Timo Perez Takes Batting Practice With Ducks

Former New York Met, Timo Perez took batting practice with the Ducks on Thursday at the Bethpage Ballpark. Perez was also in the dugout for game that night.

Perez last played in the major leagues for the Detroit Tigers in 2007, and has bounced around between the Tigers, Phillies, and Dodgers Triple-A affiliates the last few years. He has a .269 batting average with 26 home runs and 185 RBI in his big league career.

Perez is a likely replacement for Matt Esquivel who will be sidelined for a good portion of the rest of the season with a shoulder injury and after having surgery on his hand. However, the signing of Perez may be held up do to a hang up with Perez being able to get a visa.

The Ducks also added former Villanova standout Matt Fleishman. Fleishman a native of Commack, NY, hit .320 with 5 home runs and 42 RBI for Villanova in 2012. 

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...still alive

I'd like to apologize to my readers of the "ATL Baseball Blog" and "LI Ducks Blog" for disappearing on them over the last couple months.

While I enjoy blogging about the Atlantic League and the Long Island Ducks, it became a lot of work and I was unable to keep up with it and my family.

Many of may know but my daughter Emma has Autism and my wife Stephanie and I have dedicating much of our time helping her adapt to being school and growing up. Throw in our three year old son Jake and there isn't much time left for updating a blog which needs constant attention. 

I've decided to go back and do my personal blog where I'll still write about the Atlantic League and the Ducks but it will be on a less frequent basis. This will also enable me to write about other issues like my family, Autism awareness, fantasy sports, etc.

I appreciate all your support! 

Broken Bat with Corey Mansfield

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Recaps From Yesterday (4/28)

Here's a recap from Atlantic League action yesterday:

Somerset Patriots - 14
Long Island Ducks - 3


The Somerset Patriots (1-2), got their first win of the season defeating the Long Island Ducks (2-1), 14-3 on Saturday night at TD Bank Park.

Somerset exploded for a 7-run fifth inning, which blew the game wide open. Every Somerset starter had at least one-hit. Yusuf Carter lead the way going 2-for-5 with a home run and 4 RBI. Brandon Sing had had his first home run for the Ducks. 

Complete game recap and box score from the Ducks website 

Lancaster Barnstormers - 3
Southern Maryland Blue Crabs - 2 

The Lancaster Barnstormers defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 3-2, in a rain soaked game on Saturday night at Regency Furniture Stadium.

Blue Crabs starter, Dan Riechert kept the Barnstormers in check through the first five innings allowing no runs, but was forced to leave the game when he was hit in the back with a line drive from Ryan Harvey.

Jamie Pedroza's 2-run home run off Blue Crabs closer Jim Ed Warden in the ninth inning put the 'Stormers ahead 3-1.  The Blue Crabs mounted a ninth inning rally but it fell short. 

Complete game recap and box score from the Barnstormers website 

Bridgeport Bluefish - 4 
Camden Riversharks - 1

The Bridgeport Bluefish (2-1) defeated the Camden Riversharks (1-2) on Saturday afternoon at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard, behind solid pitching from starting pitcher Paul Oseguera, and relievers Isaac Hess and Jonah Bayliss.

Oseguera pitched four solid innings, allowing a run on two hits while striking out five. Issac Hess relieved Oseguera and pitched four scoreless innings. Jonah Bayliss finished off the game with a solid ninth inning and picked up his first save of the season. 

Complete game recap and box score from the Bluefish website

Sugar Land Skeeters - 3
York Revolution - 1

The Sugar Land Skeeters (2-1) picked up their second win of the season defeating the York Revolution (1-2), 3-1 on Saturday at Constellation Field.

Sugar Land starter Bobby Livingston threw a solid five innings, allowing one run on three hits while striking out two. Ryan Houston worked a scoreless ninth inning to pick up his first save of the year.

Jimmy Van Ostrand and Colt Morton lead the Skeeters offense with two hits a piece. 

Complete game recap and box score from the Skeeters website

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DeAngelo Mack Signed By Somerset

The Somerset Patriots have signed outfielder DeAngelo Mack. 

DeAngelo Mack was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 13th round (405th overall) of the 2009 MLB Amateur Draft out of the University of South Carolina. In four seasons in the Yankees organization he had a .274 batting average with 27 home runs and 144 RBI. Last season, he split time between Tampa(A+) and Trenton(AA).

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Atlantic League Season Kicks Off Tonight

The Atlantic League seasons kicks off tonight!

Here's the schedule for tonight

Long Island Ducks at Somerset Patriots, 7:05pm, TD Bank Park, Bridgewater, NJ.

York Revolution at Sugar Land Skeeters, 7:05pm, Constellation Field, Sugar Land, TX. 

Camden RiverSharks at Bridgeport Bluefish, 7:05pm, Ball Park at Harbor Yard, Bridgeport, CT.

Lancaster Barnstormers at Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, 7:05, Regency Furniture Stadium, Waldorf, MD.

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Patriots to Honor Willie Randolph This Saturday

The Somerset Patriots will be honoring New York Yankees great and former New York Mets manager Willie Randolph with the Somerset Patriots Outstanding Community Service Award this Saturday night.

Here's an excerpt from the Patriots press release:

"Randolph will receive the Somerset Patriots Outstanding Community Service Award for his work through the Willie Randolph Foundation, which supports programs and initiatives for improving athletic opportunities for boys and girls in the New York and New Jersey area. With the objective of inspiring and providing positive leadership to inner-city children and young adults, the Foundation places special emphasis on supporting youth baseball programs and improving playing facilities."

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Danny Gonzalez And Ricardo Gomez In York Camp

Danny Gonzalez and Ricardo Gomez have reported to camp with the York Revolution. Gonzalez was signed earlier in the spring.

Ricardo Gomez will be entering his fifth season in the Atlantic League, and second with the York. He previously played for Lancaster in 2008 and 2009, and Long Island in 2010. Gomez has also played in the New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates organizations. Last season, he had a 2-0 record with a 2.13 ERA in 25.1 innings for the Revolution.

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Chris Pettit Signed By Mariners

The Bridgeport Bluefish announced that outfielder Chris Pettit has been signed by the Seattle Mariners organization. Pettit will report to the Mariners Triple-A affiliate Tacoma of the Pacific Coast League.

Chris Pettit was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 19th round (582nd overall) of the 2006 MLB Amateur Draft out of Loyola Marymount University. He played five seasons in the Angels organization, including 11 games in the major leagues from 2009 to 2011. He has a career .286 batting average in the big leagues. Last season, Petitt split time between the Angels, their Double-A affiliate Arkansas, and their Triple-A affiliate Salt Lake. He has a .280 batting average with 49 home runs, 303 RBI, and 77 stolen bases in his minor league career.

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The BrooklynTrolleyBlogger: L.I. Ducks Gearing Up For Another Run at Title

The BrooklynTrolleyBlogger wrote an awesome piece about the Ducks upcoming season! I'm even mentioned in it!

Here's an excerpt from the post:

"Whether hitting lead-off, or lower in the order, Kraig Binick had a tremendous season with the bat, winning the League's batting championship with a .343 mark.  Long time Duck favorite Ray Navarrete set a few more all-time Ducks records last season as well.  After an early season slump, Ray finished strong and ranked second in the circuit with twenty-seven home runs.  The Long Island line-up featured four of the top six RBI producers last season."

Check out the complete post!

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Opening Game at Constellation Field

James Larkin Smith of TheMorningCoffeeMix - KFEE-DB(Digital Radio), did a great review of the Sugar Land Skeeters new stadium Constellation Field.

Here's an excerpt of the post:

"As for the stadium, the field is in excellent shape. What get’s your attention at first is the large Texas sized video screen in center field. In your field box seats, the sight lines are unbelievable. For Houston area fans used to seeing the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park, you will feel like you are on the field."

Read the complete review! 

Photo Credit: James Larkin Smith

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Dion Soskin, Atlantic League Autograph Collector

I've met many different people in my blogging over the last year, but no one is better than providing information concerning autograph collecting than Dion Soskin of Dion's IP Auto Only. 

Dion is a collector of autographs of all Atlantic Leagues teams, but primarily does York and Lancaster games. After each autograph outing he gives a nice report of the cards he got signed, and his overall experience.

I highly suggest that all collectors check out his website!

His two latest posts are about the York and Lancaster Fan Fest's!

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2012 Lancaster Barnstormers Pocket Schedule

Here are some pictures of the Lancaster Barnstormers 2012 Pocket schedule. It's hard to read the promotional schedule but the front is a great picture. Pictures provided by Dion Soskin

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Drew Locke On Spring Training And The Upcoming Season

Here's what Sugar Land Skeeters outfielder Drew Locke had to say about spring training and the upcoming season.

"Spring Training is going well. The team is coming together nicely and we will be ready to open up Constellation Field on Thursday. It is going to be a lot of fun hitting in this lineup. Top to bottom, there really isn't an easy out."

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Ryan Dunleavy's Article "What Went Wrong For Somerset Patriots In 2011?"

Ryan Dunleavy of mycentraljersey.com wrote a nice piece on what went wrong for the Somerset Patriots last season.

Here's an excerpt from the piece,

"After several other deceiving valleys, the Patriots finally bottomed out on Aug. 5 when a seventh straight defeat pushed the overall record 21 games under .500 for the first time in franchise history. Following the loss, frustrations boiled over as a shouting match erupted between teammates in the clubhouse."

Check out the complete article!

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Mike Loree On Ducks Spring Training

Here's what Mike Loree had to say about how the Ducks spring training is going.

"Spring Training for the Ducks is going real well right now! The team is really starting to gel together, especially after two scrimmages against Bridgeport. It seems like it will be a close knit clubhouse this year with great group of guys that are looking to compete everyday and win games! Everybody is excited and ready for the season to start this coming Thursday in Somerset. We are especially excited for the home opener on May 4th, and look forward to seeing the best fans in the Atlantic League!"

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Today's Game Cancellations

The following games are cancelled today due to inclement weather.

Somerset Patriots at Camden Riversharks
Lancaster Barnstormers at York Revolution

I haven't heard about the Southern Maryland/Sugar Land game which is scheduled for 4:05p.m. at York. Since the earlier game is cancelled, this may also be cancelled. I'll post something if it is.

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ATL Week In Review 4/15 - 4/21

Here's our weekly wrap up of what happened in the Atlantic League this past week called "ATL Week in Review."

Spring training games have begun, and opening day is less than a week away!

Sunday, April 15, 2012 
Cox Media Group Houston is Official Broadcast Home of the Skeeters - Cox Media Group Houston will be the official broadcast home of the Sugar Land Skeeters...more

'Sharks Sign Five More Including Three Former Major League Pitchers - The Camden Riversharks have signed right-handed pitchers Jeff Farnsworth, Bryan Corey, Jason Bergmann, infielder Marquez Smith, and outfielder Stephen Doetsch for the 2012 season...more


Monday, April 16, 2012
Bluefish Sign Kennard Jones - The Bridgeport Bluefish announced that they have signed outfielder Kennard Jones for the 2012 season...more

'Fish Sign Three More -  In addition to the signing of Kennard Jones today, the Bridgeport Bluefish have also signed former major league pitcher Tobi Stoner, former major league outfielder Chris Pettit, and pitcher Issac Hess...more

LI Ducks Blog: Ducks Finalize Roster, Sign Three! - The Long Island Ducks have added the final additions to their roster as they begin spring training. The Ducks announced that they have signed pitchers Randy Keisler, Eric Niesen and catcher Mike Rivera for the 2012 season. The Ducks also announced that catcher Mitch Canham has signed with St. Louis Cardinals organization and well be assigned to Triple-A Memphis...more

Ducks Announce Spring Training Schedule - The Long Island Ducks have announced their spring training schedule...more

Composite Atlantic League Spring Training Schedule 

Somerset Patriots Official Scorer To Give Presentation In Cranford, NJ - Hear the history of baseball scoring from John Nolan, the official scorer of the Somerset Patriots, and ask, “How would I score it?” on Wednesday, May 2, at 7:30 p.m. in the Cranford Community Center, 224 Walnut Avenue...more

Wednesday, April 18, 2012 
'Stomers Finalize Roster Sign Halama, Tiffee and Frostad - The Lancaster Barnstormers have announced the signings of pitcher John Halama, infielder Terry Tiffee and catcher Emerson Frostad for the 2012 season...more

Beau Vaughan On First Couple Of Days With 'Stormers - Here's what Beau Vaughan told us about his first couple of days with the Lancaster Barnstormers...more

Lance Pendleton Signed by Rays Pending Physical -  The Sugar Land Skeeters announced that pitcher Lance Pendleton has had his contract purchased by the Tampa Bay Rays pending a physical...more 

Atlantic League Team Twitter Handles

Dan Reichert On Blue Crabs Camp - Here's what pitcher Dan Reichert to us about how the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs spring training is going...more

Thursday, April 19, 2012
Parks Foundation Offers You Chance To Put Your Name On TD Bank Park - The Somerset County Parks Foundation is offering you a chance to put your name on a piece of TD Bank Park, the home of the Somerset Patriots...more

LI Ducks Blog: Rivera Signed by Red Sox, Johnson Signed by Ducks - The Long Island Ducks announced on Thursday that catcher Mike Rivera has been signed by the Boston Red Sox, and that they have signed Jason Johnson to their roster...more

Friday, April 20, 2012
Revolution Fan Fest Tomorrow (4/21/12) - The fan fest will start at 10:15am with a FREE concert at the Brooks Robinson Plaza featuring the band, Mountain Road...more

Saturday, April 21, 2012
Yesterday's Results(4/20/12), Today's Games!

Ryan Dunleavy Article On Catching Competition In Somerset - Here's a great article from Ryan Dunleavy of mycentraljersey.com about the Somerset Patriots catching competition this season...more

Michael Schlact On Blue Crabs Spring Training - We got a chance to catch up with Southern Maryland Blue Crabs pitcher Michael Schlact, and ask him about spring training. Here's what he had to say...more 

Jim Seip's Article on Tough Decisions For York - Here's a great article from Jim Seip of the Revs' Inside Pitch, about...more

The Pete Frates Fund - I recently came across a tweet from Sugar Land Skeeter, Drew Locke about his former college teammate and friend, Pete Frates who was recently diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease...more 

Barnstormers Fan Fest Today (4/21/12) - The event is FREE to the public and will feature an autograph session, face painting, a kids' workshop from Home Depot, charity sports memorabilia auction.  As well as free samples of new product lines from concession suppliers, including Turkey Hill ice cream. Families will also been able to play catch in the outfield prior to the game...more

Kristen Simon Named 'Stormers GM, and Lisa Riggs Named President

Video Of Today's Ducks/Bluefish Game - Walt Hilsenbeck took some video of today's Ducks/Bluefish game...more

Patriots' New Blog, PatriotsBaseball.com - The blog will feature player profiles, series previews, series recaps, position battles, and much more...more

Travis Bowyer On His Comeback - We got a chance to catch up with Somerset Patriots pitcher Travis Bowyer, and ask him about returning to professional baseball for the first time since 2005, after he tore is rotator cuff. Here's what he had to say...more

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Yesterday's Results (4/21/12), Today's Games!

Here's a recap from Atlantic League action yesterday:

Long Island Ducks - 7
Bridgeport Bluefish - 2

The Long Island Ducks defeated the Bridgeport Bluefish, 7-2 on Saturday at Bethpage Ballpark.

The Ducks got another solid outing from their starting pitcher, as Dan Meyer went three innings allowing one run on three hits. The Ducks bullpen was also solid allowing only one run in six innings.

Ryan Garko, Brandon Sing, and Reid Gorecki all had big days for the Ducks. Garko was 2-for-3 with 2 runs scored, Brandon Sing was 3-for-5 with a RBI, and Reid Gorecki was 2-for-3 with a RBI.

Read the game recap and box score on the Ducks website 

Lancaster Barnstormers - 6
Camden Riversharks - 2

The Lancaster Barnstormers improved to 2-0 on the exhibition season, with a 6-2 win over the Camden Riversharks on Saturday at Clipper Magazine Stadium.

The 'Stormers were paced by Blake Gailen who had a home run a double, and scored three times. Terry Tiffee chipped in with three hits for the Barnstormers.

Six Lancaster pitchers combined to allow only two runs, including Les Walrond who worked two scoreless innings, while allowing two hits and striking out three. 

Read the game recap on the Barnstormers website

York Revolution - 10
York County All-Stars - 1

Read Jim Seip's breakdown of how spring training is going for York

Today's Games
Somerset Patriots at Camden Riversharks, 12:00pm CANCELLED
Lancaster Barnstormers at York Revolution, 11:00am CANCELLED
Southern Maryland at Sugar Land Skeeters, @ York, 4:05pm

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Travis Bowyer On His Comeback

We got a chance to catch up with Somerset Patriots pitcher Travis Bowyer, and ask him about returning to professional baseball for the first time since 2005, after he tore is rotator cuff. Here's what he had to say.

"I've been trying to get back in it ever since I asked for my release in 2008. I failed a few times, played in a couple mens' leagues. I feel blessed to be given another opportunity. My goals are to make the team and play the whole year without breaking down. I'm having so much fun out there. It feels good to compete again"

Read our post about Travis signing with the Patriots!

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Patriots' New Blog, PatriotsBaseball.com

The Somerset Patriots have a new blog this season called PatriotsBaseball.com! 

The blog will feature player profiles, series previews, series recaps, position battles, and much more.

Play-by-play announcer Justin Antweil will also be contributing regularly to the blog. Here's what Justin had to say about the blog.

"PatriotsBaseball.com is another avenue in addition to the teams' main website, twitter handle, and Facebook page where fans can gather insight and analysis. The blog will focus on player profiles, features, series previews and recaps and position breakdowns."

Here's a clipping from their Facebook post:

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