tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101387632011-09-30T06:18:48.970-05:00Music, Baseball and Culture.Cnoreply@blogger.comBlogger11241100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-62604993235708595082011-08-24T06:00:00.000-05:002011-08-24T07:31:11.079-05:00

As August winds to a close, the Benedicts' walking wounded tour, 2011, remains in the hunt for the first division. Nine of the 35 Benedicts on Major League rosters are presently disabled - here is a report on the sidelined nine as we head down the final stretch. 1) Jose Reyes. Reyes' MVP campaign took a detour on August 7 when the Met shortstop left that night's game early with a stiff

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-40211356250416627972011-06-17T16:00:00.000-05:002011-06-17T16:17:14.577-05:00

Benedict Manager Bucky Dent has confirmed this afternoon that the team has acquired Dodger MVP candidate outfielder Matt Kemp from the Eulogy for Florida Marlin outfielder Mike Stanton. Both players are big-time power and RBI sources, but Kemp is hitting 80 points higher and has 16 stolen bases to Stanton's none.This trade continues the third one-for-one challenge trade the team has made this

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-66355226816781390782011-06-13T12:10:00.000-05:002011-06-13T12:54:34.328-05:00

The Benedicts acquired Colorado outfielder Charlie Blackmon for $12 in today's FAAB. Blackmon, 24, figures to see some playing time in Denver following Dexter Fowler's demotion to Colorado Springs.Blackmon is a Georgia Tech product and a second round selection for Colorado in the 2008 amateur draft. Blackmon has rocked through the Rockie system, hitting .338 for short-season Tri-City in 2008,

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-22341148210069710742011-06-06T23:04:00.002-05:002011-06-06T23:14:45.288-05:00

The Houston Astros selected Connecticut outfielder George Springer with the 11th overall pick in the amateur draft earlier today. Springer is an athletic 6'3" center fielder with good power and good speed. He hit .350-12-77-31 in 64 games for the Huskies this year, and may be the most polished position player Houston has drafted with a first round pick since Lance Berkman. Springer immediately

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-44072310595673719122011-05-31T06:00:00.000-05:002011-05-31T06:30:51.946-05:00

Until May 30, Florida's Michael Dunn bid his time on the Benedict reserve roster pitching 22.2 innings in relief and compiling a 2.38 ERA. Yesterday, the Benedicts activated Dunn to replace the injured Homer Bailey. In his Benedict debut, Dunn surrendered 4 earned runs in 1 innings as Florida took a 15-4 shellacking at Arizona's hands.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-27705327410965628852011-05-30T17:20:00.000-05:002011-05-30T17:24:42.038-05:00

Houston plated 12 runs in this afternoon's game against Chicago for Rule 5 pick-up Aneury Rodriguez, but he could not earn a win with them as he surrendered 6 runs (4 earned) over 4 innings for a no-decision. Rodriguez's ERA ballooned to 5.40 with this effort.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-10006711631262781552011-05-30T17:10:00.001-05:002011-05-30T17:18:34.536-05:00

The Houston Astros have the 11th overall draft pick in the upcoming amateur draft. This is widely regarded as a deep draft, though many questions, including health questions and signability questions surround many top prospects. We will cover Houston's most likely options later this week. Today we are going to take a short look at Houston's first round selections dating to 2004 - this review

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-76503501318057323982011-05-30T14:00:00.000-05:002011-05-30T15:09:23.185-05:00

The Benedicts addressed a pressing need for healthy pitchers by acquiring Arizona's Zach Duke and Los Angeles's Rubby de la Rosa in this week's FAAB.Duke, acquired for $10, is a familiar name for long-time Benedict fans - the Clifton, Texas, native joined the team in 2005 and impressed by going 8-2 in 14 starts with a 1.81 ERA over the second half. Duke has never come close to repeating such

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-72963989111151177282011-05-29T18:30:00.001-05:002011-05-29T19:11:32.539-05:00

The Benedicts are in second place this Memorial Day weekend, but the pitching staff resembling an emergency room more than a pitching staff, the team is taking nothing for granted.Who's Hot?Freddy Sanchez has hit .422/.460/.533 with 6 RBI in the last two weeks, raising his season average to .298.Jose Reyes is hitting .346/.404/.423 with 7 RBI and 5 steals in the last two weeks. Reyes is hitting

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-5029273641964557542011-05-08T17:00:00.000-05:002011-05-08T17:19:27.905-05:00

The Atlanta Braves optioned top prospect Julio Teheran to their Triple A farm club in Gwinnett today. Teheran, 20, made his Major League debut last night against Philadelphia going 4.2 innings and allowing 4 hits, 2 walks and 3 earned runs in an emergency start with the parent club. Baseball America ranks Teheran as Atlanta's top prospect and the fifth best prospect in baseball this off season

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-87152411146095976582011-05-08T07:00:00.000-05:002011-05-08T07:21:56.260-05:00

Who's hot and who's not as the team prepared to welcome Matt Holliday aboard:Who's Hot:Jose Reyes has hit .340/.404/.560 with 4 steals in his last 12 games. Reyes is hitting .329 for the season.Andre Ethier is off to a .367/.434/.516 start this year - though his 30 game hitting streak came to a stop last night.Chris Iannetta hit .313 last week and raised his batting average above the Mendoza

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-3959854465319589912011-05-07T16:10:00.000-05:002011-05-07T16:31:32.827-05:00

The Benedicts completed their second trade of the young season today - this one another one-for-one deal that send eternal Phillie prospect Domonic Brown to the rebuilding Varks for St. Louis's All-Star outfielder Matt Holliday.Holliday is just what the doctor ordered for the Benedicts flailing outfield. With Cedric Hunter demoted, Ryan Ankiel injured, Ryan Roberts remembering that he is Ryan

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-47077277444420749782011-05-06T19:40:00.002-05:002011-05-06T20:01:19.033-05:00

MLB.com reports that top Atlanta pitching prospect Julio Teheran will make his Major League Debut Saturday in Philadelphia. Teheran is 3-0 with a 1.80 ERA for Triple A Gwinnett this season.Here's a blast from the past - former Benedict southpaw Rich Hill has resurfaced in the Major Leagues, this time again for Boston. Hill was 11-8, 3.92, 1.194 in 2007 for Chicago and the Benedicts, but fell

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-13221673442580623022011-05-01T18:00:00.001-05:002011-05-01T18:09:10.492-05:00

April is behind us but that has not kept Ryan Roberts from hitting. The D-back utility man was 2-3 with his sixth home run of the year in Arizona's 4-3 win over the Cubs in Phoenix today.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-19617472829062640142011-05-01T06:10:00.000-05:002011-05-01T07:02:50.712-05:00

April is in the books and whether the Benedicts are contenders or pretenders remains an open question. Who's Hot?Andre Ethier has hit safely in 26 consecutive games and finished April at .380/.446/.556.Brandon Beachy has a 1.89 ERA and 0.579 ratio in his last 3 starts - he has allowed 8 hits and 3 walks with 19 strikeouts over 19 innings in this stretch.Has Matt Garza turned a corner? It

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-21637536697920695482011-05-01T06:00:00.000-05:002011-05-01T06:39:04.004-05:00

Through 13 appearances (13 innings), San Diego's Mike Adams has allowed 3 hits, no walks and 1 earned run against 12 strikeouts. His ERA is 0.71 and his ratio is 0.231.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-77487393543365228902011-04-29T19:00:00.003-05:002011-04-29T19:16:35.686-05:00

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-44264682698491109452011-04-27T07:50:00.000-05:002011-04-27T09:52:57.496-05:00

Paste Magazine has published their Top 30 Wilco songs as the Chicago-based band prepared to play a May 6th show in Houston.It's a nice list - my top five would be:5. "Impossible Germany (#22)4. "Spiders (Kidsmoke)" (#10)3. "Bull Black Nova" (NR)2. "Handshake Drugs" (#26)1. "Ashes of American Flags (#20)

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-68072492851419976082011-04-27T06:10:00.001-05:002011-04-27T09:53:55.594-05:00

Video

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-81794390105821102112011-04-26T22:00:00.000-05:002011-04-26T22:07:53.326-05:00

Chris Iannetta stole second base in today's Colorado win over Chicago. This was Iannetta's second stolen base in his 363 game career.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-48251804396391948052011-04-25T20:50:00.000-05:002011-04-25T21:00:22.342-05:00

The Cubs are playing the Rockies tonight so we turned the TV in the break room to WGN and found ... American's Funniest Home Videos.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-8440272472789277632011-04-25T12:05:00.000-05:002011-04-25T12:05:00.113-05:00

The Benedicts activated Daniel Espinosa to the team this morning, a few minutes before the noon deadline. All teams are either contenders or pretenders, and this move, more than any other so far in this young season, signals that the Benedicts see themselves as contenders.Espinosa has rocketed from being the Nationals' 3rd round pick out of Long Beach State in 2008 to the Nationals' starting

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-34330381424317058012011-04-24T13:55:00.000-05:002011-04-24T14:23:32.383-05:00

The Benedicts have put last week's flirtation with the Dixie Chicken cellar in their rear view mirror, at least for now, so let's take a breather and see who's hot and who's not.Who's Hot?Joey Votto is a scary hitter right now.Andre Ethier is playing like someone who will not be non-tendered.Is Ryan Roberts for real?Casey McGehee is hitting .341/.396/.568 over the last two weeks. His RBI single

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-49200110810001543432011-04-24T13:00:00.000-05:002011-04-24T13:39:19.209-05:00

It is a testimony to Bud Selig's capacity to screw up baseball that he can propose such an ill-advised playoff scheme and nobody really thinks anything of it.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-81601073419057324522011-04-19T05:30:00.000-05:002011-04-19T06:39:57.435-05:00

Authorities arrested Cincinnati pitcher Mike Leake yesterday for shoplifting six $9.99 t-shirts from Macy's.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-57949179286261071742011-04-19T05:15:00.002-05:002011-04-19T06:38:14.379-05:00

FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal must have it in for the Benedicts. First, Rosenthal writes that centerfield is a "glaring need" for the Washington Nationals. Now, Benedict Rick Ankiel is currently the Nat's centerfielder and while he is not enjoying much of an April, he has shown enough so far to compel the team to trade last year's Nat center fielder Nyjer Morgan. What really gets us, though,

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-76828556521561003022011-04-19T05:00:00.000-05:002011-04-19T05:50:27.496-05:00

Yesterday brought some much needed good news to the Benedict camp, and no we do not mean the team escaped the cellar for the first time in three days. Ted Lilly, who struggled in his first two starts this year, was stellar last night in L.A.'s 4-2 win over Atlanta. Lilly pitched 7 shutout innings and allowed just 4 hits and 2 walks while fanning 6 for his first win this year. The outing

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-85282306544371874352011-04-17T14:20:00.003-05:002011-04-17T14:25:00.566-05:00

Homer Bailey, the pride of LaGrange, Texas, deliver a stellar performance in his first Minor League rehab start in Louisville against the Indianapolis Indians.Bailey pitched 5 innings and allowed just 2 hits while walking 1 and fanning 2. Bailey threw 62 pitches with 40 going for a strike.Bailey, 24, was 4-3 in 19 starts for Cincinnati last year with a 4.46 ERA and 100 strikeouts in 109.2

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-56214764324335283652011-04-17T08:05:00.000-05:002011-04-17T10:07:23.153-05:00

Justin Verlander is the leader in the clubhouse with the strangest play of 2011.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-9571919728057740032011-04-16T15:10:00.000-05:002011-04-16T15:41:01.504-05:00

Player A vs. Player B - all statistics noted with an asterisk (*) are per 162 games played.Statistic/Note Player A Player BBatting Average .306 .297*Home Runs 31 31*Runs Batted In 115 107*Stolen Bases 15 10Slugging Pct. .540 .536On Base Pct. .408 .405Seasons Played 15

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-83420334696370955772011-04-16T14:30:00.001-05:002011-04-16T15:19:59.612-05:00

Brad Lincoln pitched five innings in his second injury rehab start yesterday. Lincoln allowed 6 hits, 3 runs (all earned), with 0 walks and 7 strikeouts. Lincoln took the 3-0 loss and was outpitched by another former Big Leaguer trying to make his return to The Show - Dontrelle Willis.Don't look now, but Houston may have a bona fide prospect in 19-year old Jonathan Villar who is hitting .382-1-

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-75222744093296424542011-04-16T14:10:00.002-05:002011-04-16T14:34:55.364-05:00

Former Guns & Roses / Velvet Revolver / Jane's Addiction bassist Duff McKagan will releases his latest record with his side project, Duff McKagan's Loaded, next Tuesday. "The Taking" is the record's name and if you are an old-school rock & roll fan that would like to listen to some music from, you know, this century, this may just be the record for you.Eagle Rock Entertainment (the record

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-4164537820643887212011-04-10T20:45:00.000-05:002011-04-10T21:02:53.568-05:00

Brad Lincoln made his first rehab start for Pittsburgh's AAA team in Indianapolis this afternoon. The former University of Houston standout pitched 4.2 innings and gave up 2 hits and 2 runs while walking none and fanning two in the Indians' 7-5 loss to the Columbus Clippers. Lincoln is recovering from a bruised right forearm he received after being hit by a line drive in a Spring Training game.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-56584681058345517662011-04-10T20:30:00.007-05:002011-04-10T20:50:22.544-05:00

The Benedicts had designs on Aaron Harang at the draft, but were sidetracked first as they acquired Brandon Beachy and Javier Vazquez and later by choosing Andrew Cashner in the end game. Harang's career has been in free-fall since he won 32 games in 2006-07 for Cincinnati. He was 18-38 in the three years that followed as his extreme fly-ball tendencies did not fare well at the home run

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-61127896158165549432011-04-10T18:00:00.002-05:002011-04-10T18:55:23.422-05:00

As expected, the San Diego Padres activated Eric Patterson and demoted outfielder Cedric Hunter to AAA Tucson. Hunter had a strong spring this year but only broke camp with the Padres when Patterson went down with with a hamstring injury in March. Hunter, 23, had four at bats with San Diego, and picked up his first Major League hit on Tuesday.Hunter's star faded in 2009 following a poor season

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-85455730017553810422011-04-09T13:00:00.000-05:002011-04-09T13:14:31.616-05:00

Julio Teheran was stellar in his 2011 debut last night, going 5.2 innings in Gwinnett's 5-3 extra inning loss to Durham.Teheran allowed 2 hits, 1 run and 2 walks to go with 3 strikeouts in the game. Last year, Teheran was a combined 9-8 with a 2.59 ETA and 1.045 ratio at A/AA ball last season. He also struck out 159 hitters in 142.2 innings pitched.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-46560937002984981172011-04-08T06:25:00.000-05:002011-04-08T07:42:43.903-05:00

Over the Rhine's latest release ("The Long Surrender") includes this haunting song, "The Laugh of Recognition" and right now, this song gets my vote for best song of 2011 (so far). Listen and see what you think.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-91381289829559169562011-04-08T05:59:00.002-05:002011-04-08T06:36:58.234-05:00

Florida outifelder Michael Stanton is expected to return to the Marlin lineup this weekend against Houston. Stanton suffered a mild left hamstring strain in Florida's April 1 opening day game. ... Injured reserve pitcher Homer Bailey, sidelined with a right shoulder impingement, is long-tossing pain free in his rehab in Cincinnati. Look for the LaGrange native, to throw a simulated game at

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-35967862158205796792011-04-07T22:37:00.004-05:002011-04-07T22:41:21.037-05:00

Cnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-4387803596547612632011-04-06T20:05:00.000-05:002011-04-06T20:19:40.855-05:00

The Benedicts targeted Pirate reliever Joel Hanrahan at the recent draft, but balked as the price went north of $20. This is starting to look like a big, big mistake.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-79404796224843031412011-04-06T20:00:00.001-05:002011-04-06T20:16:19.967-05:00

The Cubs have moved Andrew Cashner to the 15-day disabled list. Cashner made is first Major League start yesterday and had to leave the game in the sixth with shoulder stiffness and has been diagnosed with a strained rotator cuff. All we can do now is hope for the best.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-84954324235503013312011-04-05T14:52:00.004-05:002011-04-05T15:59:07.086-05:00

Benedict end-game claim Andrew Cashner pitched a fine game in his first Major League start this afternoon at Wrigley Field, but just left the game in the 6th with an undetermined injury.Cashner pitched 5.1 innings and allowed just 2 hits, 1 walk and 1 run as he exits with his Cubs holding a 4-1 lead over Arizona.Cashner is the second Benedict pitcher to leave his 2011 debut with an injury. Jorge

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-60197222828995841762011-04-05T06:15:00.000-05:002011-04-05T08:05:38.639-05:00

What is the best part of having the Final Four in Houston? Signs like this one:

Cnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-59183699725646657412011-04-05T05:51:00.001-05:002011-04-05T07:56:52.730-05:00

The Benedicts are in last place but the good news this morning is news of Brandon Beachy's stellar outing in Milwaukee. We still have our doubts that the young, inexperienced Beachy is the cure for what has ailed the Benedicts' pitching staff for what seems like a generation now, but his 6 inning, 4 hit, 1 run, 1 walk, 7 strikeout performance yesterday provides a much-needed pallate-cleanser

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-56340744434940984212011-04-04T12:59:00.001-05:002011-04-04T14:51:23.169-05:00

Our regular readers may notice a new feature to The Benedict Blog - the MLB Trade Rumors widget, which is now included in our right column.We hope you find something useful there from time to time.Update: We have also added the CBS Sportsline scoreboard widget too! We love the concept, but wish we could change the colors. Our technical team is working on that as we speak.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-49512875309837471552011-04-04T12:56:00.000-05:002011-04-04T14:10:51.306-05:00

The Benedicts first week quest to add a badly needed outfielder to the roster came up empty, but the team did swap third basemen with the Eulogy, shipping out draft-day acquisition Ian Stewart in exchange for Brewer Casey McGehee.There is very little difference between these two players - McGehee is probably the steadier performer, though he will be hard pressed to match last year's 104 RBI,

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-38627786509987331642011-04-03T15:00:00.004-05:002011-04-03T23:12:23.351-05:00

On today's broadcast, Astro announcers referred to Bill Hall as a player:(a) who should consider himself lucky that he is still drawing a Major League paycheck, or(b) whose presence in the Astro line-up plainly demonstrates how far the Astros have fallen, or(c) who figures to be a big part of the Astros offense this season.Answer coming soon.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-16901174355203895482011-04-03T06:45:00.002-05:002011-04-03T11:53:43.587-05:00

The Benedicts had the second overall selection in the reserve draft yesterday and ten selections overall. The team used those picks to take 7 active players and 3 prospects. Here are the selections, in order:1. Sean Marshall, LHP, Chicago Cubs. With Bryce Harper gone, the Benedicts passed on prospects with the second overall selection to take Marshall, a familiar face to Benedict fans. The

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-80332842324460455642011-04-03T04:45:00.003-05:002011-04-03T11:57:26.244-05:00

The Benedicts completed their 2011 Opening Day roster today in Lake Jackson by adding 15 players to the active roster. The team welcomes several familiar faces back into the fold - whether this is a good thing or not will temporarily remain an open question (players who spent all or part of 2010 with the Benedicts are noted with an asterisk). Let's get started.*Chris Iannetta (Age 27, C,

Cnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-68641014432700420922011-04-01T20:29:00.005-05:002011-04-01T21:33:22.406-05:00

Astro optimism soared for eight and a half innings this year as Brett Myers pitched and Michael Bourn hit the Houston nine into a 4-2 lead in this afternoon's Opening Day game in Philadelphia. Enter Brandon Lyon, Houston's $5 million a year closer, needing 3 outs to seal a win over the Phillies. Lyon faced 7 batters - 6 hit safely and Houston dropped a 5-4 decision, setting the stage for the

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-82819403217928875522011-03-31T20:18:00.002-05:002011-03-31T20:25:06.131-05:00

The Benedicts retained 12 players for the 2011 auction and have $170 players to spend Saturday on 15 players. The teams is not known for drafting wisely or well, but at this point, all fans have left is hope for better in 2011. Here is a quick look at the Benedict's opening day roster so far.Joey Votto (Age 27, 1B, Cincinnati, 15D, .324-37-113-16). Votto, a mid-season acquisition last year,

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-27982220862191427282011-03-27T21:21:00.001-05:002011-03-27T21:23:22.095-05:00

Spring training is winding to a close and that could only mean one thing - the Benedict Bard is rising from the dead. We're going to try post consistently throughout the season this year, honest we are. Starting tomorrow.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-44305688339649101512010-08-13T20:13:00.000-05:002010-08-13T20:14:07.763-05:00

So says Joe Posnanski.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-86004837439952380072010-08-12T07:09:00.000-05:002010-08-12T09:13:10.077-05:00

Delino DeShields, Jr., Houston's first round pick (8th overall) this year was 0-5 with 2 strikeouts in his Gulf Coast League debut yesterday. Houston paid over $2 million to lure DeShields away from an LSU football scholarship.Mike Stanton was 5-5 with 2 doubles, a home run and 4 RBI yesterday giving Benedict fans a glimpse of what my come in 2011. Stanton's average has increased from 233 to

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-70387717695068738422010-08-12T06:04:00.000-05:002010-08-12T09:19:51.216-05:00

Round Rock scored 9 runs in the first inning against Sacramento yesterday, added 2 more in the second inning for an 11-0 lead, then proceeded to surrender 13 runs, including 5 in the 9th inning, to visiting Rivercats to lose 13-11.Starting pitcher Josh Banks allowed 7 runs in 5.1 innings, and Casey Daigle blew the save by allowing 5 runners to cross in the final inning with Jeff Baisley's 3-run

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-19625408681959276872010-08-11T07:22:00.003-05:002010-08-11T07:26:59.288-05:00

Benedict mega-prospect Domonic Brown hit his first Major League home run last night off Ronald Belisario in Philadelphia's 15-9 loss to Los Angeles. Brown was 2-4 with 4 RBI in the game and is now hitting .257-1-10-1 in is first 10 Major League games. Brown has drawn no bases on balls but has one sacrifice fly resulting in an on-base percentage that is lower than his batting average.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-42325941492574974232010-08-11T06:50:00.003-05:002010-08-11T07:00:07.220-05:00

TCU product Sam Demel, a Benedict FAAB pick-up this season, recorded his first Major League save last night in Arizona's 2-1 win over Milwaukee, one day after recording his first Major League win. Arizona acquired Demel from Oakland in the Conor Jackson trade back on June 15. The former Horned Frog standout has appeared in 22 games for the Snakes this year and figures in the team's closer mix

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-86953404122723010522010-08-10T21:50:00.003-05:002010-08-10T21:53:37.843-05:00

The Benedicts reserved Mike Pelfrey yesterday and today he made his first start as a reservist. We could see this one coming a mile away:Mike Pelfrey Dec IP H R ER BB SOAugust 10, 2010 WP 7.0 4 0 0 1 4

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-85543821922366402022010-08-10T12:50:00.001-05:002010-08-10T13:33:38.847-05:00

The Benedicts' trade yesterday for Cincinnati first baseman Joey Votto has prompted us to compare Votto, an All-Star first baseman and National League MVP candiate this season with his fellow Red (and Benedict), right fielder Jay Bruce.Votto and Bruce were both drafted highly and both breezed through the Cincinnati system. There is a three-plus year difference in ages - Votto turns 27 this fall

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-71856443579498854802010-08-10T12:30:00.001-05:002010-08-10T13:43:50.479-05:00

Guess which stretch(es) Mike Pelfrey was not on the Benedict active roster:Pelfrey - Time Frame ERA Ratio2009 Season 5.03 1.5142010 to 4/19/2010 1.29 1.0714/19/2010 to 8/9/2010 4.51 1.599

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-3094120852520191062010-08-09T20:59:00.003-05:002010-08-09T21:05:56.640-05:00

With the trade deadline looming and no deals on the horizon despite numerous inquiries, the Benedicts shocked the Dixie Chicken world late this morning with two huge deals that signaled the team has given up on 2010 and turned their eye to 2011.The team first traded Albert Pujols and Jonathan Broxton to the Varks for Joey Votto and Dave Bush. A few minutes later, the team sent David Wright and

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-56456084008264859492010-07-19T21:45:00.004-05:002010-07-19T21:58:53.090-05:00

Benedict starting pitchers tonight:Pitcher IP H R ER BB SOCarlos Silva (Chi) 1.0 7 5 5 2 0Mike Pelfrey (NY) 1.1 7 6 6 2 1Total 2.1 14 11 11 4 1Mike Pelfrey has now allowed 40 hits and 21 earned runs over his last four starts, covering 14.2 innings pitched. His ERA has risen from 2.81 to 4.01 during this four-start stretch.For his part, Carlos Silva has

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-20736826024734525362010-07-19T20:29:00.002-05:002010-07-19T20:33:50.301-05:00

Since his May 29th recall to San Francisco, prospect Buster Posey has out-hit the two-time defending National League MVP Albert Pujols:Player, since 5/29 AB H HR RBI AVGBuster Posey 166 54 8 28 .353Albert Pujols 154 48 12 29 .312The Benedicts traded Posey ($6), who opened the season at Triple A Fresno this year, and Colorado's Chris Iannetta to the Eulogy this off-season

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-45611119747481903202010-07-19T19:52:00.006-05:002010-07-19T20:08:11.775-05:00

Carlos Silva this year, before and after his trade to the Benedicts:Status IP H R ER BB SO ERA WHIPBefore 60.2 56 23 21 11 42 3.12 1.104After 42.0 48 23 23 10 30 4.93 1.381The Benedicts acquired Silva for Washington pitcher Jordan Zimmerman. Zimmerman has recovered nicely from Tommy John surgery and is on Minor League rehab in Potomac where he has pitched 9 9-hit, 0-earned run

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-30836636324719459362010-07-18T16:50:00.002-05:002010-07-18T17:01:13.491-05:00

Last week's Sean Marshall for Jonathan Broxton deal is not off to a very good start for the Benedicts. Since the deal, Marshall has one win and has been literally unhittable in three starts. Meanwhile, in his first appearance since saving the National League's 3-1 win over the American League in Tuesday's All-Star game, Broxton allowed 4 hits, 2 walks and 2 runs against St. Louis, blowing the

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-39140245196737436072010-07-16T22:33:00.001-05:002010-07-16T22:36:25.474-05:00

Carlos Marmol struck out the side to earn his 17th save today in Chicago's 4-3 win over Philadelphia. Marmol now has 17 strikeouts in 7 innings in July - but he is still behind in his quest to average 2 strikeouts per inning this year - he now has 81 strikeouts in 42.2 innings pitched or 1.898 strikouts per inning.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-55186199840044059372010-07-16T21:26:00.010-05:002010-07-16T21:39:27.236-05:00

With rumors about a possible trade white hot, Ted Lilly pitched another quality game today in Chicago's 4-3 come from behind win over the Phillies today at Wrigley Field.Lilly pitched 7 innings and allowed 4 hits, 3 runs with 10 strikeouts against 1 walk. Lilly, whose last two starts were highly uninspiring, lowered his ERA to 4.07 with the outing.Cubs manager Lou Pinella had nothing but praise

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-56867342646063329962010-07-16T08:20:00.003-05:002010-07-16T08:42:27.977-05:00

Astro prospect J. D. Martinez has been destroying South Atlantic League pitching all year to the tune of .362/.433/.598 with league-leading totals in runs, hits and six other offensive categories. Today, the Astros promoted Martinez who turns 23 next month over the next stop in Lancaster (California) to Double A Corpus Christi.Martinez, a 20th round selection from tiny Nova Southeastern

Cnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-91471432831155288492010-07-16T07:09:00.002-05:002010-07-16T07:20:21.856-05:00

The Seattle Mariners demoted relief pitcher Chad Cordero to Triple A yesterday. Cordero chose to become a free agent rather than accept the demotion and is now on the open market.Cordero saved 128 games for Montreal and Washington from his late 2003 debut through 2007, but had been sidelined since April 2008 in recovery from a torn labium. Cordero signed a free agent contract with Seattle in

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-80218277578001549362010-07-15T22:16:00.002-05:002010-07-15T22:18:56.012-05:00

If you have tried to access our blog the last few days and got a blank page - we have become aware of this problem and believe we have fixed it.We hope.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-30850521727226816952010-07-15T21:04:00.002-05:002010-07-15T21:20:00.493-05:00

Gawker: Ten Party Songs We Never Ever Want to Hear Again.Our Take:10. Sorry, but we love anything with Bootsy Collins in it.9. A good song to keep on hand for when your guests have overstayed their welcome.8. Never heard of it.7. This is a party song?6. So THAT'S the name of that song! We hate this song, but we'd love to have the bus for road trips. Short ones.5. Whadda ya talking about?

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-25928084210726946222010-07-15T20:19:00.000-05:002010-07-15T20:19:00.197-05:00

The Benedicts made another one-for-one deal Tuesday sending Chicago set-up man Sean Marshall, long one of our favorite pitchers, to the Whackers for Dodger closer Jonathan Broxton.Marshall has been brilliant for Chicago this year and is poised to move into the Cub rotation or possibly to close in the event of another Carlos Marmol melt-down (which we hope against hope does not come this year).

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-68705437607323533482010-07-15T18:53:00.000-05:002010-07-15T18:53:00.836-05:00

Here is how the Benedicts performed at Tuesday night's All-Star game in Anaheim:Albert Pujols, the National League's top vote-getter, started at first base and was 0-2 with a strikeout.Rafael Furcal had one plate appearance as a late-inning substitute and drew a bases on balls.David Wright started at third base and was 2-2 with a stolen base for National League.Andre Ethier started in center

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-40337663186367870422010-07-15T18:44:00.000-05:002010-07-15T18:44:00.162-05:00

You might think there would be a full slate of games on the first day following the three-day All-Star break, but you would be wrong if you did.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-53671912005952458832010-07-12T04:15:00.000-05:002010-07-12T07:26:43.592-05:00

Pittsburgh's Ross Ohlendorf looked sharp in his last start against against Houston, going 7 frames and allowing 7 hits, 1 walk and 2 runs in a 2-0 loss to the Astros.Ohlendorf, a Benedict reservist, has allowed just 2 earned runs over his last 3 starts covering 20 innings. He is just 1-1 in those three games.Ohlendorf is an Austin, Texas, native who attended Princeton University. He was

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-39867871431202618182010-07-11T22:04:00.005-05:002010-07-12T07:36:44.372-05:00

Arizona has broken off negotiations with their first round draft pick (6th pick overall) Barrett Loux, Texas A&M's ace pitcher this year.Tracy Ringolsby writes: Arizona has broken off negotiations with first-round draft pick Barret Loux, a right-handed pitcher out of Texas A&M, FOXSPORTS.com learned, in a move that might have played into the firing of general manager Josh Byrnes. Loux, the

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-68488927680992552012010-07-11T21:16:00.002-05:002010-07-11T21:40:53.756-05:00

On paper, the Benedicts look like contenders, but in fact, the team has limped into the All-Star break. If more than a few players do not right the ship after the break, this team may go from pennant to contender to second division disappointment in short order.For starters, the team's starting rotation is in shambles. Here are the numbers since June 21:Pitcher W L IP H R ER

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-4608456488610831692010-07-08T07:33:00.001-05:002010-07-08T07:34:13.657-05:00

I have reactivated email notifications for new blog posts. If you do not want to receive these notifications, please email me.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-20257364317040411102010-07-07T12:00:00.003-05:002010-07-07T12:03:36.326-05:00

Benedict farmhands Domonic Brown, Brett Lawrie and Julio Teheran were named to Baseball America's Mid-Season All-Star team.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-74269121564436537802010-07-07T06:49:00.002-05:002010-07-07T08:26:57.959-05:00

The Benedicts hit the mid-way point in first place in the Dixie Chicken League - other than a brief fall a week ago, the team has held on the first place for several weeks now. The Blackballs, Keteers and Varks have all hovered at or near 70 points during this time with the Boards and Elephants in pursuit. The other six teams are looking ahead to 2011.The Benedicts have accomplished this

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-11785187408745933172010-07-07T05:53:00.000-05:002010-07-07T06:58:58.139-05:00

The Benedicts acquired Dodger shortstop of the present, Rafael Furcal, from the Eulogy Tuesday in exchange for the Dodger shortstop of the future, Dee Gordon.Furcal, 32, is enjoying a resurgence this year, hitting .336-5-33-13 in 53 games for Los Angeles. Gordon, 22, is hitting .276-2-24-31 in 79 games at Double A Chattanooga in the Dodgers chain.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-64684537058534623402010-07-06T23:28:00.002-05:002010-07-06T23:31:29.333-05:00

Carlos Marmol fell behind in his quest to be the first closer in the Dixie Chicken era to average two strikeouts per inning in recent weeks, but he made up some ground tonight, striking out five Diamondbacks in 1.2 innings and saving a game for fellow Benedict Carlos Silva in the process.Marmol now has 77 strikeouts in 40.2 innings, or 1.893 strikeouts per inning.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-75822261739617332982010-07-06T06:06:00.000-05:002010-07-06T08:20:08.098-05:00

Jack Moore at FanGraphs has some interesting thoughts on Ted Lilly and the reeling Chicago Cubs. The Cubs owe Lilly $6 million for the rest of this season and with a bloated payroll thanks to non-contributors like Carlos Zambrano and disappointments like Rafael Soriano, there are rumors the team may be shopping Lilly to save some benjamins. It seems unlikely that any team will part with top

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-33026854092032322652010-07-05T16:20:00.002-05:002010-07-05T16:21:13.258-05:00

Let's all hope that when Geoff Blum returns from this injury that the Astros release Pedro Feliz rather than demote Jason Bourgeois.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-41228719635227271892010-07-05T05:33:00.000-05:002010-07-05T08:36:44.113-05:00

Colorado installed Dexter Fowler into Colorado's lead-off position on June 29 and he is hitting 10-24 (.417) with a double, 4 triples and 8 runs scored since. Fowler has raised his batting average from .216 to .245 over this 6 game stretch.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-27061952107420466362010-07-05T05:23:00.000-05:002010-07-05T08:31:02.394-05:00

Three Benedicts were voted to start for the National League in the 2010 All Star Game in Anaheim, MLB.com reports.Cardinal Albert Pujols, the National League's top vote-getter and home run leader with 20, will start at first base for the Senior Circuit with Met David Wright, the league's RBI leader with 64, starting at third base and Dodger Andre Ethier, second in the league in hitting at .320

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-64864418161443335972010-07-04T23:29:00.001-05:002010-07-05T08:06:55.456-05:00

Chase Utley, recently acquired by the contenting Elephants, will miss up to 8 weeks with a serious thumb injury that required surgery today.This is bad news for the struggling Phillies and, to a lesser degree, bad news for the Elephants, but the injury is a rare good break for the Benedicts who made several runs at former Cerveza Utley before settling for Ian Stewart in the Colby Rasmus trade in

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-40825375976713403302010-07-04T11:13:00.002-05:002010-07-04T11:21:05.920-05:00

We wrote about Kansas City's mecurial southpaw Bruce Chen back in April when he recorded his first Major League save. Last night, Chen had perhaps the best performance of his Major League career when he took a perfect game into the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Angels en route to a Royals 4-2 victory. Chen ran his record to 5-2 and dropped his ERA to 3.51 with the 7.1 inning, two hit,

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-13261255289066725682010-07-03T18:11:00.004-05:002010-07-03T18:19:50.557-05:00

Two major media outlets have named Philadelphia's Domonic Brown the Number 1 minor league prospect in all of baseball in the last week.On Wednesday, ESPN's Keith Law tabbed Brown at No. 1 in his mid-season Top 25 list, and now yesterday, Kevin Goldstein named Brown the No. 1 prospect in the game on his mid-season list, saying:1. Domonic Brown, OF, PhillesWhy He's Here: Now that the power is

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-59664939020199933072010-06-28T17:17:00.003-05:002010-06-28T17:19:06.119-05:00

Colby Rasmus hit one home run every 24.7 at bats in his Major Leauge career prior to June 7 trade that sent him from the Benedicts to the Cervezas, and he is hitting one home run every 9.3 at bats since that trade.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-87422871186173750482010-06-24T12:33:00.002-05:002010-06-24T12:40:06.044-05:00

John Sickels on farmhand Brett Lawrie:Brewers prospect Brett Lawrie is on a tear at Double-A Huntsville, hitting .386/.426/.648 in June, including .422 with four walks and five strikeouts in his last 45 at-bats. The improved discipline is notable, since problems with contact have been his biggest issue thus far. Lawrie is now hitting .300/.361/.497 on the season, with 19 doubles, 10 triples,

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-76847256161371490802010-06-21T12:48:00.000-05:002010-06-21T15:49:43.591-05:00

John Sickels (Minor League Blog) on Ian Stewart.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-65638734514618824102010-06-18T06:33:00.000-05:002010-06-18T08:27:28.323-05:00

Lost amid the hoopla surrounding teen pitching sensation Julio Teheran's dominant 2010 season has been Domonic Brown's campaign at Double A Reading (Philadelphia). Brown is hitting .312-12-39-11 with a .956 OPS through June 17's games. Brown is the Phillies best prospect and the heir apparent to the slumping Raul Ibanez, 38, in the Philadelphia outfield next year. Brown is also currently the

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-39657610725918930792010-06-18T06:24:00.000-05:002010-06-18T08:10:24.650-05:00

Teen pitching sensation Julio Teheran was brilliant yet again Wednesday throwing 7 innings of 2-hit shutout ball as his Myrtle Beach Pelicans (High A Carolina) defeated Potomac 8-0. Teheran fanned 12 in the game, allowing just 2 bases on balls.Teheran has a 1.36 ERA in 13 starts in two leagues this year - he has struck out 94 in 78 innings and has issues just 17 walks, and he has a stingy .191

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-86825543409522121442010-06-18T05:59:00.000-05:002010-06-18T08:02:44.224-05:00

Cameron Maybin, traded to the Eulogy this off-season for Jorge De La Rosa, was demoted to Triple A New Orleans yesterday by the Florida Marlins.Both players have had star-crossed 2010 seasons - Maybin has slumped to .225-5-19-6 this season in Florida while De La Rosa has missed two months with a finger injury.

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-25892579884167206742010-06-15T23:05:00.001-05:002010-06-15T23:06:28.740-05:00

Bay/Stewart/Wright .........3Colby Rasmus................3

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-5668042729655662122010-06-10T11:12:00.004-05:002010-06-10T11:18:55.284-05:00

Pete Kerzel has this nice story on Atlanta pitching prospect Julio Teheran at MiLB.com, the official site of Minor League Baseball, today. From the story:Just 19 years old, Julio Teheran has racked up some impressive numbers in just four starts with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Manager Rocket Wheeler believes the beanpole right-hander with an effortless delivery hasn't yet reached his full

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-55050952086060285232010-06-09T06:33:00.000-05:002010-06-09T09:19:41.639-05:00

Q: Do you regret not keeping Mat Latos, who is 5-4, 3.26 in 11 starts for San Diego this year?BFO: We kept 12 players and the final decision was between Latos at $10 and [Carlos] Marmol at $31. We went with Marmol and that was the right decision - we could not have replaced his productivity at that price. Now, if we were deciding between Latos and say, Dexter Fowler, who is in the Minor

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-57173735762335426192010-06-09T06:18:00.000-05:002010-06-09T08:18:29.509-05:00

Only time will tell if Houston had a good draft the last two days. I followed the draft somewhat closely and made my own mental picks as the draft progressed (until I ran out of players), so here is my shadow draft. In several years, we can look back and see who did better:1.08 Alex Wimmers, rhp, Ohio State (1.21 Minnesota)1.19 Bryce Brentz, of, Middle Tennessee State (1.36 Boston)1.33 Asher

Cnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10138763.post-67807278508709461342010-06-09T05:08:00.001-05:002010-06-09T07:13:31.326-05:00

The Benedicts had one of the best days in franchise history on the mound yesteday:Pitcher IP H R ER BB SO DecAdams 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 NDGallardo 7.0 4 0 0 2 7 NDLilly 8.0 4 1 1 0 8 NDMarmol 0.2 1 2 2 1 0 LPelfrey 9.0 5 1 1 0 6 NDTOTAL 25.2 14 4 4 3 22ERA = 1.40WHIP = 0.662

Cnoreply@blogger.com0