 times, picking up 13 doubles, while posting a 74/27 K/BB ratio. He hit .297 with 24 HR and 86 RBI in 2008 for Marblehead.

-41 year old Jack Muirhead has re-upped with the Portland Bulldogs for the 2010 season for a total of just over $4 million dollars. The leagues oldest player, Muirhead hit .257 but with 22 homeruns and 50 RBI, a year after hitting .320 with 12 HR and 43 RBI for the Bulldogs. Last year, Muirhead batted 334 times, picking up 12 doubles, while striking out 76 times.

-P Jerry McCauley and the Dover Green Wave have agreed on a extention that will pay the 29 year old starter $1.542 million a year for the next two seasons. A year ago, McCauley was 12-10 with a 3.49 ERA. He started 30 games for Dover, pitching 201 innings, allowing 187 hits and walking 55 while striking out 124.

-Lance Pollack and the Manchester Lancers agreed on a new four year contract extention that will pay the 30 year old 1B $11,824,000. He hit .286 with 9 homeruns and 49 RBI a year ago for the Lancers. Two years ago, Pollack hit .335 with 12 homeruns and 50 RBI. He came to bat 346 times a year ago, picking up 18 doubles and scoring 61 runs.

-Scott Hill and the Marblehead Magicians have agreed on a two year contract worth $2.5 million dollars. A year ago, Hill was 11-2 with a tiny 1.93 ERA. He pitched in 39 games, throwing 56 innings, allowing just 37 hits, walking 17 and striking out 43.

-Pablo Lucero and the Dover Green Wave signed a two year contract worth $2.1 million dollars a year. Last season, the 37 year old C hit .263 with 20 homeruns and 64 RBI after hitting .299 22-61 in 2008. Last year, he also contributed 19 doubles and scoring 45 runs while throwing out 33.7% of wouldbe basestealers.

-Newmarket has agreed on minor league contracts with the following players: 3B Kevin Warren, SS Aurelio Ramos, and LF Russ O'Brolchan. All three players are expected to vie for backup spots with the big league club. O'Brolchan hit .289 with 7 homeruns and 24 RBI in AA last year, while Ramos hit .268 with 2 homeruns and 15 RBI with 15 steals in AAA, back in 2008. He missed most of last season with an injury. Warren hit .240 with 3 homeruns and 16 RBI a year ago in AA.

-Newmarket and Portland have finalized a deal that saw the Mules send P Chester Griffin to the Bulldogs in exchange for RF Mario Saenz. Griffin, demoted to the end of the rotation towards the end of the year, was 9-6 with a 9-6 with a 3.99 ERA. He started 22 games, pitching 149 innings, allowing 133 hits, walking 51 and striking out 121. Saenz hit .266 with 15 homeruns and 51 RBI in 101 games for Portland. He came to the plate 380 times, picking up 28 doubles, while posting a 89/25 K/BB ratio. He is expected to back up all three outfield positions.

-Exeter sent 25 year old Ruben Arevalo to the Portland Bulldogs in exchange for 23 year old minor league C Daniel Rangel. Arevalo, traded this past season from Dover to Exeter was 4-6 with a 3.93 ERA between the Blue Hawks and Green Wave. He appeared in 43 games, pitching 55 innings, where he allowed 61 hits and 25 walks, while striking out 38. Rangel hit .342 with 3 homeruns and 22 RBI between A and AA ball last year.

-Marblehead sent CF Floriano Bueri to the Salem Witches for RP Michael Johnson. Last year, Bueri hit .260 with 4 homeruns and 15 RBI between Marblehead and Gloucester a year ago, while Johnson was 1-3 with a 3.62 ERA. He pitched 27 1/3 innings, allowing 28 hits and 11 walks with 12 strikeouts.

-Portsmouth send OF Bernardo Ochoa to the Nashua Titans for RP Juan Torres and minor leaguer Miguel Enriquez. Ochoa hit .286 with 2 homeruns and 14 RBI between the Clippers and the Dover Green Wave. Torres was 4-2 with a 2.91 ERA and one save a year ago for the Titans. He pitched in 29 games, covering 46 1/3 innings, allowing 38 hits, while walking 15 and striking out 51.

-The Peabody Tanners send C Roku Tsuchiya to the Portsmouth Clippers in exchange for P Vincent Masson. Last year, Tsuchiya hit .272 with 4 homeruns and 27 RBI for the Tanners. He also struck out just 22 times in 276 AB's. Masson struggled mightly last year, posting a 6-16 mark with a 4.69 ERA. He started 28 games, pitching 174 2/3 innings, allowing 183 hits and 60 walks, while striking out 148.

December and January News and Notes are next!

[Papi]

December/January/February News and Notes

-Big trade out of Newmarket in January. The Mules send 23 year old 1B Alberto Flores to the Orono Red Riot (They changed their name this offseason), in exchange for 25 year old OF Juan Escobedo. Last season Flores hit .280 with 20 HR and 66 RBI. He leaves the Mules 2nd in career BA at .296, 3rd in OBP at .374, 4th in SLG at .475, 2nd in VORP 43.6, 2nd in AB's 791, 3rd in Runs 138, 2nd in HR with 32 and 2nd in RBI with 129. In return the Mules get Escobedo a five tool star. He hit .277 with 11 HR and 46 RBI with 23 steals and 21 doubles a year ago. He also made just one error in 118 games and contributed 9 assists. He will bat leadoff and play LF for an all of a sudden crowded Newmarket outfield. Rumor has it, veteran Fernando Peralta has been taking throws at first base in Florida prior to the start of Spring Training.

-The Dover Green Wave trade P Monty Frank to the Nashua Titans for 24 year old minor leaguer OF Juan Sousa. Frank was just 6-11 with a 4.62 last year after posting a 12-7 3.23 line in 2008. He started 26 games throwing 157 2/3 innings, giving up 168 hits and 44 walks with 79 strikeouts. Sousa hit .277 with 4 homeruns and 21 RBI to go along with 29 steals in A ball last year.

-The Danvers Falcons trade 26 year old 3B Tim McKinney to the Orono Red Riot for a player to be named later. McKinney hit .318 with 7 homeruns and 29 RBI last year and is a career .284 hitter with 11 homeruns in 714 games.

-Orono also made two separate deals with the Salem Witches. First they send two minor leaguers to Salem for 2B Colm Menzel. Menzel hit .331 with 4 homeruns and 21 RBI in just 36 games last year, after hitting .274 with 5 homeruns in 2008. The next deal saw them send promising 25 year old SP Charles Penn to Salem for a pair of minor league infielders. Penn was 8-14 with a 4.11 ERA a year ago. He started 26 games, pitching 186 innings, giving up 178 hits and 52 walks with 68 strikeouts, and is 17-24 lifetime in 390 career innings.

-The Augusta Moose send P Donald Warner and a minor leaguer to the Gloucester Fishermen for 1B Terence Bernard. A year ago, Warner broke out with a 14-12 mark with a 3.14 ERA after going 8-19 with a 4.95 in 2008. He started 31 games in 2009, throwing 223 1/3 innings, allowing 185 hits and walking 69 while striking out 155. Bernard hit .299 with 4 homeruns and 41 RBI in 348 AB's for Gloucester a season ago. He added 17 doubles and struck out 84 times.

-Orono trades another member of their starting rotation, sending P Bob Behr to the Danvers Falcons for prize prospect OF David Gibson. Behr was just 4-15 with a 4.32 ERA a year ago and for his career is just 10-26 with a 4.64 ERA in 52 games, including 46 starts. Gibson, just 23, hit .314 with 1 homerun and 22 RBI between short season A and A ball. The power isn't there right now, but he is expected to hit 25-30 homeruns a year. The didn't stop there as they sent P Guillermo Jaimes to Nashua for a pair of minor leaguers. James was 4-7 with a 4.93 ERA a year ago. He started 12 games, pitching in 15 overall, going 80 1/3 innings, allowing 79 hits, while walking 43 and striking out 43. Going back to the Red Riot is 2B prospect Claudio Trujillo. Trujillo hit .240 in 50 AB's a year ago, but is expected to be a .300 20-90 player when he matures in a couple years.

-In an attempt to bolster their bench, the Newmarket Mules send 3 prospects to the Red Riot for 40 year old IF Manny Flores. A year ago, Flores hit just .230 with 3 homeruns and 37 RBI, but also added 35 doubles in 119 games. Even as a 40-something, Flores has missed just two games in the two years of the NEBL, playing in 119 games both season. Going to Orono were 1B Michael Couch, MR Arnold Dean and C Jose Fernandez. Couch hit .245 with 3 HR and 15 RBI in A ball, Dean was 0-1 with a 4.58 ERA at A ball this past year and Fernandez hit .247 with 7 homeruns and 27 RBI at AA a year ago.

-The Manchester Lancers have signed RP Douglas "Pendragon" Mud to a two year contract worth $1 million a year. Last year for Portland, Mud was 3-5 with a 4.31 ERA and 10 saves in 47 games. He pitched 54 innings, allowing 56 hits and 20 walks, while striking out 45. He was 3-4 witha 2.79 ERA and 25 saves for the Bulldogs in 2008.

-The Portland Bulldogs have agreed to terms with OF Carlos Perea on a 3 year, $11,460,000 deal. Last season, Perea hit .291 with 24 homeruns and 62 RBI for the Gloucester Fishermen. He hit .312 with 12 homeruns and 32 RBI in a part time role for the Portsmouth Clippers in 2008.

-Former Mule IF Al Allen has signed a two year contract worth just over $1.5 million dollars with the Marblehead Magicians. Last year for Salem, Allen hit .269 with 18 homeruns and 52 RBI for the Witches, after hitting just .152 in 99 at bats for Newmarket in 2008.

-Francis Lewis has agreed on a four year extention that will keep him in Augusta with the Moose through his 36th birthday. The deal calls for Lewis to be paid $1.753 million dollars yearly. Last year, Lewis hit .253 with 10 homeruns and 44 RBI in 117 games, and is a career .268 hitter in 783 AB's.

-Career Newmarket Mules triples leader Bobby Harris has signed a one year contract with the Danvers Falcons worth $354,000. Last year, Harris, who was expected to back up Alex Alba, ended up playing regularly and hit .277 with one homerun and 28 RBI. He also added 24 doubles and 6 triples. In 2008, he hit .282 with 6 homeruns and 56 RBI while doubling 36 times and adding 6 triples.

-Newmarket has come to terms on another one year deal with SS Kent Rogers. Last year, Rogers hit .236 with 2 homeruns and 14 RBI in a backup role for the Mules. He also stole seven bases and had a 5-5 5 RBI game at the end of the season, probably leaving a good taste in the Front Office's mouth. He will be paid $81,000 on the year.

Up next will be Spring Training Review and Minor League Previews!

[Papi]

Well, due to the rediculous ratings drop by almost half my big league roster in the time between the end of February and Spring Training, I have pretty much lost interest in a matter of seconds. Jesus Guardado (58/100/100 to 41/71/74), Scott Fullerton (71/98/26/80/85 to 49/63/15/47/46), Sergio Hernandez (52/75/75/58/40 to 39/65/58/46/26), Dan Zimmerman (71/100/58 to 47/70/44), Juan Escobedo (I don't remember exactly, but mostly upper 80's to 69/50/52/60/61), Alex Alba (potential 81/100/29/68/40 to 43/64/21/36/30), Jose Reyes (potential 100/100/81/100/100 to 71/87/44/53/48), Guy Bruce (AAA pitcher 23 years old 78/87/77 to 44/41/55), and Patrick Lafontaine (Potential 81/85/98/90/55 to 37/49/60/66/20). That is just about every player under the age of 30 I was counting on to help my team in the future. I really enjoyed doing this dynasty, maybe I'll do another one similar with teams out in Illinois, but I think my New England League is dead.

[Papi]

(I am going to give it a try and hope that my team can outplay their ratings, I put alot of time into this and we'll see what happens.

Spring Training News and Notes

Complete Team Spring Training Batting Stats-


Complete Team Spring Training Pitching Stats-


Final Spring Training Standings-


I am not sure how things are going to work out, but with the inexplicable ratings drop of half the roster, we are going to need alot of help this year. Expect some wheeling and dealing, perhaps looking towards the future to rebuild my minor leagues.

Leading off the season for the Mules are 4 games at home against the Orono Red Riot, followed by a visit to Newmarket by the Portland Bulldogs!

[Papi]

April 8,9,10,11 v Orono Red Riot (0-0)

April 8-In a very sloppy Opening Day, in front of 48,754 fans, the teams combined for seven errors, but it was the Mules who came out on top, doubling up the Red Riot, 8-4. Luis Ortiz was the offensive hero for Newmarket, going 2-4 with a pair of two run homeruns, and Jesus Guardado struggled through six innings, allowing eight hits and four runs, two earned, striking out five, earning the win. (1-0)
W-Jesus Guardado (1-0) L-Mark Ellis (0-1) HR-Luis Ortiz 2(2), Roberto Rodriguez (1)

April 9-Aaron Brown broke a 1-1 tie with an RBI single, scoring Jorge Gutierrez, who reached via an error, helping Orono beat Newmarket 2-1. Jesus Flores picked up the loss, despite going eight innings, allowing just four hits and one earned run, walking none and striking out eight. Luis Hernandez picked up the win, giving up six hits and one run while striking out eight over seven innings. (1-1)
W-Luis Hernandez (1-0) L-Jesus Flores (0-1) S-Marcos Rios (1) HR-ORO Andres Medina (1)

April 10-Quint Kobes hit a three run HR, and Jeffrey Franklin, picked up off waivers yesterday from Dover hit a two run blast in his first AB for the Mules as Newmarket hammered Orono 9-3. Dan Zimmerman allowed six hits and three runs over seven innings, walking two and striking out six, picking up the victory. (2-1)
W-Dan Zimmerman (1-0) L-Doug Rich (0-1) HR-NMKT Quint Kobes (1), Jeffrey Franklin (1) ORO Keith James (1), Jerrod Clark (1)

April 11-Luis Ortiz went 3-4 with three RBI and Roberto Rodriguez added three hits and an RBI as Newmarket took three of four from Orono, squeaking past the Red Riot 6-5. Wallace Harrison got the win, despite allowing eight hits and five runs over seven innings, striking out eight. Andres Medina and Keith James each drove in a pair of runs in the loss for Orono. (3-1)
W-Wallace Harrison (1-0) L-Ed Ferguson (0-1) S-John Coury (1)

April 12,13,14 v Portland Bulldogs (1-3)

April 12-Steve Davis homered twice, driving in three, and Jason Tate added two hits, including a homerun as Portland beat up on Alex Herman and the Mules, winning 8-5. Herman gave up seven hits and six runs over six innings, walking two and striking out four, picking up the loss. (3-2)
W-Richard Warner (1-0) L-Alex Herman (0-1) S-Jeremiah Arnold (1) HR-NMKT Juan Escobedo (1), POR Steve Davis 2(3), Jason Tate (1), Alain Collin (1)

April 13-Manny Sandoval completely dominated the Mules offense, going eight innings, allowing just four hits and one walk while striking out 10, and Jason Tate hit a two run double off Jesus Guardado in the 6th inning, giving Portland all the runs they would need as they blank Newmarket, 3-0. Guardado went eight innings, giving up five hits and three runs, walking one and striking out five, falling to 1-1 on the year. (3-3)
W-Manny Sandoval (2-0) L-Jesus Guardado (1-1) S-Jeremiah Arnold (2)

April 14-Jesus Flores improved on his excellnt first start of the year, by going eight shutout innings for the Mules, allowing six hits and no walks, striking out seven, and knocked in the only run of the game with a groundout, scoring Jeffrey Franklin, who had tripled leading off the inning as Newmarket avoided the sweep, beating the Bulldogs, 1-0. Former Mules P Chester Griffin was the hardluck loser, allowing just six hits and the one run, walking two and striking out five in the loss. (4-3)
W-Jesus Flores (1-1) L-Chester Griffin (0-1) S-John Coury (2)

News and Notes:

-Newmarket claimed three players off waivers this week, hoping to improve the teams depth. First they signed IF Jeffrey Franklin from the Dover Green Wave. Franklin hit .216 3-23 a year ago, but hit .245 with 16 homeruns and 68 RBI in 2008 for Dover. He will split time with Alex Alba at 2B. Next they signed MR Kenzo Yoshida from the Danvers Falcons. The 26 year old Yoshida was 3-2 with a 5.44 ERA last year for Danvers. He pitched in 40 games, covering 49 2/3 innings, allowing 50 hits and 16 walks while striking out 30. Lastly, they claimed P Jose Barron from Danvers. The Mules traded Barron to Danvers at the beginning of last year, where he went 4-9 with a 5.33 ERA for the Falcons. He started 17 games, throwing 104 2/3 innings, allowing 136 hits, walking 23 and striking out 113. He will resume the swing role he had for the Mules in 08-09.

-Reigning Cy Young winner Pedro Rangel and the Bangor Crusaders have agreed on a new three year contract that will pay the 34 year old just over $2.15 million a year for the next three seasons. Last year, he went 19-3 with a 3.03 ERA. He pitched 31 times, covering 216 2/3 innings, allowing 195 hits ans just 27 walks while striking out 176. 2009 came out of nowhere for Rangel, who was just 9-13 with a 3.88 ERA in 30 starts in 2008 for the Salem Witches.

-Portland P Dave "Roach" Phillips felt something pop in his elbow in the third inning of his first start this year and an MRI revealed a torn elbow ligament that will sideline the 28 year old for the season. Last year, Phillips was 8-13 with a 3.46 ERA in 30 starts for the Bulldogs, a big improvement over his 2008 campaign that saw him go just 6-9 with a 5.46 ERA in 23 starts.

Next on tap for the Mules is the first road trip of the year as we head to Durham to square off against the Oyster River Bobcats, followed by a trip to Portsmouth to face the Clippers.

[Papi]

April 16,17,18 at Oyster River Bobcats (6-1)

April 16-Roberto Rodriguez hit a two run homerun in the top of the 8th inning, turning a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 Mules victory. Juan Escobedo went 3-4 with a double and run scored in the win. Dan Zimmerman was fantastic, allowing just two hits and one run over seven innings, walking three and striking out nine, improving to 2-0 on the young season. (5-3)
W-Dan Zimmerman (2-0) L-Leon Garcia (1-1) S-John Coury (3) HR-NMKT Roberto Rodriguez (2) OYS Leon Garcia (1)

April 17-Trailing 2-0 entering the 7th inning, the Newmarket offense finally came alive, as Mario Saena hit a solo HR and Mario Flores hit a pinch hit two run HR, giving the Mules their second straight come from behind 3-2 victory. Wallace Harrison got the win, going six innings, giving up two runs and five hits, striking out five. Converted closer Lex Geels struck out 13 in seven innings for the Bobcats in the loss. (6-3)
W-Wallace Harrison (2-0) L-Lex Geels (1-1) S-John Coury (4) HR-NMKT Mario Flores (1), Mario Saenz (1) OYS Pete Gilbert (4)

April 18-Mario Saenz homered for a second straight day, a three run blast, and Quint Kobes added a solo shot and two runs scored as Newmarket completed the sweep of Oyster River, winning 6-4. Jesus Guardado picked up the win, giving up eight hits and four runs in 7 1/3 innings of work. Jose Barron pitched the ninth for the save. (7-3)
W-Jesus Guardado (2-1) L-Dong-joon Yi (1-2) S-Jose Barron (1) HR-NMKT Mario Saenz (2), Quint Kobes (2), Juan Escobedo (2) OYS Jose Velazquez (1)

April 19,20,21 at Portsmouth Clippers (3-7)

April 19-Quint Kobes went 2-5 with a homerun and three RBI and Scott Fullerton, batting leadoff for the first time this year, went 3-5 with 3 doubles, two RBI and three runs scored as Newmarket beat Portsmouth easily, 9-3. Jesus Flores scattered 11 hits over seven innings, also surviving four walks, getting his 2nd win of the year. (8-3)
W-Jesus Flores (2-1) L-Tsurayaki Sugahara (0-1) HR-NMKT Quint Kobes (3) PMT Rob Gibson (5), Luis Beaza (3)

April 20-Jessie Church pitched seven solid innings, allowing six hits and two runs, one earned, with four walks and three strikeouts, and Felix Ortiz went 2-4 with a bases clearing double as the Clippers beat the Mules 4-2. Fernando Peralta went 2-4 with a double and RBI to lead the Newmarket offense. (8-4)
W-Jessie Church (1-2) L-Alex Herman (0-2) S-Jerry Ward (1)

April 21-Rob Gibson hit a two out, two strike pitch into the centerfield bleachers off Fernando Garcia in the bottom of the 13th inning as Portsmouth took two of three from Newmarket, winning 6-5. Pat Peterson went 3-3 with 3 RBI for the Clippers in the win, while Mario Saenz went 2-6 with a three run HR to lead the Mules offense in the loss. The Portsmouth bullpen pitched 7 1/3 innings, allowing two hits and no runs with one walk and nine strikeouts, helping Portsmouth to the win. (8-5)
W-Jesus Contreras (2-0) L-Fernando Garcia (0-1) HR-NMKT Mario Saenz (3), Fernando Peralta (1) PMT Rob Gibson (7)

News and Notes:

NL Player of the Week: Marcos Diaz (Dover) .444 (12-27) 4 HR 12 RBI
SL Player of the Week: Sherman Morgan (Manchester) .444 (12-27) 2 HR 7 RBI

-Arnold Dawson of the Salem Witches has gotten off to a rough start this year, going 0-4 with a 5.40 ERA, after going 16-9 with a 3.60 ERA in 30 starts a year ago. He has pitched 30 innings, allowing 34 hits. However, his BB/K ratio is still excellent at 2/26.

Slow week, that's about it. Next on the schedule for Newmarket are three games in Bangor against the Crusaders, followed by three at home vs. the Augusta Moose.

[Papi]

April 23,24,25 at Bangor Crusaders (8-4)

April 23-Pinch hitter Ricardo Naut hit a game winning, walkoff double off John Coury as Bangor scored twice off the Mules closer, as the Crusaders beat Newmarket 4-3. Aurelio Barron hit a two run HR off Jesus Guardado for Bangor, and Mario Saenz hit a two run blast for the Mules in the loss. (8-6)
W-Fransisco Galindo (1-0) L-John Coury (0-1) HR-NMKT-Mario Saenz (4), BAN Aurelio Barron (2)

April 24-A crazy game that saw a 2-0 Mules lead entering the 9th inning, end with a 7-4 Newmarket win. Quint Kobes, Fernando Peralta and Mario Saenz each hit solo homeruns for the Mules, and Jesus Flores pitched eight shutout innings, allowing four hits, walking one and striking out five, earning the win. Denis Sullivan went 2-5 with three RBI for Bangor in the loss. (9-6)
W-Jesus Flores (3-1) L-Pedro Rangel (3-1) HR-NMKT Quint Kobes (4), Fernando Peralta (2), Mario Saenz (5)

April 25-Denis Sullivan went 2-4 with a homerun, two RBI and two runs scored, and Jesus Rodriguez had a two run blast and two runs scored as Bangor took two of three from the Mules, winning easily 9-3. Fransisco Rodriguez pitched a complete game, allowing seven hits and three runs, with four walks and seven strikeouts. Jeffrey Franklin went 4-4 in the loss for Newmarket. (9-7)
W-Fransisco Rodriguez (2-2) L-Dan Zimmerman (2-1) HR-BAN Denis Sullivan (2), Jesus Rodriguez (2)

April 27,28,29 v Augusta Moose (8-8)

April 27-Quint Kobes, Mario Saenz and Jeffrey Franklin each hit solo homeruns, and Jesus Guardado allowed just two unearned runs over seven innings, walking three and striking out six as Newmarket got past Augusta 5-2. Juan Escobedo went 3-4 from the leadoff spot for the Mules, while Terence Bernard went 2-4 with an RBI to lead the Moose offense. (10-7)
W-Jesus Guardado (3-1) L-Jorge Garcia (2-3) S-John Coury (5) HR-NMKT Quint Kobes (5), Mario Saenz (5), Jeffrey Franklin (2)

April 28-Trailing 2-0 entering the 6th inning, Quint Kobes hit a two run HR to tie the ballgame, and in the 7th, Fernando Peralta gave the Mules the lead for good, driving in Juan Escobedo with a double as Newmarket completed the comeback, beating the Moose 3-2. Escobedo went 4-4, making him 7-8 in the last two games, raising his average to .301 on the year. Kenzo Yoshida pitched a scoreless 7th to earn the win, and although he made it interesting, John Coury struck out the side to pick up his 6th save of the year. (11-7)
W-Kenzo Yoshida (1-0) L-Raul Gabriel (1-1) S-John Coury (6) HR-NMKT Quint Kobes (6)

April 29-A six run 5th inning, capped by a two run homerun off the bat of Andy Taylor gave the Moose a 7-4 win, helping the avoid the sweep. Phil Webb and Brad Berry each had two run doubles to help spearhead the Augusta attack. Roberto Rodriguez went 2-5 with two RBI in the loss, leading the Newmarket offense. The news wasn't all good for the Moose however, as P Carlos Lorenzo will miss the rest of the season with frayed elbow ligaments. He finished the seventh inning, but was unable to come back out for the eighth. He was taken for an immediate MRI which showed the damage. (11-8)
W-Carlos Lorenzo (2-2) L-Wallace Harrison (2-1) S-Mike Martinez (1) HR-AUG Andy Taylor (3)

News and Notes

NL Player of the Week: River Little (Oyster River) .440 (11-25) 2 HR 3 RBI
SL Player of the Week: Scott Elliott (Manchester) .438 (7-16) 3 HR 9 RBI

-Antonio Rios of the Nashua Titans will miss the remainder of the year with a fractured orbital bone, suffered after being hit by a pitch in a game earlier this week. On the year, Rios had struggled, hitting just .192 with 3 homeruns and 7 RBI. However, he has hit 31 homeruns in each of the NEBL's first two seasons, driving in 86 runs in 2008 and 69 runs last year for the Titans.

-Rob Gibson of the Portsmouth Clippers is attempting to wrest the MVP award away from two time winner Roberto Rodriguez. Gibson is hitting .316 and already has 10 homeruns, in just 20 games after hitting 19 last year in 98 games. He has also struck out just twice in 79 AB's.

-Could it be that Roman Ramirez of the Exeter Blue Hawks is finally living up to his potential? So far on the year, "Nightmare" is 3-1 with a 0.97 ERA in five starts. He has pitched 37 innings, allowing 25 hits and walking just four while striking out 37. He has won just six games in each of the first two years of the NEBL. (His ratings are 64/78/88)

Ending April and heading into May for the Mules are three games at home against the Dover Green Wave followed by the Oyster River Bobcats coming to Newmarket for three.

[Papi]

Complete Team Batting Stats Through April 30-


Complete Team Pitching Stats Through April 30-


Complete Team Fielding Stats Through April 30-



Complete League Standings Through April 30-

[Papi]

April 30, May 1,2 v Dover Green Wave (10-10)

April 30-A fielding error by Fernando Peralta allowed Shuncho Kan to score from second base, and help the Green Wave beat the Mules, 3-2. Ron Brooks lead the Dover offense, going 2-4 with an RBI, while Quint Kobes and Peratla each added two hits for Newmarket in a losing effort. Dan Zimmerman allowed just four hits and two runs over eight innings, walking one and striking out eight, while Jerry McCauley pitched nine innings, allowing six hits and just one earned run. (11-9)
W-Jerry McCauley (3-3) L-Jose Barron (0-1) S-Clay Browne (3)

May 1-The Mules hit four solo homeruns, and Jesus Guardado allowed just one unearned run over eight innings as the Mules beat the Green Wave, 4-3. Peralta added three hits for the game, while Don Behan lead the Dover offense with two hits and two RBI. Guardado allowed eight hits and no walks, striking out six, while improving to 4-1 on the year. (12-9)
W-Jesus Guardado (4-1) L-Hank Muller (1-2) S-Fernando Peralta (1) HR-NMKT Quint Kobes (7), Roberto Rodriguez (3), Fernando Peralta (3), Jeffrey Franklin (3), DOV Marcos Diaz (10)

May 2-Quint Kobes hit a game winning, walkoff grand slam off Steve MacFadden with one out in the 9th inning, giving Newmarket a 6-2 win over Dover. Juan Escobedo went 4-5 with a run scored and Jeffrey Franklin continued to impress, going 3-4 with an RBI, raising his average to .333 on the year. Kenzo Yoshida pitched a scoreless top of the 9th inning, earning the win. (13-9)
W-Kenzo Yoshida (2-0) L-Steve MacFadden (1-3) HR-NMKT Quint Kobes (8)


May 3,4,5 v Oyster River Bobcats (11-11)


May 3-A two run top of the ninth inning, capped by a solo HR from Pete Gilbert off Wallace Harrison, pitching in relief, helped Oyster River beat Newmarket 7-6. Quint Kobes continued his hot streak, going 3-4 with an RBI and two runs scored in the loss. Alex Herman struggled in the start in place of Harrison, going just five innings, allowing just three hits, but walking seven and allowing five runs. (13-10)
W-Leon Garcia (3-3) L-Alex Herman (0-3) S-Harry Behan (1) HR-OYS Pete Gilbert (8)


May 4-Quint Kobes and Mario Saenz each had two hits and an RBI and Dan Zimmerman pitched eight shutout innings as the Mules shutout the Bobcats, 4-0. Zimmerman threw 105 pitches, allowing four hits and two walks with four strikeouts, lowering his ERA to 2.25 and improving to 3-1 on the year. Roberto Rodriguez added two hits and a run scored in the win. (14-10)
W-Dan Zimmerman (3-1) L-Tomas De Jesus (0-2)


May 5-Quint Kobes hit an RBI double and Jesus Guardado scattered 11 hits over eight innings as Newmarket took two of three from Oyster River, winning 3-1. Guardado gave up just the one run, walking none and striking out five, moving to 5-1 this year. Mario Saenz and Fernando Peralta each drove in runs for the Mules in the win. (15-10)
W-Jesus Guardado (5-1) L-Dong-joon Yi (2-3) S-John Coury (7)


News and Notes:


NL Player of the Week: Jose Sanchez (Bangor) .478 (11-23) 3 HR 8 RBI
SL Player of the Week: Miguel Pineda (Salem) .424 (14-33) 2 HR 8 RBI


NL Player of the Month: Rob Gibson (Portsmouth) .325 10 HR 19 RBI
SL Player of the Month: Sherman Morgan (Manchester) .321 5 HR 17 RBI

NL Pitcher of the Month: Manny Sandoval (Portland) 4-0 1.13 40 IP 42 K
SL Pitcher of the Month: Roman Ramirez (Exeter) 3-1 0.97 37 IP 37 K

NL Rookie of the Month: Mark Browne (Augusta) .234 1 HR 5 RBI
SL Rookie of the Month: Tommy Brown (Peabody) .308 1 HR 9 RBI


Next up for Newmarket is the start of a 12 game road trip, that starts with three games in Orono against Alberto Flores and the Red Riot, followed by three in Bangor against the first place Crusaders!

[Papi]

May 7,8,9 at Orono Red Riot (8-19)

May 7-Quint Kobes hit his 2nd tie breaking grand slam of the season and Juan Escobedo went 4-5 with two RBI and five runs scored as Newmarket outlasted Orono 12-9. Roberto Rodriguez went 2-5 with three RBI in the win for the Mules, while three different Red Riot players each had two RBI in the loss. Jesus Flores earned the win, despite allowing nine hits and eight runs, four earned with two walks and nine strikeouts over seven innings. (16-10)
W-Jesus Flores (4-1) L-Diego Torres (0-1) HR-NMKT Quint Kobes (9), Juan Escobedo (3), Luis Ortiz (3), ORO Andres Medina (5), Jorge Gutierrez (1), Dave Spence (3)

May 8-Former Mules 1B Alberto Flores went 2-4 with a pair of homeruns and four RBI, and Tim McKinney went 3-3 with three RBI and three runs scored as Orono beat Newmarket 9-3. Doug Rich pitched a complete game for the Red Riot, allowing six hits and three runs with two walks and 10 strikeouts, earning the win. (16-11)
W-Doug Rich (3-3) L-Dan Zimmerman (3-2) HR-ORO Alberto Flores 2(4)

May 9-Juan Escobedo and Fernando Peralta each hit two run doubles in a four run 5th inning and Jesus Guardado made it stand up as Newmarket squeaked past Orono, 4-3. Guardado pitched 7 1/3 innings, allowing seven hits and three runs with three walks and three strikeouts, moving to 6-1 on the year. John Coury pitched a perfect ninth for his 8th save of the year. (17-11)
W-Jesus Guardado (7-1) L-Hector Garcia (1-5) S-John Coury (8)

May 11,12,13 at Bangor Crusaders (19-8)

May 11-Luis Ortiz hit his fourth homerun of the year and Scott Fullerton added his first homerun of the season as Newmarket beat Bangor 7-3. Roberto Rodriguez went 3-5 with two RBI in the win, in support of Jesus Flores, who pitched seven innings, allowing five hits and two runs, while walking none and striking out one. (18-11)
W-Jesus Flores (5-1) L-Tony Aguirre (2-2) HR-NMKT Scott Fullerton (1), Luis Ortiz (4)

May 12-Quint Kobes hit a two run HR, his 10th of the year, and Roberto Rodriguez added two hits and two RBI as Newmarket beat Bangor again, today 4-3. Juan Escobedo and Fernando Peralta combined to go 5-9 with four runs scored out of the 1-2 spots in the order. Dan Zimmerman pitched six innings giving up six hits and two runs with two walks and four strikeouts, picking up his 4th win of the year. (19-11)
W-Dan Zimmerman (4-2) L-Jeremiah Hebert (4-2) S-John Coury (9) HR-NMKT Quint Kobes (10)

May 13-Luis Ortiz went 4-4 with three doubles, and three runs scored and Quint Kobes continued his hot hitting, blasting a three run HR, his 11th HR of the year as Newmarket completed the surprising sweep of Bangor, winning easily, 9-1. Jesus Guardado pitched a complete game, allowing six hits and one run with just one walk and two strikeouts, he also went 2-5 with an RBI at the plate. (20-11)
W-Jesus Guardado (7-1) L-Pedro Rangel (6-2) HR-NMKT Quint Kobes (11)

News and Notes:

NL Player of the Week: Juan Escobedo (Newmarket) .519 (14-27) 1 HR 3 RBI
SL Player of the Week: Glenn Ward (Danvers) .571 (12-21) 2 HR 8 RBI

-Quint Kobes last year for Newmarket after coming over from Danvers:
49G 5HR 23RBI
Quint Kobes, this year for Newmarket:
31G .283 11HR 32RBI

Newmarket Mules Minor League Update:

P Eduardo "Boy Scout" Delgado (55/47/52--70/67/77)--Currently at AAA. 2-3 1.14 ERA. He has started six games this year, throwing 39 1/3 innings, allowing 26 hits while walking six and striking out 45. He has posted a 0.91 WHIP, and allowed opponents to hit just .181 on the year. The 19 year old, "Boy Scout" will be at the head of the rotation for the Mules within a year or two. Last year, he was 9-9 with a 2.92 ERA in 31 starts at A/AA/AAA.

LF Jose Reyes (51/66/11/15/21--71/87/44/53/48)--Currently at AA. Hitting .263 with eight RBI and seven doubles in 80 AB's for AA Honolulu. Is currently out for the next 7-8 weeks with an injured back. Last year, hit .218 with one homerun and 10 RBI in 156 AB's at AA before his season ended with a knee injury. His power isn't developing as we thought it might, but he should be good for .280-.300 with 30 doubles and 10-15 HR's when it's all said and done.

1B Gilbert Wagner (25/69/35/33/19--48/100/85/60/34)--Currently at A. Has seen action mostly as a pinch hitter, hitting .300 (3-10) with two doubles and three RBI. Hit just .210 with five homeruns and 11 RBI in 124 AB's at Short Season A in 2009. Expected to be a middle of the order power threat in 2013 or 2014.

P Antonio Najera (95/52/55--100/58/64)--Currently at AAA. Flamethrowing 19 year old should be in the Newmarket bullpen next season. 1-1 with a 0.00 ERA in 12 games this year. Pitched 11 innings, allowing five hits and four walks while striking out 17, and posting 10. Pitched in 31 games a year ago, going 5-3 3.67 ERA in 31 games between A/AA. Threw 37 innings, allowing 38 hits while walking 14 and striking out 36.

P Stephen Murphy (16/29/16--63/83/63)--Currently at A. Last year's #1 draft pick is 1-1 with a 4.80 ERA in four starts. Has pitched 30 innings, allowing 33 hits, walking 10 and striking out just 11. Last year at Rookie ball, was just 3-12, but posted a 2.42 ERA in 17 starts.

Up next on the schedule for Newmarket is the end of their extended road trip with three games in Dover against the Green Wave followed by three in Portsmouth against the Clippers.

[CatKnight]

Hey papi. Came on over to see how you're making out.

I'd heard of OOTP dumping player ratings before. It seems like something they may want to work on for next year.

This is going great! Winning your division in 2 yrs is a nice touch, and it looks like you may have a fragile lead again despite the issue with the ratings.

Luck!

[Papi]

Hey Cat, Thanks for checking in! I really am enjoying doing a fictional dynasty. Not having pre-conceived notions about all the players really allowed me to find "favorite" players league wide.

May 14,15,16 at Dover Green Wave (14-18)

May 14-Trailing 6-2 entering the top of the 9th inning, Newmarket came all the way back, scoring five times in the inning, capped by a Luis Ortiz grand slam, giving the Mules a 7-6 win over the Green Wave. The first two players of the inning recorded outs, before Newmarket scored a run and loaded the bases on three singles and a walk prior to Ortiz coming to the plate. Jeffrey Franklin continued his surprising season for the Mules, hitting a two run HR, his 4th HR of the year in the win. (21-11)
W-Fernando Garcia (1-1) L-Clay Browne (1-2) S-John Coury (10) HR-NMKT Luis Ortiz (5), Jeffrey Franklin (4), DOV Don Behan (2)

May 15-Mario Saenz went 3-4 with a homerun and two RBI, and Jeffrey Franklin added two hits and three RBI as Newmarket beat Dover 8-5. Jesus Flores earned his 6th win of the year, despite allowing five runs over six innings, walking two and striking out four. Scott Fullerton added a solo HR, his 2nd blast of the year in the win for the Mules. (22-11)
W-Jesus Flores (6-1) L-Bob Carlson (2-1) S-John Coury (11) HR-NMKT Scott Fullerton (2), Fernando Peralta (4), DOV Mario Zamora (3)

May 16-Quint Kobes hit another grand slam, driving in five runs for the game, and Mario Saenz added a three run blast as Newmarket completed the sweep of Dover, thrashing the Green Wave, 12-4. Luis Ortiz and Jeffrey Franklin each drove in a pair of runs for the Mules in the victory in support of Dan Zimmerman, who went six innings, allowing three hits and two runs with four walks and no strikeouts. (23-11)
W-Dan Zimmerman (5-2) L-Hirotada Mizuno (1-4) HR-NMKT Quint Kobes (12), Mario Saenz (7), DOV Mario Zamora (4)

May 18,19,20 at Portsmouth Clippers (19-16)

May 18-Luis Ortiz hit a sacrifice fly in the top of the 10th inning, scoring Fernando Peralta, helping Newmarket beat Portsmouth 2-1. Jesus Guardado picked up the no decision, despite pitching 8 2/3 innings, allowing eight hits and just one run with two walks and five strikeouts, lowering his ERA to 2.10 on the year. Fernando Garcia earned the win, striking out Bobby Hancock in the 9th inning with the bases loaded, his only batter of the game. (24-11)
W-Fernando Garcia (2-1) L-Carlos Cardenas (0-1) S-John Coury (12) HR-PMT Rob Gibson (12)

May 19-Jeffrey Franklin won a second game in a row with a sac fly in the last inning, as he drove in Scott Fullerton in the 9th inning, giving the Mules a 3-2 win over the Clippers. Luis Ortiz hit a solo HR for Newmarket, and Jose Barron picked up his first win for Newmarket since last year, pitching two innings of scoreless, perfect ball, striking out two. (25-11)
W-Jose Barron (1-1) L-Gabriel Espinoza (5-2) S-Kenzo Yoshida (1) HR-NMKT Luis Ortiz (6)

May 20-Domingo Garcia hit a two run single and Felix Ortiz hit a solo HR as Portsmouth avoided the sweep and in the process ending Newmarket's nine game winning streak, beating the Mules 4-1. Matt Thomas pitched 7 2/3 innings, allowing six hits and one run with two walks and three strikeouts, earning his 5th win of the year. (25-12)
W-Matt Thomas (5-3) L-Dan Zimmerman (5-3) S-Diego Torres (1) HR-NMKT Roberto Rodriguez (4), PMT Felix Ortiz (4)

News and Notes:

NL Player of the Week: Luis Ortiz (Newmarket) .381 (8-21) 2 HR 8 RBI
SL Player of the Week: Ivan Aguilar (Exeter) .526 (10-19) 4 HR 9 RBI

-Former Newmarket Mule, Mario Decos has signed a three year contract extention with the Bangor Crusaders worth $2,851,660 per year. On the year. Decos is hitting .306 with one HR and seven RBI, his first year with Bangor. He has played in mostly a pinch hitting role, picking up just 49 AB's on the year. He hit .279 24-68 a year ago for the Mules and hit 26 HR with 70 RBI in 2008.

-Major injury out of Portland as the Bulldogs lose star P Manny Sandoval for the season with a shoulder injury. Sandoval will undergo rotator cuff surgery and will be out until December. On the year, the 23 year old Cuban was 6-2 with a 1.18 ERA in 10 starts. He pitched 68 2/3 innings, allowing just 39 hits and 15 walks, while striking out 73. Last year, he was 14-6 with a 2.48 ERA in 31 starts and 199 1/3 innings pitched.

-The Marblehead Magicians, who have posted records of 61-60 (2008) good for 2nd place, and last year were 63-57 and finishing first, have fired their manager today, as they part ways with Ronnie Olson, the only manager the team has known. Marblehead has struggled mightly out of the gate as they are currently in last place, with a 10-26 record, 14.5 games out of first place.

Next for the Mules is the start of a homestand that will take them into June as they play host to the Portland Bulldogs for three games, followed by the Augusta Moose coming to Newmarket for three.

[Papi]

May 21,22,23 v Portland Bulldogs (19-18)

May 21-Luis Ortiz went 2-4 with a homerun and two runs scored and Fernando Peralta went 3-4 with an RBI as Newmarket snuck past Portland, 4-3. Wallace Harrison pitched his best game of the year, pitching seven innings, allowing seven hits and two runs with two walks and one strikeout, picking up a no decision. Jon Benson hit a solo HR for the Bulldogs to lead their offense. (26-12)
W-Fernando Garcia (3-1) L-Wilfred Cormack (3-4) S-John Coury (13) HR-NMKT Luis Ortiz (7), POR Jon Benson (5)

May 22-Former Mules pitcher Chester Griffin, acquired from Newmarket in the offseason for Mario Saenz, pitched a complete game shutout, as Portland beat the Mules 5-0. Griffin was masterful all day, allowing just three hits, while walking four and striking out two, improving to 4-4 on the season. The Portland offense was lead by Jon Benson, who hit a two run HR and Jason Tate, who added a solo blast. (26-13)
W-Chester Griffin (4-4) L-Jesus Guardado (7-2) HR-POR Jon Benson (6), Jason Tate (9)

May 23-The Newmarket offense struggled again today, against Carlos Arellano, who allowed seven hits and just one run, a Mario Saenz solo HR, over eight innings, striking out three as Portland took two of three from Newmarket, winning 2-1. Adrian Hall and Alain Collin drove in runs for the Bulldogs in the victory. (26-14)
W-Carlos Arellano (1-1) L-Jesus Flores (6-2) S-Jeremiah Arnold (7)

May 25,26,27 v Augusta Moose (20-20)

May 25-A tight 8-6 game in the 8th inning turned into a blowout, as Newmarket scored nine times in the eighth inning, beating up on the Moose, 17-6. 12 batters came to the plate in the 8th, and Quint Kobes went 2-2 with a homerun and three RBI in the inning. The offense was lead by Kobes, who went 2-5 with three RBI, Fernando Peralta added three hits and three RBI, and Juan Escobedo had three hits, two RBI and two runs scored in the blowout. (27-14)
W-Jose Barron (2-1) L-Lou Dennis (0-1) HR-NMKT Quint Kobes (13), Fernando Peralta (5), AUG Andy Taylor (5)

May 26-Back to back to back doubles in the bottom of the first inning by Roberto Rodriguez, Quint Kobes and Luis Ortiz gave Newmarket a 2-0 lead after one inning and it was all the offense Jesus Guardado would need as the Mules beat the Moose in a 2-1 pitchers duel. Guardado pitched eight innings, allowing four hits and one run with two walks and seven strikeouts to improve to 8-2 on the year. Jorge Garcia was the hardluck loser for Augusta, pitching a complete game, allowing four hits and two runs, while walking noone and striking out eight. (28-14)
W-Jesus Guardado (8-2) L-Jorge Garcia (5-6) S-John Coury (14)

May 27-Six different Moose drove in runs, and Ramon Cruz went 3-4 with a run scored at the top of the order, while Andy Taylor continued his success against Newmarket, going 2-4 with two runs scored and an RBI as Augusta avoided the sweep, scoring four times in the first inning off Jesus Flores, beating the Mules 6-3. (28-15)
W-Jose Guillermina (4-4) L-Jesus Flores (6-3) S-Mike Martinez (3) HR-NMKT Mario Saenz (9)

News and Notes:

NL Player of the Week: Phil Webb (Augusta) .480 (12-25) 1 HR 5 RBI
SL Player of the Week: Norman Vickers (Salem) .538 (14-26) 2 HR 11 RBI

-One week after firing manager Ronnie Olson, the Marblehead Magicians have parted ways with GM Mike Lambert. The Magicians are currently 12-30 and in the midst of losing 16 of their last 18 games, falling 11.5 games out of first place in the Massachusetts Division.

2010 Newmarket Mules Batting/Pitching Splits
Some interesting splits for our players thusfar on the year:

-Quint Kobes is batting .714 (5-7) with 3 homeruns and 15 RBI with the bases loaded this year.
-Fernando Peralta got off to a slow start this year, hitting just .231 (18-78) in April, but has been smoking hot in May, hitting .391 (34-87) in May.
-Peralta also gets better as there are more outs in the inning, hitting .232 (13-56) with no outs, .343 (23-67) with one out, and .381 (16-42) with two outs.
-Luis Ortiz is hitting just .176 (12-68) with three homeruns at home, but is hitting .274 (20-73) on the road, with four homeruns.
-Ortiz also gets better the closer a runner is homeplate when he comes to bat, hitting just .173 with the bases empty, .231 with a runner on first, .417 with a runner on second, and a perfect 3-3 with two doubles with a runner on third.
-Mario Saenz is hitting .435 (10-23) with three homeruns when swinging at the first pitch on the season.
-Close and late, Roberto Rodriguez is putting up MVP numbers again, hitting .409 (9-22) with three homeruns and nine walks.

Ending May and heading into June for Newmarket are three games at home against the Oyster River Bobcats, followed by the Dover Green Wave heading to town for a three game set.

[Papi]

Complete Team Batting Stats Through May 31-


Complete Team Pitching Stats Through May 31-


Complete Team Fielding Stats Through May 31-



Complete League Standings Through May 31-


League Leaders through the first two months of the season are next!

[Papi]

League Leaders Through May 31-

[Papi]

May 28,29,30 v Oyster River Bobcats (22-20)

May 28-Alex Klein and William Vinson each hit homeruns and six Oyster River pitchers limited Newmarket to two runs and seven hits as the Bobcats beat the Mules 3-2. Wallace Harrison picked up the loss, although he had his 2nd straight decent outing, going six innings, allowing seven hits and three runs with no walks and four strikeouts. (28-16)
W-Ernesto Garcia (5-2) L-Wallace Harrison (2-2) S-Arnold Ramirez (6) HR-OYS Alex Klein (4), Ronald Combs (5)

May 29-Roberto Rodriguez had two hits and an RBI and Jesus Guardado pitched seven shutout innings, as Newmarket beat Oyster River, 5-1. Guardado allowed just four hits over the seven frames, walking two and striking out three, lowering his ERA to 2.09 and improving to 9-2 on the year. He also helped his own cause with an RBI single in the third inning. (29-16)
W-Jesus Guardado (9-2) L-Leon Garcia (4-6)

May 30-In his first start since being acquired from the Nashua Titans, Juan Jose Fernandez pitched a complete game shutout for the Mules, allowing just two hits and no walks while striking out nine as Newmarket blanked Oyster River 7-0. Quint Kobes went 4-4 with a homerun and three RBI in the win, while Fernando Peralta went 2-4 with two runs scored to lead the offense. (30-16)
W-Juan Jose Fernandez (1-0) L-Lex Geels (2-3) HR-NMKT Quint Kobes (14), Luis Ortiz (8)

May 31,June 1,2 v Dover Green Wave (17-29)

May 31-Backup C Brad Ford went 3-4 with two doubles a homerun and four RBI, and Sergio Hernandez had his best game of the year, going 2-5 with three RBI as Newmarket beat up on Dover, winning 11-4. Jose Flores picked up the win despite giving up six hits, four walk and four runs over six innings of work. (31-16)
W-Jesus Flores (7-3) L-Hank Muller (1-5) HR-NMKT Brad Ford (1)

June 1-Don Behan hit a solo HR in the first inning and Dover stole six bases off Luis Ortiz and three Mules pitchers as the Green Wave snuck past the Mules, 2-1. Wallace Harrison had his best game of the year, in his 3rd straight solid start, going seven innings, allowing eight hits and two runs with no walks and seven strikeouts, falling to 2-3. Hirotada Mizuno pitched seven innings and survived six walks, earning the win. (31-17)
W-Hirotada Mizuno (2-6) L-Wallace Harrison (2-3) S-Clay Browne (5) HR-DOV Don Behan (5)

June 2-The Mules offense exploded for 20 hits and 12 runs, lead by Kent Rogers, who went 3-5 with a double, homerun, two RBI and five runs scored, and Juan Escobedo added four hits and three RBI as Newmarket beat Dover 12-3. Mario Saenz had four hits, including a homerun and three RBI in support of Jesus Guardado, who picked up his 10th win of the year, going six innings, allowing three runs and striking out seven. (31-17)
W-Jesus Guardado (10-2) L-Jerry McCauley (5-6) HR-NMKT Quint Kobes (15), Kent Rogers (1), Mario Saenz (10)

News and Notes:

NL Player of the Month: Quint Kobes (Newmarket) .305 8 HR 35 RBI
SL Player of the Month: Alfonso Munoz (Salem) .317 7 HR 29 RBI

NL Pitcher of the Month: Jesus Guardado (Newmarket) 6-1 1.71 63 IP 34 K
SL Pitcher of the Month: Gerald Williams (Danvers) 5-1 1.87 57 2/3 IP 63 K

NL Rookie of the Month: Martin Zamora (Dover) .258 3 HR 14 RBI
SL Rookie of the Month: Tomas Ramos (Manchester) .366 3 HR 18 RBI

-The Newmarket Mules and Nashua Titans have completed a big trade this week. The Mules send P's Dan Zimmerman and Pablo Contreras to Nashua in exchange for 27 year old lefthanded pitcher Juan Jose Fernandez, and top minor league prospect 3B/1B Pablo Alvarez. Fernandez was 2-1 with a 2.57 ERA in five starts for the Titans this year. He has pitched 35 innings, allowing 31 hits, while walking six and striking out 31. Last year he just 11-18 at AAA, but posted a 2.85 ERA in 33 starts. the 22 year old Alvarez was hitting .323 with one homerun and 27 RBI. Alvarez won't hit for much power, but he should be good for 30 doubles, 70 walks and a .300 average. He also has a little bit of speed, stealing eight bases on the year. He is projected to be the Mules starting 1B next season. Going to Nashua is Zimmerman, who has been wildly inconsistent this year, posting a 5-3 mark with a 3.49 ERA and Contreras who was 0-0 with a 0.87 ERA in 11 games. Zimmerman was 8-2 with a 3.09 ERA, but has suffered through injuries both in 2008 and 2009.

-The Mules have also finalized a three year contract extension with 1B/OF Fernando Peralta. The 34 year old Peralta, while injury prone, is a excellent bat when he is in there. The deal calls for Fernando to become the Mules highest paid player, making just over $3.1 million dollars a year for the next three seasons. The deal also includes a no trade clause that should keep Peralta in Newmarket until his 37th birthday. He is currently on the DL, but is having his best offensive season, hitting .324 with five homeruns and 18 RBI to go along with 13 doubles and two triples.

-Dover trades RP Steve MacFadden to the Portland Bulldogs for minor league 1B Juan Martinez. MacFadden has struggled this year, going 1-3 with a 6.94 ERA in 13 games for the Green Wave. He has pitched 23 1/3 innings, allowing 27 hits and 13 walks with 22 strikeouts and one save. Coming back to Dover is the 23 year old Martinez, who is hitting .231 with 5 homeruns and 20 RBI at AA Atlanta.

-The Gloucester Fishermen have made an odd trade, sending 26 year old starting C, Ling-lai Dee to the Salem Witches for 41 year old OF Dana Baker. Dee is having a nice year, hitting .319 with 6 homeruns and 18 RBI in 113 AB's after spending all of 2009 in AAA, where he hit .301 with 16 homeruns and 68 RBI along with 29 doubles. Baker is currently hitting .245 with two homeruns and seven RBI in 49 AB's for Salem.

Next up for the Mules are eight games on the road, the first four in Augusta against the Moose, followed by four in Portland against the Bulldogs!

[Papi]

June 3,4,5,6 at Augusta Moose (23-26)

June 3-Francis Lewis hit a two run double, and Rod Bright pitched seven innings, allowing four hits and two runs as Newmarket beat Augusta 6-2. Bright walked three and struck out two, winning his 2nd game of the year, while Juan Jose Fernandez pitched seven innings and allowed three runs, one earned, while battling control problems, walking six and striking out five in the loss. (31-18)
W-Rod Bright (2-6) L-Juan Jose Fernandez (1-1)

June 4-Mario Saenz homered twice, driving in four, and Jesus Flores allowed just four hits over 7 1/3 innings as Newmarket beat Augusta 5-1. Flores gave up just one run, while walking one and striking out eight, improving to 8-3 on the year in the win. Scott Fullerton went 3-4 and John Coury pitched the final 1 2/3 to pick up the save. (32-18)
W-Jesus Flores (8-3) L-Jose Guillermina (4-5) S-John Coury (15) HR-NMKT Mario Saenz 2(12) AUG-Jose Munoz (6)

June 5-Mark Browne hit a three run HR, and six other Moose drove in runs as Augusta hammered Newmarket 9-3. Terrance Bernard went 3-4 with an RBI and John Wright pitched seven innings, allowing just two hits and two runs, striking out nine, earning the win. Jeffrey Franklin hit a two run HR to account for the offense for the Mules. (32-19)
W-John Wright (4-3) L-Wallace Harrison (2-4) HR-NMKT Jeffrey Franklin (5), AUG Mark Browne (2)

June 6-Andy Taylor went 3-5 with two RBI, and Yo****o Ando added three hits, an RBI and two runs scored as Augusta took three of four from Newmarket, winning 8-5. Jesus Guardado struggled, allowing 13 hits and six runs over six innings, falling to 10-3 on the year. Juan Escobedo went 2-4 with a solo HR for the Mules in the loss. (32-20)
W-Lou Dennis (1-1) L-Jesus Guardado (10-3) S-Anastacio Martinez (8) HR-NMKT Juan Escobedo (4)

June 7,8,9,10 at Portland Bulldogs (28-24)

June 7-A three run 3rd inning, capped by an RBI single from Steve Davis was all the runs Wilfred Cormack would need as Portland shutout Newmarket 3-0. Cormack pitched seven innings, allowing three hits, walking none and striking out seven, moving to 6-4 on the year, while Juan Jose Fernandez pitched seven innings, giving up just one earned run, striking out five, falling to 1-2 with Newmarket on the year. (32-21)
W-Wilfred Cormack (6-4) L-Juan Jose Fernandez (1-2) S-Ruben Arevalo (2)

June 8-Jeffrey Franklin homered and drove in four runs, and Mario Saenz went 2-3 with an RBI as Newmarket beat Portland 7-1. Jesus Flores pitched a complete game, allowing just three hits and one run, walking one and striking out six, picking up the win. Former Mule, Chester Griffin got the loss, giving up eight hits and five runs over five innings. (33-21)
W-Jesus Flores (9-3) L-Chester Griffin (6-5) HR-NMKT Jeffrey Franklin (6)

June 9-Cesar Muniz hit a two run HR off Wallace Harrison, accounting for all the runs Portland would score, but it was all the runs they would need as Carlos Arellano pitched eight innings, allowing four hits and one unearned run as the Bulldogs beat the Mules 2-1. Harrison allowed just three hits, including the two run HR, walking none and striking out five in the loss. (33-22)
W-Carlos Arellano (3-3) L-Wallace Harrison (2-5) S-Jeremiah Arnold (11) HR-POR Cesar Muniz (2)

June 10-Jeffrey Franklin continues to look like a solid waiver wire pickup for Newmarket as the 27 year old went 3-6 with a homerun, double and seven RBI as the Mules destroyed the Bulldogs 14-1. Juan Escobedo, Roberto Rodriguez and Mario Saenz each had three hits, while Luis Ortiz scored three times for the Mules who managed to split the four game series. Jesus Guardado pitched 7 1/3 innings, allowing just two hits before leaving with a cracked finger nail, earning his 11th win of the year. (34-22)
W-Jesus Guardado (11-3) L-Antonio Teodoro (2-8) HR-NMKT Jeffrey Franklin (7) POR-Jon Benson (10)

News and Notes:

NL Player of the Week: Don Behan (Dover) .387 (12-31) 3 HR 8 RBI
SL Player of the Week: Ivan Aguilar (Exeter) .433 (13-30) 4 HR 7 RBI

It's a short recap as I am tired, having just come back from the hospital with a brand new baby girl for Christmas, but next for the Mules are three games at home against the Portsmouth Clippers, followed by two games in Dover against the Green Wave. Following the series will be the 2010 Amateur Draft!