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 Post subject: Re: Jacksonville Hickories: Talkin' softly, but carrying big
PostPosted: Sun Mar 02, 2014 10:20 pm 
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ATHLETICS

8/21/09: Gabe Kotter started the game by striking out the side while the Athletics Kyle Kendrick was more effective than the last time he faced the Hickories, not allowing a run until the third inning when McCann hit an RBI single and Banner doubled in two runs. In the meantime, Kotter had a very sharp slider and 2 seem fastball today that kept the Athletics off-balance, although he had control issues with his vertical slider, and he did wind up giving up a run in the fifth inning to the bottom of the Athletics order when their right fielder (FF Contact and Power) split a drawn in outfield. The Hickories got that run back immediately in the bottom of the fifth when Encyclopedia Brown singled and then Mayes Hayes, looking slider all the way on a 2–1 pitch, drilled it to right center field for a triple. McCann doubled home Mayes Hayes and Buck Rogers singled home McCann. Kotter left the game in the seventh, having allowed runners to reach first and second before recording and out, but Shuler escaped the inning without allowing a run, inducing the first batter he faced to hit the ball to third and the third baseman tagged out the runner going to third and then threw to first for the force out. In the bottom of the eighth, David Banner drilled a hanging curveball from an Athletics reliever and put it into the field behind the centerfield wall. Even defensive specialist Edgardo Alfonso, whose average has fallen to 0.083, singled, although Alfonso also made an error for the third game in row, this time at third. Manzania closed out the last two innings of the game. Final score: 7 – 1, Hickories

    NOTES: Gabe Kotter currently leads the Hickories and is second in major-league baseball with 14 wins, two behind the wins leader Pedro Martinez. Also, with his homerun today, David Banner is tied with Jeff Lebowski for the team lead and also tied with Manny Ramirez for third in major league baseball with 38 homeruns. Ryan Braun and Travis Hafner lead the league with 42 and 40 homeruns, respectively. Buck Rogers has 37.

8/22/09: Tim Lincecum gave up an RBI single in the first inning after Encyclopedia Brown fielded what should've been able play ball, but he stepped over second base instead of on it. McCann doubled with two outs against starter Joe Blanton but was stranded, and neither team threatened for the next few innings, until the Athletics stranded runners at second and third in the fourth. In the fifth, 5 singles and a David Banner triple gave the Hickories a 5–1 lead. Mayes Hayes drove into runs against the Athletics reliever in the sixth. Final score: 7 – 1, Hickories

    NOTES: Lincecum pitched a complete game, striking out 12. He is the first Hickory to record more than nine strikeouts in a game

8/23/09: in a scoreless tie, the Athletics brought in Hudson Street start the sixth inning and left him in to start the seventh, which was a mistake as he gave up two runs. Final score: 2–0, Hickories


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 Post subject: Re: Jacksonville Hickories: Talkin' softly, but carrying big
PostPosted: Sun Mar 09, 2014 9:39 am 
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DETROIT TIGERS: The Hickories have 2 3-game series against the Tigers in the next two weeks. This will be their first time playing the Central division leaders. The Tigers brought in second baseman Orlando Hudson (DBBBAC), second baseman/outfielder Willie Harris (DDCDDD), and catcher Paul Lo Duca (ECEDDC), losing starting pitchers Dontrelle Willis (94 CA SL – four, CH – five, SIFB – five) and Nate Robertson (93 CA SL – three, CH – two), and OF Ryan Church (DBDFDD)

8/24/09: the Hickories scored three runs in the first inning and never trailed, as David Cohen pitches six solid innings to collect his 14th win. Final score: 6–4, Hickories

8/25/09: after wasting leadoff singles in the first inning, the Hickories scored when Lebowski led off the second with his 39th homerun. Two innings later, David Banner hit his 39th homerun of the season. Hickories Roy Hobbs started off well, but struggled in the third, allowing the Tigers to grab the lead in the bottom of the third when Miguel Cabrera tripled two runs home and Maglio Ordonez singled Cabrera home. Hobbs was pulled, but an RBI single brought in the Tigers fourth run of the inning. Banner pulled the Hickories to within a run with a sacrifice fly in the fifth, but Gary Sheffield doubled in two runners in the bottom of that inning. Banner, again, homerred, pulling the Hickories to within a run since McCann had singled just before. Back to back doubles from Buck Rogers and Lebowski tied the game, and then the Hickories pulled ahead when Mackey Sasser's ground ball rolled through SS Carlos Guillen's legs. The Tigers threatened, putting runners at first and third with no out, but Mickey Shuler was called in and retired the next three batters, maintaining the Hickories one run lead going into the eighth. In the eighth, David Banner hit his third homerun of the day – this one a three run homerun that gave the Hickories a four-run cushion. In the ninth, Lebowski led off the inning with his second homerun today, giving him 40 for the season. That would be the final score of the game. Final score: 11–6, Hickories

    NOTE: David Banner was today's player of the game. His three homeruns contributed to his game hi seven RBIs and gave him a team leading 41 homeruns for the season

8/26/09: against the Tigers Kenny Rogers, Jeff Lebowski led off the second inning with his 41st home run of the season, this one off of a curveball that was high in the strike zone. Consecutive singles from Remington Steele (filling in for Buck Rogers at first base today), Crash Davis, and Cool Jr., and a fielders choice hit into by Mayes Hayes brought in the Hickories second and third runs of the inning. Brian McCann led off the third with the 100th homerun of his career. In the bottom of the third, Curtis Granderson hit a two run home run, and Maglio Ordonez singled in Miguel Cabrera, who doubled, pulling the Tigers to within a run against Hickories starter Morris Buttermaker, who seemed to be struggling at keeping his pitches in the corners of the strike zone, although he did have five strikeouts through four innings. The middle of the Tigers order went back to work in the bottom of the fifth, putting runners at second and third with no out with the help of a wild pitch on an 0–2 fosh to Maglio Ordonez. The play at the plate made it first and third with one out, and after going 0–2 on Carlos Guillen, Buttermaker experienced elbow discomfort and was removed in favor of Glass Joe (92 FB 2SF – two, SLV – three, FOS – three, KN – five). Joe allowed in infield single and, with the bases loaded, Sheffield hit a sharp ground ball to third that should have been an inning ending double-play, but after stepping on third, Lebowski double clutched and a Tiger scored. Ivan Rodriguez drove in the go-ahead run before Joe was able to close out the inning. In the top of the seventh, Vandaley singled, stole second on a very close call, and scored on a McCann double off of the strong-armed Tiger reliever, Zumaya. The Tigers stranded a runner in scoring position in the seventh inning. After Manzanilla pitched a 1–2–3 8th, Cool led off the ninth with a double and scored one out later on a Mayes Hayes Single. Inigo Montoya closed out the Tigers in the 9th. Final score: 6–5, Hickories


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 Post subject: Re: Jacksonville Hickories: Talkin' softly, but carrying big
PostPosted: Sun Mar 09, 2014 6:34 pm 
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RANGERS

8/28/09: The Rangers Ace, Carlos Zambrano, gave up a leadoff double to Mayes Hayes, but escaped the inning without allowing a run. The Rangers scored against Gabe Kotter in the 2d, but an RBI double from Buck Rogers tied the game in the fourth. Kotter left in the fifth inning with two outs and runners in scoring position, and reliever Manzanilla allowed the go ahead run to score. Zambrano pitched a great game and the Hickories did not even threaten, except in the seventh when a sacrifice bunt put a runner at second with two outs. Zambrano tired in the ninth, ultimately giving up a game-tying double to Buck Rogers. The score remained tied until the bottom of the 10th when Manzanilla, who pitched five solid innings, left after allowing a single and then Duane Schneider allowed two more singles, the second one resulting in the winning run crossing the plate. Final score: 3–2, Rangers

8/29/09: in a great pitching duel through the first six innings in which the Rangers Gabbard entered the seventh with a one run three hitter and Tim Lincecum throwing a two hit shutout, The Hickories exploded in the seventh, scoring four runs. Lincecum allowed a home run to Ian Kinsler and was removed after allowing a second run, and that would and the scoring. Final score: 5–2, Hickories

8/30/09: Art Vandelay got things started by slicing a 1 – 2 change up to the opposite field for a homerun to leadoff the game. The Hickories maintained that lead for a few innings until expanding on it in the fourth and fifth. Hickories starter Syd Fernandez allowed several runs, but pitched a solid 8–1/3 innings. Final score: 5–3, Hickories

NOTE: no surprises, but when the Hickories announced their postseason lineup, SS Enochs (CDDCCD) was left off the roster. He was given a final chance to see if he could hit his way onto the roster, but his hitting did not outweigh his inability to play more than one position, and he was replaced by Edgardo Alfonso (EFDBCC), who can play all infield positions except catcher

TIGERS

8/31/09: David Cohen surrendered a first inning homerun to Orlando Hudson, and it took the Hickories until the third inning to tie the game when Cool Junior singled, stole second, went to third when Kenny Rogers pick off move to second base wound up in centerfield and then scored on a Brian McCann sacrifice fly. The Hickories were not able to push another run across, as Rogers pitched well and was replaced by Great Roberts (96 FE SL – three, SP – four), who was dominating, but David Cohen was very solid, taking a three hitter into the seventh. Cohen left with a runner in scoring position and Maggie Ordonez at the plate, in favor of Duane Schneider, who surrendered the go-ahead RBI to Ordonez. In the bottom of the ninth, the tying Hickory was thrown out of the plate. Final score: 2 – 1, Tigers

NOTE: In a strange twist, Duane Schneider, who is on the mound when the Tigers pushed the winning run across, was named rookie of the month for the month of August, during which he had a 2.51 ERA with 13 strikeouts


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 Post subject: Re: Jacksonville Hickories: Talkin' softly, but carrying big
PostPosted: Wed Mar 12, 2014 10:24 pm 
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AUGUST IN REVIEW

RECORDS


    The Hickories have already won their 100th game, entering the final months of the trailer season with a magic number of two.

    The Hickories won another 21 games this month, dropping six. The second best August record in baseball is owned by the Chicago white socks, who posted an 18 and 9 record.

AWARDS

    David Banner was named player of the week for the week ending 8/9

    Willie Mays Hayes was named player of the week for the week ending 8/16

    Duane Schneider was named rookie of the month for August, during which he posted a 2.51 ERA with 13 strikeouts

OFFENSE

    We assumed that when Freddy Sanchez was suspended for using PEDs, there would be a drop off in offensive production, but the Hickories scored more runs this month than and any prior month by at least 13, and their 179 runs scored was not only the best in baseball for August, but is the most runs scored of any team in any month this season.

    Brian McCann leads the league and batting average (370) and hits (183).

    Jeff Lebowski and David Banner are tied for third in the home run race with 41 homeruns. They are just one home run behind Travis Hafner and Ryan Braun who are tied for first. Buck Rogers is tied for sixth with 32 homeruns.

    Former Hickory Robert Plant continues to lead the league with 58 stolen bases, but Way Cool Junior is only four stolen bases behind him, which is good for second place, while Mays Hayes is third in the league with 50. Art Vandelay, who only became a full-time player last month, and David Banner are tied for fifth with 37 stone bases

PITCHING

    The Hickories had a solid month on the mound, allowing 100 runs, which is more than they allowed in June or July, but is still the fewest runs allowed in the majors. The Hickories continue to lead the league in fewest homeruns allowed, and their team ERA of 3.7 is better than any team including the Mets (4.01). Since the end of July, the Hickories team era dropped 0.04 while the New York Mets' team era increase by 0.32.

    Gabe Kotter has the third-best ERA in major-league baseball at 2.94, and Kotter and David Cohen are tied with Ben Sheets for fourth place on the winningest pitchers list with 14 wins

    Inego Montoya (40) is the saves leader by a wide margin (9) over Mariano Rivera, and has only two blown saves this season, while Mickey Shuler is second in the majors with 20 holds.

    David Cohen has the seventh lowest ERA in the American League for starting pitchers (4.04).

WHO'S HOT

    Brian McCann is consistently getting on base, as is SS Way Cool Junior (DEBBCD), who moves easily between the top and bottom of the batting order.

    David Banner had a power surge and has consistently kept his batting average over 300, pushing his way to the cleanup spot, while Buck Rogers has taken a disappointing initial two months of the season and brought his numbers up to a respectable 308 batting average with 37 home runs and a team-leading 32 doubles. Rogers (CBEDEC) has also been solid at first and has done better at fielding the ball and throwing the second for the force out. Crash Davis is another player who has made up for a poor start this season by increasing his average to 302 and has been doing a great job of throwing out runners since improving his arm strength to level B.

    Art Vandelay was on a tear in the beginning of August, but has cooled off recently.

    Encyclopedia Brown (DEDCCD), forced into action when Robert Plant was traded away and Freddy Sanchez was suspended, has done well, hitting 347 with 15 RBIs

    The starting pitching this month has been solid, but not dominating, except for closer Enigo Montoya. Manzanilla (92 CC109 2SF – three, SL – three, CB – five, FO–4), the Hickories 2008 second round draft pick, and Glass Joe (92 FB 2SF – two, SLV – three, FOS – three, KN – five) have been excellent as middle and long relievers

    Glass Joe's 2.41 ERA over 101 innings of work is the lowest ERA of any Hickory who has thrown more than 46 innings

WHO'S NOT

    No one on the team has gone through any prolonged cold spell, which explains their excellent August record.

    Duane Schneider (98 GC105 HSL – three, FOS – four, SIFB – three, DCB – one) should definitely challenge for a starting pitching spot next spring, and he is doing well in relief, but he seems to allow inherited runners to score more often than not when called upon in relief.

    Roy Hobbs (94 DB HSL – three, SCB – two, SP – three, HSK – three) has been very inconsistent, and has the fewest quality starts (two) of any starting pitcher by far, as well as the lowest quality starting percentage (0.95) of any starting pitcher on the team. Rumor has it he may be shifted to the bullpen, even at this late date.


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 Post subject: Re: Jacksonville Hickories: Talkin' softly, but carrying big
PostPosted: Tue Mar 18, 2014 6:10 am 
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DETROIT TIGERS

9/1/09: Art Vandelay homered to give the Hickories a 1–0 lead in the first. Carlos Guillen scored the tying run on a fielders choice, but a solo homerun from Buck Rogers restored Hickories slim lead, and one out later, Crash Davis hit a solo homerun off of Tigers starter Jordan Tata (94 FB CB – two, CH – one). In the third, Brian McCann doubled in Mays Hayes and Vandelay. Jacques Jones tripled in two runs in the fourth. In the bottom of that inning, Brown, Vandelay, and Banner drove in runs, chasing Tata from the game. Buck Rogers singled on the relievers first pitch, bring in a 4th run. Doubles from Brian McCann and Buck Rogers brought in another run in the sixth. The Tigers had an opportunity for a big inning in the eighth against the Hickories reliever when they loaded the bases with one out, but were only able to score one run on the sacrifice fly. Final score: 11–4, Hickories

9/2/09: Morris Buttermaker out-duels AJ Burnett through seven innings. Final score: 3–2, Hickories

RED SOX

    SERIES PREVIEW: At 74 and 62, the Red Sox are tied with the Yankees for second place in the AL East, and tied with the Yankees, Tigers, and Indians (who are both tied for first in the Central division) for the wildcard spot. They will play the Hickories 14 times in September, and have one three-game series remaining against the Yankees. They are two and four against the Hickories and a woeful 6 and 11 against the Yankees, but have made a few trades that might help them make it to the postseason.

      On 7/6, they received Chris Carpenter (95 FB HSL – five, DCB – four, SP – three) and Jonathan Applebaum (98 ?B SL – two, SP – one) from the Twins, in exchange for RF Brandon Moss (FFEEEE). Can you say "fleecing"?

      A few days later, the Red Sox struck a deal with the Milwaukee Brewers, sending the Brewers starting pitcher Boof Bonzer (94 CB SL – three, CB – two, CH – three) in exchange for former Hickory Jack Cust (DAFCEG).

9/3/09: With all of their starters in gray condition, the Red Sox started Julian Tavarez (94 FD 2SF – two, SL – one, SP – one, SIFB – three), and the Hickories scored in the second inning when Crash Davis singled in Jeff Lebowski. Manny Ramirez led off the bottom of the inning with a game tying homerun. When the Hickories stranded David Banner at second in the 3rd inning, it marked the third inning in which they stranded a runner in scoring position, and the fourth inning was even worse, as they had a runner thrown out at home and then stranded a runner at second. The Red Sox starter did not make it through the fourth inning and in the fifth, David Banner swung away on a 3–0 pitch and homered with two runners on base. The Hickories stranded a runner at second in the sixth, and Ramirez homered off of a circle change in the bottom of that inning. After allowing a runner to reach second, Kotter was removed in favor of Glass Joe, who finished the inning without allowing another run to score. The Hickories stranded a runner at second in the top of the eighth - the third time today that the Hickories stranded a runner in scoring position with Manny Ramirez scheduled to bat second in the next 1/2-inning, but instead of homering as he did the last two times, Glass Joe struck him out on four pitches. Inego Montoya faced the bottom of the Red Sox lineup and retired them in order to close out the game. Final score: 4–2, Hickories

    NOTE: Gabe Kotter becomes the first Hickories pitcher to win 15 games in a season

9/4/09: with the AL East locked up and a number of their everyday players in blue condition, the Hickories started their "B" squad against the Red Sox Kurt Schilling, in which the only regulars were centerfielder Mayes Hayes, 3B Jeff Lebowski, and catcher Crash Davis, although regular right fielder David Banner was playing, but slotted as the DH. In the first inning, 1B Remington Steele drove in two runs. The Red Sox' Coco Crisp drove in a run for the Red Sox in the third against Tim Lincecum, and Manny Ramirez tied the game the following inning with a solo homerun. Ramirez hit the go-ahead homerun in the bottom of the sixth, and David Wright followed with a homerun of his own. Mayes Hayes singled in a run in the seventh, but the Hickories stranded the tying run a third. The Red Sox extended their lead to when David Wright singled immediately after Lincecum left the game. In the ninth, the Hickories loaded the bases and then Jeff Lebowski drove in two runs to tie the game. In the bottom of the ninth, Mickey Shuler immediately allowed runners to reach first and third, but was able to escape the jam with the help of a play at the plate. In the bottom of the 10th, the Red Sox had a runner on second with one out, but failed to score. The Hickories finally broke the tie in the top of the 14th when Banner put Lebowski at third and himself at second with a double, and then Lebowski scored on a wild pitch. Mackey Sasser, who entered the game a few innings ago after Crash Davis was replaced for pinch runner, singled in Banner. Encyclopedia Brown drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, giving the Hickories a three run lead going into the bottom of the 14th. Final score: 8–5, Hickories

    NOTE: David Banner, who has been so consistent for much of the season, had a horrible day at the plate, going 1 for 7 with 0 RBIs even though he came to the plate with runners in scoring position on four occasions. Enochs also had a horrible day at the plate, going 0/7, dropping his average to 255

    Lincecum had a tough day against the powerful Red Sox lineup, but his relievers came through by throwing 6–1/3 innings of shutout baseball. Manzanilla had a particularly good day, earning a win for going four innings, allowing two hits with three strikeouts

9/5/09: against Tim Wakefield, the Hickories seemed to be using a patient approach and waiting on his fastball, which barely gets above 70 miles per hour these days. That strategy paid off in the second inning as Jeff Lebowski homered on a 3–0 fastball with Buck Rogers on first, Crash Davis followed with a home run off of a 3–1 fastball, and by the time Wakefield finished the second inning, he had thrown 38 inches. In the bottom of the third, Dustin Pedroia doubled in a run, but the Hickories got that back in the fourth when Wakefield allowed several singles, including an RBI single from Cool Junior, before he exited after throwing 70 pitches in 3–2/3 innings of work. Encyclopedia Brown followed with an RBI single against the Red Sox reliever. In the bottom of that inning, JD Drew singled in a run, giving the Hickories a three run lead entering the fifth. In the sixth, the Red Sox reliever tired and Mays Hayes made him pay with a three run homerun to centerfield. Hickoryies starter Syd Fernandez did not come out to start the sixth, having had a decent five innings of work in which he allowed two runs on seven hits with three strikeouts. Kevin Youkilis hit a solo homerun in the seventh, but the Hickories scored another two in the ninth. Back-to-back doubles by David Wright and Jason Varitek led to a run and then Youkilis doubled one out later and came home on a Julio Lugo single. After Jack Tripper struck out the next batter, Pedroia doubled in another run to narrow the Hickories lead to three with David Ortiz at the plate. The Hickories immediately called upon Enigo Montoya, who induced a harmless ground ball to shortstop. Final score: 10–7, Hickories

    NOTE: while it will not show up in the box scores, Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia made at least four boneheaded moves, including taking a toss from the shortstop to initiate a double play, but deciding to go for the lead runner heading towards third instead of the sure double play at second, and throwing home when Mayes Hayes was already three steps away from the plate when Pedroia fielded a slow rolling grounder

9/6/09: The Hickories rested most of their regular starters, but managed to score 6 runs. David Cohen allowed two homeruns, but was able to go 7–1/3 innings, allowing a total of three runs and collecting his 15th win of the season as Mickey Shuler closed out the eighth and ninth. Final score: 6–3, Hickories


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 Post subject: Re: Jacksonville Hickories: Talkin' softly, but carrying big
PostPosted: Wed Mar 19, 2014 4:30 pm 
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RANGERS

9/7/09: with a large number of starting position players resting in order to recover from blue or purple condition, Glass Joe is announced as a starting pitcher, and is announced that he will continue to be a starter, replacing Roy Hobbs in the rotation. Joe did not last long enough to be eligible for the win, but pitched four strong innings, allowing just one run. Final score: 11–3, Hickories

9/8/09: with Kevin Millwood pitching in purple condition, the Hickories, with a lineup of mostly bench players, seemed to be able to score at will, including backup outfielder Danny Zucko (DDCCDD) who hit his first home run of the season. Millwood was unable to complete the fifth inning, having allowed six runs in that span. Morris Buttermaker pitched well, but could not seem to finish batters off and his level four slurve was particularly ineffective. He lasted into the sixth inning, with his last pitch resulting in a two run homerun from Ian Kinsler, which would be the only runs he surrendered today. Final score: 6–2, Hickories

9/9/09: with the scheduled starter in purple condition, Roy Hobbs made his first start since being officially demoted to long reliever and had one of his best outings of 2009, taking a no-hitter into the fourth, when he allowed a harmless two out single to Michael Young. Hobbs finished the day with his best pitching performance of the season and possibly his career, allowing just three hits over six innings with five strikeouts. Shoddy relief pitching and some poor tracking in the outfield allowed the Rangers to take a one run lead in the 8th. The Hickories tied the game in the bottom of the ninth on a Buck Rogers double and then Geordie Laforge hit the game winning RBI single. Final score: 7–6, Hickories

RED SOX

9/10/09: final score: 9–5, Hickories

9/11/09: Final score: 8–2, Hickories

9/12/09: David Cohen pitched a very strong game, going 8–2/3 innings, and taking a five it shut out into the seventh, while solo homeruns from Buck Rogers and Jeff Lebowski would be the Hickories only offense. Final score: 2–0, Hickories

9/13/09: Morris Buttermaker pitched five innings of shutout ball and Roy Hobbs was similarly effective for the final four innings, each aided by several nice defensive plays by first baseman Buck Rogers. Offensively, the Hickories harassed Red Sox starter Curt Schilling, scoring four runs and forcing his exit after five innings. Final score: 4–0, Hickories


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 Post subject: Re: Jacksonville Hickories: Talkin' softly, but carrying big
PostPosted: Fri Mar 21, 2014 9:23 am 
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SEPTEMBER IN REVIEW

RECORD


    With an impressive 127 and 35 season record, the Hickories head into the playoffs with the best record in baseball by 30 games over the New York Mets.

    In going an amazing 27 and 1 record in September, the Hickories crushed any hopes the Red Sox had of making the playoffs by winning all 14 match ups against their division rival, and posted the best record of any team in any month in baseball this season. Even more amazing is that the Hickories used their bench players and minor league call-ups in order to rest their starters regularly during this month.

AWARDS

    Brian McCann won player of the week honors for the week ending 9/27, when he had 545 with three home runs at 11 RBIs.

    Tim Lincecum was named picture of the week for the week ending 10/4. Lincecum pitched one game, winning that game without allowing any runs and racking up eight strikeout.

    It is surprising that the Hickories did not win more player of the week awards, considering they're amazing win streak, although very few players played the whole month.

    Closer Enigo Montoya was named pitcher and relief pitcher for the month of September, during which he saved 10 games with a 1.08 ERA and 5 strikeouts

OFFENSE

    The Hickories 179 runs scored tied their August outfit output for their highest output of the season, and was second to the New York Mets 216, overall. The team's 244 homeruns and 251 stolen bases were major-league bests

    Brian McCann led the majors with a 386 average and 221 hits. Willie Mayes Hayes had the eighth best batting average the season (348)

    Jeff Lebowski ended the season tied with Manny Ramirez for most homers in the season with 50. David Banner tied Travis Hafner for third place with 47 homeruns, and Buck Rogers was fifth with 43.

    Former Hickory Robert Plant led the majors with 62 stolen bases. Mayes Hayes and Way Cool Junior finished second and third with 60 and 58, respectively.

    David Banner had 44 steals to go along with 47 homeruns. He was the only player with at least 40 steals and 40 home runs in 2009. Both Art Vandelay and the Phillies Jimmy Rollins hit at least 30 home runs and stole at least 30 basis, with Art Vandelay hitting 31 homeruns, compared to Rollins' 30, and 41 stolen bases, compared to Rollins' is 31

PITCHING

    The Hickories allowed 95 runs to score in September, which was their third lowest total this season and was the best in the majors by at least 20 runs per team. Their team ERA of 3.63 and 620 runs allowed were also league bests.

    Gabe Kotter finished with a 3.09 ERA, good for third in the majors. Kotter and David Cohen finished tied for third with 17 wins, behind CC Sabathia's 19 wins and Pedro Martinez' 20 wins.

    Inego Montoya finished the year with 50 saves and 52 opportunities, 15 saves better than second-place Mariana Rivera. Set up man Mickey Shuler finished the season with 21 holds, good for third in the majors.

    Focusing on the AL East, Lincecum's 14 quality starts (number of times a pitcher throws at least six innings without allowing three or more runs) was tied for fifth place with two pitchers from the Red Sox, and Kotter and Cohen finished eighth and ninth with 13 and 12 quality starts, respectively.

WHO'S HOT

    David Banner had enough steals to break into the 40–40 club this season, and Art Vandelay hit his 30th homerun of the season, becoming the second 30–30 player (behind Banner) on the Hickories. Vandelay's accomplishment might be more impressive than David Banner's since Vandelay platooned for more than half the season

    With one out against the Orioles, 2008 1st round draft pick Enochs hit his first major league homerun – a line drive home run to left field. Enochs has been performing much better at the plate. His poor August performance made the Hickories' decision to exclude him from the postseason roster in favor of defensive utilityman Edgardo Alfonso an easy decision to make, but if he performs in the spring as he is right now, and he learns to play second base, he could easily nab the starting 2b spot over the steady, but ordinary Encyclopedia Brown.

    While David Cohen just does not seem to have the "wow factor" that he had as a rookie, his results have been even better, posting 17 wins for 2009 and consistently being a reliable starter

    In his last start of the regular season, Gabe Kotter struggled against the Red Sox in the first inning, allowing two runs on three hits, but then pitched some of his best baseball of the season, shutting down the powerful Red Sox lineup over the next 5–2/3 innings, allowing only one more hit in that span while racking up nine strikeouts, including striking out everyone in the Red Sox lineup, and striking out David Ortiz twice, earning his 17th win of the season.

WHO'S NOT

    Hickory's only dropped one game this season, making clear that no one is heading into the playoffs "cold," although starting shortstop cool Junior has been in blue condition for a while and backup outfielder Joi Laforge has been in purple condition.

SEASON ENDING LINEUP

Following is the Hickories lineup for most of September, along with commentary:

    Willie Mays Hayes, 23, centerfield (CDBCBD): Hayes is an offensive catalyst, and is undervalued defensively, where his abilities make the home stadium's expansive centerfield dimensions seem smaller are extraordinarily valuable.

    Art Vandelay, 26, outfield (CCCDDD): has rewarded the team giving him the starting spot by becoming the 2nd 30-30 player in the club's short history. Average in the outfield, he can do everything at the plate (average, power, base stealing), and the Hickories have experimented with swapping him and Hayes in the batting order because of his ability to drive in the 8th and 9th batters.

    Brian McCann, 25, catcher (CBFDDC): McCann has provided the offensive stability the Hickories hoped he would, and has done well behind the plate, even improving on his throwing out base stealers.

    Buck Rogers, 24, first base and left field (CBEDEC): Rogers overcame a horrible start to put up decent numbers and is on track to hit his 100th home run early next season. Has also improved in the field, and can more regularly initiate double plays.

    Jeff Lebowski, 24, third-base and first base (CCEBED): solid in the field, batting over 300, and finished 2009 tied with Manny Ramirez for the home run title. 'Nuff said.

    David Banner, 24, outfield (DCCBDD): the right fielder is a solid defender who rarely misses a game and is the 1st Hickory to join the 40-40 club. He sometimes tries to do too much with runners in scoring position.

    Crash Davis, 25, catcher and first base (DDFBDD): steady at the plate and in the field, he coaxes more innings out of his starters than most catchers and has improved his throws to second so much that base stealers are starting to think twice before taking off.

    Way Cool Junior, 25, shortstop, third-base, second base (DEBBBD): the SS fought for his job last spring by improving to B arm strength, and recently upped his defense to level B, while continuing to hit and steal bases.

    Encyclopedia Brown, 27, second base, shortstop, third-base, first base (DEDCCD): hitting over 300 and driving in runners in scoring position while playing good defense, Brown has exceeded expectations when he took over 2nd shortly after the all-star break. His only flaw seems to be his inability to field a ball close to 2b, physically step on 2b and then throw to 1st, as he seems to miss the bag more often than not.


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 Post subject: Re: Jacksonville Hickories: Talkin' softly, but carrying big
PostPosted: Fri Mar 21, 2014 8:29 pm 
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Ooh, playoffs, nice.

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 Post subject: Re: Jacksonville Hickories: Talkin' softly, but carrying big
PostPosted: Sat Mar 22, 2014 10:39 pm 
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2009 PLAYOFF PREVIEW

    Based on their overall record and how they finished the season, the Hickories are clearly the favorites to win the 2009 World Series. They are an offensive powerhouse, and as a team, the Hickories defense has improved markedly during the year, with none of their regular starters being below average and their 2b, SS, 3B, and CF being considered above average at their spots. This, plus their coaches concept of going for the sure out even if it allows a runner to score has prevented a lot of big innings that have plagued other teams

DIVISION MATCH UPS

    While the Hickories host the Cleveland Indians (89–73), the Seattle Mariners (89–73) will travel to Minnesota to face the Twins (90–72). The National League showcases the Mets (97–65) hosting the Diamondbacks (88–74) and the Rockies (88–74) hosting the Astros (83–79).

    The Hickories were five and one against the Indians and six and two against the Twins. Assuming the Hickories get past the Indians, they are probably hoping that the Twins eliminate the Mariners, as the Hickories were "only" eight and six against that Western division opponent.

CLEVELAND INDIANS

    The Indians do not have the depth of long relievers that the Hickories have, but they do have an effective rotation, featuring Cliff Lee (92 DB CU – four, DCB – two, CH – two), CC Sabathia, John Maine, and Jake Westbrook. Their decision to leave Andrew Brown (94 DE SL – three, CH – four) off the postseason roster could hurt them, but Rafael Betancourt (95 AE 2SF – two, SFB – two, CH – two, CB – three) and JJ Putz (98 BE 2SF – two, HSL – two, CB – two, CH – two, SP – one) can be formidable.

    Offensely, the Indians have some power (Grady Sizemore, Cliff Lee, Casey Blake, Ronnie Belliard, Travis Hafner, and Victor Martinez) and some speed (Jaimie Carroll, Grady Sizemore) and the relatively ordinary David DeLucci (EEDEEC) seems to find ways to come up big in big spots.

    Still, the Indians seem to have neither the firepower nor the pitching to contend with the Hickories.

STARTING LINEUPS

Following is the projected starting lineups, along with commentary:

    LF Art Vandelay (CCCDDD) v. CF Grady Sizemore (DBBDCB): push, with Sizemore boasting better power and speed, but Vandelay putting the ball in play more often and having a breakout performance this year

    CF Willie Mays Hayes (CDBCBD) v. 2b Carol (DEBCCC): advantage Hickories

    DH Brian McCann (CBFDDC) v. 1B Hafner (DBEFFC): push, as Haffner put up great power numbers this year while McCann led the league in batting average and hits

    1b Buck Rogers (CBEDEC) v. LF Cliff Lee (CAEDDC): advantage Indians

    3b Jeff Lebowski (CCEBED) v. C Victor Martinez (CBFEDC): we will call this a "push," since Martinez' attributes and experience favors him over Lebowski, but Lebowski put up a better average and homerun numbers then Martinez. Martinez will face more pressure than Lebowski, who is one of the top young third baseman the game, as Martinez' throwing arm will likely be tested often

    RF David Banner (DCCBDD) v. RF David DeLucci (EEGEEC): advantage Hickories - the only 40–40 player clearly gets the edge.

    C Crash Davis (DDFBDD) v. DH Casey Blake (DBDCCC): advantage Indians. Blake gets the nod here, although if he was batting sixth like most believe you should, that might make the Banner – Blake matchup a "push" and a Crash Davis – DeLucci comparison would favor the Hickories.

    SS Way Cool Junior (DEBBBD) v. 3b Great Wood (EEDBCD): advantage Hickories speed gives the Hickories a clear edge in this spot

    2b Encyclopedia Brown (DEDCCD) v. Miguel Cairo (DEDBCD): push

    The projected starting pitchers for the Hickories will be Tim Lincecum, followed by Glass Joe (92 FB 2SF – two, SLV – three, FOS – three, KN – six), which is a mild surprise although Joe has been one of the most effective pictures all season even though he was not officially handed a starting spot until August, followed by Gabe Kotter

THINGS TO WATCH

    Catcher comparisons: the Indians and Hickories catchers have very different styles. Martinez is a power hitter that makes few mistakes in the field, but has difficulty throwing out runners, while Crash Davis is more of a "put the ball in play" at the plate and has improved his throwing out of base stealers, but is not as good at blocking the plate and preventing passed balls. It will be interesting to see which attributes are more important in the series.

    The outfield configurations of Golden Apple stadium provide large gaps - great for doubles and triples. While teams with speedy outfielders are able to cut down on those, the Indians corner outfielders have DE and EE run speed and fielding ability, opening up the possibilities for the Hickories to have big innings without hitting homeruns, unless Grady Sizemore is able to cover more ground than he normally needs to on the Cleveland home turf.

PREDICTION

    The Hickories in three. The Hickories win the offensive comparisons in the paper matchups, 3–2, but we think the Hickories better speed, combined with the Indians' catcher's inability to throw out baserunners will be a significant advantage for the Hickories, allowing singles to lead to runners in scoring position.


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 Post subject: Re: Jacksonville Hickories: Talkin' softly, but carrying big
PostPosted: Sun Mar 23, 2014 10:21 pm 
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2009 DIVISION PLAYOFF SERIES

10/5/09: HICKORIES LINCECUM (98 DA 2SF – two, SL – four, DCB – four, CH – four) VERSUS INDIANS LEE (92 DB CU – four, DCB – two, CH – two)

    Lincecum started off strong, sandwiching strikeouts of Grady Sizemore and Travis Hafner around a harmless ground ball to second. Meanwhile, Lee allowed leadoff singles to Vandelay and Hayes, before inducing three flyball outs. In the second inning, David Banner led off with a single, stole second, and scored on a Crash Davis single to center. In the fourth, Jeff Lebowski led off with a homerun, and with a sense of déjà vu, David Banner singled, stole second, and scored on another Crash Davis single to center The Hickories proceeded to load the bases and Vandelay hit an RBI single so sharply that only one run could score. Disappointingly, neither Mays Hayes, McCann, nor Rogers were able to drive in another run, but that would be the last pitch Cliff Lee would throw today. In the bottom of the seventh, Brian McCann led off with a homerun, and in the bottom of the eighth, Buck Rogers hit a two-out double that scored Mayes-Hayes from second and Brian McCann from first. In the meantime, Lincecum pitched a two hit complete game shutout. Final score: 7–0, Hickories

KEY CONTRIBUTORS
    Lincecum (9 IP, 0R, 2H, 6K). In a show of total dominance, other then their 2 base hits, the Indians only managed to get three balls out of the infield.
    Crash Davis (4/4, two RBI, R)
    David Banner (3/4, two SB, two R)
    Buck Rogers (1/5, 2b, two RBI)
    Homeruns from McCann and Lebowski

10/6/09: HICKORIES GLASS JOE (92 FB 2SF – two, SLV – three, FOS – three, KN – six) VERSE INDIANS JOHN MAINE (94 CA 2SF – one, SL – two, CB – one, CH – two)

    Grady Sizemore led off with a triple that split the Hickories center and right fielders and then scored on a fielders choice in the bottom of the second inning, Buck Rogers led off with a triple that hit the right centerfield wall on a fly and came home on a fielders choice. David Banner followed with his own triple and scored on a Cool Junior single. Two outs later, Vandelay hit an RBI single. The score remained unchanged and Glass Joe did not even give up a second base hit until the fifth inning, but the pitch count caught up to Glass Joe and he left with one out in the sixth inning, replaced by Duane Schneider (98 GC HSL – three, DCB – two, FOS – five, SFB – three). Duane Schneider allowed an RBI single to Travis Hafner that cut the Hickories lead to one run, although it was really an error on the part of the Hickory shortstop who took a poor route to the ball. In the bottom of that inning, Buck Rogers doubled McCann home from 1st, and then Rogers scored on a softly hit single from Lebowski, triggering the Indians' call to the bullpen. The Indians added a run in the seventh, in part because David Banner took a poor route on a fly ball and allowed it to get over his head for double. Schneider left with one out and one on in the eighth, and set-up man Mickey Shuler (89 DC 2SF – three, HSL – five, PA – two) entered the game, but allowed another hit and then a game-tying RBI double from Cliff Lee. Manzanilla started the ninth-inning and struck out the first two batters he faced before inducing a harmless grounder to short for the final out of the inning. In the bottom of the ninth, Crash Davis hit a one-out single and was bunted to second, but pinch-hitter Geordi Laforge ground out. In the 10th, Jamie Carroll hit a one out double, but Manzanilla induced Travis Hafner to pop out to short. In the bottom of the inning, McCann hit his third single, all of which came with two strikes, and moved to second on wild pitch. With a three – one count and McCann on second, Buck Rogers pounded a fastball, putting it over the right-field fence for a walk off homerun. Final score: 7–5 (10), Hickories

KEY CONTRIBUTORS:
    Glass Joe (5-1/3 IP, 2H, 0R, 3K)
    Buck Rogers (3/5, 2b, 3b, HR, 3 RBI, 3R)
    Jeff Lebowski (1/4, 2 RBI)
    Manzanilla (2 IP, H, 2K, 0R)

10/8/09: HICKORY'S KOTTER (92 FB 2SF – three, HSL – three, VSL – four, CCH – three) VERSUS INDIANS LAFFEY (90 EB SL – three, CH – two, SFB – one)

    For the first four innings, both pitchers had one hit shutouts, with Victor Martinez throwing out Art Vandelay in the first inning. Victor Martinez doubled to leadoff the fifth and moved to third on a Delucci single. As the Hickories have done throughout the season, when Casey Blake grounded to short, the Hickories went for the double play and allowed Martinez to score the go-ahead run. Laffey continued to shut down the Hickories offense until the sixth inning, when a single from Cool Junior followed by fielders choice that resulted in Cool and Brown being safe at first and second preceded a Vandelay home run to right field. In the seventh, David Banner singled with two outs, stole second, and scored on a Crash Davis shallow single to left field. In the bottom of the eighth, the Indians reliever tired and the Hickories took advantage, with Encyclopedia Brown and Mays Hayes singling and then scoring on a double from Buck Rogers that bounced off the centerfield wall. Final score: six – one, Hickories

OTHER DIVISION PLAYOFF SERIES
    The Hickories were the only team to sweep their series, with both National League series going four games and the other AL series going a full five games. The Diamondbacks defeated the Mets and will face-off against the Astros who defeated the Rockies. The Twins beat the Mariners in the fifth game and will travel to Jacksonville to face the Hickories.


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 Post subject: Re: Jacksonville Hickories: Talkin' softly, but carrying big
PostPosted: Mon Mar 24, 2014 10:44 pm 
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2009 LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES PREVIEW

    TWINS LINEUP COMPARISONS TO HICKORIES


      RF Hunter Pence (BBDCBC) v. LF Art Vandelay (CCCDDD): advantage Twins

      LF Delmon Young (CBCCFD) v. CF Willie Mayes-Hayes (CDBCBD): advantage Twins

      C Joe Mauer (CCCCBB) v. DH Brian McCann (CBFDDC): advantage Hickories

      DH Michael Cuddyer (DCBDEC) v. 1B Buck Rogers (CBEDEC): advantage Hickories

      1B Justin Morneau (DBECDB) v. 3B Jeff Lebowski (CCEBED): advantage even

      2B Brendan Harris (DBGDDE) v. David Banner, 24, outfield (DCCBDD): advantage Hickories

      SS Adam Everett (EECABB) v. Crash Davis, 25, catcher and first base (DDFBDD): advantage Hickories

      CF Brady Clark (DFEFDD) v. Way Cool Junior, 25, shortstop, third-base, second base (DEBBBD): advantage Hickories

      3B Nick Punto (EFBBCD) v. Encyclopedia Brown, 27, second base, shortstop, third-base, first base (DEDCCD): advantage Hickories

PITCHERS

The Twins have some effective starting pictures, including Livan Hernandez (88 CA SL – three, CB – three, CH – two, SP – two), Scott Baker (93 CA CU – one, CU – one, CB – three, CH – four), and Nick Blackburn (SL – three, CU – two, CB – four, CH – two), and ??? (96 CE SL – five) and Pat Neshick (95 CE SL – four, CH – two, SK – three) are effective relievers. Still, the Twins might be regretting their July 6 trade with the Red Sox in which they sent Chris Carpenter (95 FB HSL – five, DCB – four, SP – three) and Johnathan Papelbon (98 BE SL – two, SP – one) in exchange for a player who did not make their postseason roster.


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 Post subject: Re: Jacksonville Hickories: Talkin' softly, but carrying big
PostPosted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 1:45 pm 
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2009 LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

    /13/09: HICKORIES COHEN (98 FB 2SF – THREE, HSL – THREE, SCB – TWO, CCH – ONE) V TWINS HERNANDEZ (88 CA SL – THREE, CB – THREE, CH – TWO, SFB – TWO)

    NOTE: with catchers Crash Davis and Mackey Sasser in purple condition, McCann is catching today, with Buck Rogers batting in the DH role and Remington Steele (CDECDD) Manning first and batting seventh

The Hickories scored first in the bottom of the second inning when David Banner tripled home Jeff Lebowski. In the fourth, McCann and Rogers took advantage of the Twins weakness in centerfield with back-to-back doubles. In the fifth, singles from the Twins 7–9 hitters brought in the run. And the sixth, the Twins threatened again, putting Mauer and Cuddyer at first and second with no out, triggering the Hickories to bring in their setup man Mickey Shuler to get out of the jam. After going up 0–2 on Justin Morneau, Morneau slashed a double to right center field that brought in both runners. One out later, Brady Clark came through with an RBI single, and the Twins took a two run lead into the seventh inning. In the bottom of the seventh, Vandelay once again came to the plate representing the go-ahead run, as David Banner and Remington Steele singled earlier, and he smacked a home run off of a tiring Livan Hernandez. The Twins brought in Pat Neshek. In the 8th, McCann extended the Hickories lead with a home run off of a Neshek sinker that fell back over the plate, and then Banner slashed an opposite field homerun two outs later. Montoya collected his first save of the postseason. Final score: 7–4, Hickories

    NOTES: Joe Mauer threw out Mays Hayes in the first inning, Brian McCann threw out Joe Mauer in the fourth, and the Twins backup catcher Mike Redmond threw out Mays Hayes again to end the seventh inning on steal attempts. David Banner and Way Cool did have successful steal attempts.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
    Art Vandelay 1/4, HR, three RBI, R
    Banner 3/4, 3B, HR, two RBI, R
    Homeruns: Vandelay, McCann, Banner

10/14/09: HICKORIES FERNANDEZ (88 EB HSL – THREE, DCB – TWO, SP – FOUR, HSH – THREE) VERSUS TWINS BAKER (93 CA CU – ONE, CU – ONE, CB – THREE, CH – FOUR)

    Singles by Mays Hayes, McCann, Jeff Lebowski, David Banner, and Crash Davis gave the Hickories a three run lead after one. The bottom of the Twins lineup, for a second game, came through as Brady Clark singled in Justin Morneau. Later that same inning, Hunter Pence singled in Clark. In the third inning, the Twins tied the game when Joe Mauer singled, stole second, and scored on a fielders choice two batters later. The score remained tied for two innings until Art Vandelay stepped to the plate with two outs and a runner on second and drilled a one – one fastball over the deep centerfield fence. Later in that same fourth inning, Baker began to tire and gave up singles to Mays Hayes and McCann before Buck Rogers drilled a hanging curveball over the centerfield fence to give the Hickories a five run lead entering the fifth inning. In the fifth, David Banner made the Twins reliever pay for hanging a curveball by drilling a leadoff homerun to right field. Hickory starter Fernandez was tired when he closed out the sixth inning, and in the seventh, relief pitcher Duane Schneider took the mound along with several defensive of replacements (Mackey Sasser at catcher, Geordi Laforge in center, and Remington Steele at first). In the ninth-inning, a tiring Duane Schneider allowed the Twins to load the bases with no out, at which time he was replaced by Mickey Shuler. The Twins scored one run on a double play, but then Nick Punto grounded harmlessly to first base. Final score: 9–4, Hickories.
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
    Art Vandelay 1/5, HR, two RBI, R
    Buck Rogers 1/3, HR, three RBI, R
    David Banner 2/4, HR, two RBI, R
    Way Cool Junior 3/4, R, SB

10/16/09: HICKORIES KOTTER (92 FB 2SF – THREE, HSL – THREE, VIA CELL – FOUR, CCH – THREE) AT TWINS SLOWEY (93 DB SL – THREE, CU – ONE, CB – ONE, CH – ONE)

    The Hickories scored quickly, as Mays Hayes singled, stole second, and scored a a McCann single two batters before Jeff Lebowski clubbed a homerun off of a Slowey fastball with poor location. In the second, Crash Davis, Cool Junior, and Encyclopedia Brown loaded the bases on three singles, Brown's being an infield single to third. Art Vandelay, who is leading the team with three postseason homeruns, at-bat drove in a run with a sacrifice fly. Buck Rogers led off the third with a homerun, tying him with Vandelay for the team lead with three postseason homeruns and giving him the lead over Vandelay with 12 RBIs. In the fourth, Way Cool singled, took off for second and moved to third on a Brown single, and then scored on Vandelay's second sacrifice fly of the game. In the meantime, the Hickories Kotter took a no-hitter into the fourth inning, when Hunter Pence reached second on an error by first baseman Buck Rogers and then scored on a Delmon Young double. Two batters later, Justin Morneau singled home Young. Slowey was tired, having thrown 60 pitches in the first four innings, but he recorded the first out in the fifth before surrendering a home run to David Banner. In the sixth, Brian McCann singled home Mayes Hayes, who is on second with a double against the Twins reliever. Kotter left the game after 8–2/3 innings, leaving Nick Punto on second and Joe Mauer at the plate, but Manzanilla retired Mauer on a 0–2 ground out to short. In the ninth, Manzanilla hung a slider to Cuddyer that was deposited on the wrong side of the centerfield fence for a homerun, but he recorded the next three outs uneventfully. Final score: 8–3, Hickories


NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
    Gabe Kotter (7–2/3 IP, 5 H., two R, 6K)
    Art Vandelay (2/3, two RBI – two SF)
    Jeff Lebowski (1/5, HR, two RBI, O R)
    Homeruns: Buck Rogers, Jeff Lebowski, David Banner

10/17/09: HICKORYIES COHEN (98 FB 2SF – THREE, HSL – THREE, SCB – TWO, CCH – ONE) AT TWINS LOHSE (95 CB SL – TWO, CU – ONE, CH – TWO)

    The Hickories scored quickly when Vandalay led off with a single, stole second, and scored on a Buck Rogers single to center. Two batters later, David Banner hit a towering homerun to right field that brought in Rogers and Brian McCann, who had reached earlier on a fielders choice. In the bottom of the inning, Michael Cuddyer hit a two run home run off of a Cohen curveball on the inside part of the plate. In the bottom of the second, the Twins loaded the bases for Nick Punto, who singled to right field. A Hunter Pence single brought in the tying run, and a Joe Mauer bloop had brought in the go-ahead run that gave the Twins their first lead in the series. In the top of the fourth, the Hickories 7–9 batters singled to load the bases with one out, but they were unable to score. Mays Hayes led off the fifth with a double and, three batters and two feelers choices later, he was on third when David Banner walked to bring up Crash Davis. Davis singled in his prior two at-bats and the Twins went to their bullpen, but Davis still singled in the tying and go ahead runs. Way Cool Junior singled in a run and Encyclopedia Brown doubled in two runs. Cohen was too tired to take the mound in the fifth, so Morris Buttermaker, who was the Hickories sixth starter for most of the season, took the mound and easily retired the heart of the Twins lineup to preserve the Hickories four run lead. Brian McCann hit a solo homerun in the sixth. In the seventh, a one out double from Hunter Pence followed by singles from Young and Mauer brought in a run. That would be the final run to score in this game. Final Score: 10–6, Hickories

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
    Morris Buttermaker (five IP, 5H, R, 3K)
    Crash Davis (3/4, two RBI, R)
    Encyclopedia Brown (2/4, 2b, two RBI)
    Homeruns: Brian McCann, David Banner

NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES: While the Hickories swept the Twins, the Astros and Diamondbacks were tied after four games and again after six before the Diamondbacks finally won the League Series with a convincing 8–4 win. They now have one day off before facing the Hickories


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 Post subject: Re: Jacksonville Hickories: Talkin' softly, but carrying big
PostPosted: Fri Mar 28, 2014 12:30 pm 
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2009 WORLD SERIES PREVIEW

DIAMONDBACKS v HICKORIES

    LINEUP COMPARISON

      LF Byrnes (DBCCBC) v. LF Art Vandelay (CCCDDD): advantage even

      CF Burke (DDCECE) v. CF Willie Mayes-Hayes (CDBCBD): advantage Hickories

      3B Tracy (DDDBDF) v. DH Brian McCann (CBFDDC): advantage Hickories

      1B Jackson (DBECFC) v. 1B Buck Rogers (CBEDEC): advantage Hickories

      DH Young (EBCDED) v. 3B Jeff Lebowski (CCEBED): advantage even

      SS Drew (ECBCCD) v. OF David Banner (DCCBDD): advantage even

      C Snyder (ECFADB) v. C Crash Davis (DDFBDD): advantage Diamondbacks

      RF Upton (FEEEEE) v. SS Way Cool Junior (DEBBBD): advantage Hickories

      2b Vazquez (EFEEEF) v. 2b Encyclopedia Brown (DEDCCD): advantage Hickories

    PITCHING

      The Diamondbacks have strong front end starters Brandon Webb (91 BA 2SF – two, CB – four, CH – four, HSK – six), Dan Haren (95 CA CU – two, CB – three, SP – three, CH – three), and Dontrelle Willis (94 CA SL – FIVE, CH – FOUR, SFB – FOUR), who the Diamondbacks received from the Tigers in exchange for 2b Orlando Hudson (DBBBAC). Randy Johnson can still be dominant (94 EC 2SF – two, SL – three, SP – two), but there do not seem to be shut down pitchers for late relief work.

PREDICTION

The Hickories have not dropped a game this postseason. We do think that streak will end, but that the Hickories will win the World Series in five games.


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 Post subject: Re: Jacksonville Hickories: Talkin' softly, but carrying big
PostPosted: Mon Mar 31, 2014 6:31 am 
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2009 WORLD SERIES

10/23/09: HICKORIES LINCECUM (98 DA 2SF – TWO, SL – FOUR, DCB – FOUR, CH – FOUR) VERSUS DIAMONDBACKS DAVIS (88 CB CU – TWO, CB – THREE, CH – TWO)


    The Diamondbacks start off with three singles that were just inches away from being caught or picked up by the Hickories fielders, but then two strikeouts and a fly ball to center ended the inning without further damage. The Hickories grabbed the lead in the bottom of the second inning when Buck Rogers tripled before David Banner hit a homerun to left field. In the third, Vandelay singled, stole second, and scored on a McCann double off the center field wall. This was followed by a Buck Rogers homerun to left. Later that inning, David Banner singled with two outs, stole second, and scored on a Crash Davis single. In the top of the fourth, the Diamondbacks Chris Young hit a solo homerun. In the bottom of that inning, McCann singled home Mayes Hayes, who had singled and stole second. In the bottom of the fifth, Banner hit his second homerun of the day, this one an opposite field shot to right field that triggered a Diamondback call to the bullpen. Neither team would score after that. Final score: 8–2, Hickories

TOP PERFORMANCES
    Tim Lincecum (9 IP, 9H, 2R, 8K)
    David Banner (3/4, two HR, three RBI, 3R)
    Brian McCann (3/4, 2b, two RBI, R)
    Buck Rogers (2/3, 3B, HR, two RBI, two are)
    Homeruns: Buck Rogers, David Banner (2)

10/24/09: HICKORIES KOTTER (92 FB 2SF – THREE, HSL – THREE, VSL – FOUR, CCH – THREE) VERSUS DIAMONDBACKS JOHNSON (94 EC 2SF – TWO, SL – THREE, SP – TWO)

    Randy Johnson looked sharp and was attacking the strike zone, but the Hickories put together three soft singles to bring in a run in the second. With two outs in the third, McCann smashed a hanging slider for a solo homerun. In the meantime, the Hickories Gabe Kotter did not give up his first hit until the fourth inning, and that batter was immediately erased on an inning ending doubleplay. In the sixth, Justin Upton doubled home Chris Snyder, who led off the inning with a triple, but Kotter worked hard to close out the inning without allowing the tying run to score. Johnson would actually finish out the game while Kotter relied on a shutout eighth from Mickey Schuler and a shutout ninth from Enigo Montoya to collect his win. Final score: 2 – 1, Hickories.

TOP PERFORMANCES
    Buck Rogers (3/3, four)
    Gabe Kotter (7 IP, 4H, R, 5K)
    Mickey Shuler (IP, 0H, 0R, K)
    Montoya (IP, 0H, 0R)

10/26/15: HICKORIES BUTTERMAKER (88 FB HSL – TWO, SLV – FOUR, FOS – FOUR, SFB – FOUR) VERSES DIAMONDBACKS WILLIS (94 CA SL – FIVE, CH – FOUR, SFB – FOUR)

    NOTE: with all the Hickories starters in blue or worse condition, Morris Buttermaker gets to start; Crash Davis starts at catcher and Brian McCann is on the bench; Art Vandelay, in purple condition, is given the day off, replaced by Geordi LaForge

    Willie Mays Hayes leads off the game with a single, steals second, moves to third on an overthrow, and scores on a fielders choice. Both sets of pitchers and both sets of infielders played very well and Hickories took a slim one run lead into the fifth, when Crash Davis and Encyclopedia Brown singled with one out. Morris Buttermaker popped out on his last bunt attempt, but tried again, failing and going down 1–2 before he finally put the bat on the ball and singled up the middle to load the bases. After Mays Hayes popped out to the infield, Cool Jr. singled in two runs to give the Hickories some breathing room. The Diamondbacks got on the board in the seventh when Stephen Drew doubled and scored on a Chris Snider single. Later that inning, the Diamondbacks loaded the bases with one out, but only scored 1 run on a sacrifice fly before Mickey Shuler was able to close the door. In the top of the 8th, Buck Rogers hit a two run home run off of a Diamondback reliever and then back to back doubles from Banner and LaForge brought in the third run of the inning. Duane Schneider entered the 9th and and allowed an RBI double to Chris Young before closing out the inning. Final score: 6–3, Hickories

TOP PERFORMERS
    Cool Junior (1/4, three RBI, R, SB)
    Buck Rogers (1/4, HR, two RBI)
    Encyclopedia Brown (3/4, R). The second baseman also fielded the most balls of any Hickories fielder
    Buttermaker (6–1/3 IP, 8H, 2R, K)
    Mickey Shuler (1–2/3 IP, 2H, K)

10/27/09: HICKORIES COHEN (98 FD 2SF – THREE, HSA – THREE, SEB – TWO, CCH – ONE) VERSUS DIAMONDBACKS WEB (91 BA 2SF – TWO, CB – FOUR, CH – FOUR, HSK – SIX)

NOTE: Cohen is starting in blue condition, and we are told that the Hickories will be prepared to go to their bullpen early; Vandelay continues to sit in purple condition with LaForge taking his place. Brian McCann gets the start at catcher today over Crash Davis

    Mays Hayes got things going quickly with a single and a stolen base, but was thrown out trying to score on a Cool Junior single to left. McCann followed with an RBI double and scored one out later on a Lebowski single. In the second inning, the Hickories also grouped together a bunch of singles, had a runner thrown out at home (LaForge) and had another runner score. In the bottom of the second, the Diamondbacks put runners at first and third with no out. Cohen struck out the next batter before allowing 2 RBI singles. After a Brandon Webb bunt loaded the bases, Cohen gave up a single that brought in the go-ahead Diamondback and the Hickories moved to the bullpen. Manzanillo struck out the next batter, and then induced what should have been an inning-ending comebacker, but for some reason would not move 2 feet to his left to retrieve it and throw to first, ultimately allowing another Diamondback to score. Chris Jackson hit the first sharply hit single of the inning, giving the Diamondbacks a three run lead with a six run inning before Manzanilla recorded the last out of the inning on a strikeout. Web was doing a good job of keeping Hickories off-balance, although he was using a lot of pitches to get that done. In the fifth, singles from McCann and Lebowski sandwiched a ground out from Buck Rogers, putting runners at first and third. David Banner sliced the ball to left field and was awarded a sacrifice fly when McCann scored thanks to Eric Byrnes' throw being off-line. In the bottom of the inning, Manzanilla gave up a leadoff homerun to Chris Jackson on an 0–2 forkball that seemed well-placed on the lower outside corner. Web did not come out to start the sixth inning, giving way to reliever Brandon Lyon (96 BE SL – one, CB – one, CH – one), and the crowd seemed to get nervous, knowing that Lyon's breaking pitches leave much to be desired, but he held the Hickories in check until the eighth when a single by Lebowski and a double by LaForge set up Lebowski to score on a fielders choice. With Art Vandelay pinch-hitting for the Hickories pitcher, a wild pitch allowed Laforge to score. Vandelay struck out, but then the relief pitcher the Diamondbacks brought in specifically to pitch to Mays Hayes surrendered an RBI double that tied the game. The next Diamondback reliever surrendered the go-ahead run on a Cool Junior single. McCann made the last out of the inning and came out of the game as part of double switch that saw Mackey Sasser behind the plate and Mickey Shuler on the mound. Schuler sandwiched easy ground outs to second around a strikeout to close the eighth quickly. In the ninth, Jeff Lebowski, who had been batting under 200 in this postseason but was 4/4 today, smacked a two run home run over the centerfield fence. In a bit of gamesmanship, the Hickories delayed bringing in Montoya to close the game until the Diamondbacks announced their pinch-hitter to be Chris Young (EBC). After Montoya was announced, the Diamondbacks pulled Young in favor of DeSalvo (DFE) in order to get the lefty – righty matchup they wanted. DeSalvo popped out to the catcher before Encyclopedia Brown made a nice stab on a Byrnes grounder up the middle for the second out, and the last Diamondback to bat in 2009 grounded out to third. Final score: 10–7, Hickories

TOP PERFORMANCES
    Roy Hobbs (two IP, 0H, K)
    Shuler (IP, 0H, K)
    Montoya (IP, 0H)
    Mays Hayes (3/5, to be, two RBI, R, SB
    Jeff Lebowski (5/5, HR, three RBI, two R)
    Encyclopedia Brown (2/5, two R) was again the busiest fielder on the Hickories, fielding a game seven balls

NOTE: This World Series sweep highlighted the Hickories impressiveness in all aspects of the game. Showing good pitching, fielding, and hitting, the Hickories won a pitching duel, had a blowout win, and a come-from-behind late inning victory, highlighting their ability to win in different ways.


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 Post subject: Re: Jacksonville Hickories: Talkin' softly, but carrying big
PostPosted: Mon Mar 31, 2014 6:54 am 
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2009 YEAR-END INFORMATION

NOTABLE RETIREES

    Matt Stairs – Blue Jays
    Garry Anderson – Angels
    Troy Percival – Rays
    Miguel Batista – Mariners
    Paul Bird – Astros

2009 SEASON AWARDS WON BY HICKORIES

    AL TITLES

      Batting average leader – McCann
      Home run leader – Lebowski (tied with Manny Ramirez)
      Stolen base leader – Mays Hayes
      ERA leader – Kotter
      Saves leader – Montoya

    NOTE: former Hickories Ryan Braun and Robert Plant were the National League's homerun and stolen base leaders

    AL AWARDS WON BY HICKORIES

      Pitcher of the year – Kotter
      Relief pitcher of the year – Montoya
      Rookie of the year – Schneider
      Fielder of the year – Mays Hayes
      Hitter of the year – David Banner
      World series MVP – David Banner


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