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. 

Read More

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!

Read More

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!"

Read More

Video Of Today's Ducks/Bluefish Game

Walt Hilsenbeck took some video of today's Ducks/Bluefish game.

You can check them out on youtube!

Read More

LI Ducks Blog: Ducks Blank Bridgeport In First Exhibition Game

Four Ducks pitchers combined to throw a 3 hit shutout, and Ray Navarrete went to 2 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBI, as the Ducks cruised past Bridgeport in their exhibition opener.

Mike Loree started where he left off last season allowing only no runs and three hits over 3 innings, and striking out four.

Even though it's just an exhibition this is a great sign for the Ducks. Mike Loree threw a strong three innings, allowing no runs and 3 hits while striking out 4. Their bullpen was also strong. Last season, especially in the playoffs the bullpen struggled, so we're hoping this is a preview of whats to come from the 'pen. 

I talked to Ray Navarrete a few times in the off season and he told me he was working to get back to where he was in 2009, hitting for power as well as average. Today, was a step in the right direction. 

Read the Ducks game recap, and box score!

Read 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.

Josh Johnson was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the  25th round (737th overall) of the 2001 MLB Amateur Draft. Johnson has played in the Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays, and Houston Astros organizations, including 75 games at the Triple-A level. Johnson will be entering his fourth season in the Atlantic League. He previously played for the York in 2009, Lancaster in 2010, and the Road Warriors last season. He has a career .215 batting average with 17 home runs and 83 RBI.

Read More

Ducks Announce Spring Training Schedule

The Long Island Ducks have announced their spring training schedule:

Friday, April 20 10:30 a.m., Long Island Ducks at Bridgeport Bluefish
Saturday, April 21 10:30 a.m.,  Bridgeport Bluefish at Long Island Ducks
Monday, April 23 10:30 a.m.,  Long Island Black Sox at Long Island Ducks
Tuesday, April 24 10:30 a.m., NYPD at  Long Island Ducks

 Here's an excerpt from the Ducks website about the games:

"The spring training schedule will include two exhibition games against the cross-sound rival Bridgeport Bluefish, one game against a Long Island semi-pro team, the Long Island Black Sox, and one against the New York Police Department. Three games are slated to be played at the Duck Pond (complete schedule below). General admission tickets will be issued FREE to Ducks season ticket and suite holders, and a $5 donation to the QuackerJack Foundation will apply to all other fans. Season ticket holders may gain admission to the ballpark by showing their season ticket holder ID card or other form of identification at the box office.

The Ducks will conclude spring training with their annual season ticket holder meet-and-greet barbeque on Wednesday, April 25, allowing fans to connect with the 2012 team on a one-on-one level. To find out more information about season ticket packages, call the Ducks ticket office at (631) 940-DUCK or CLICK HERE."

Read 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.

Keisler will be entering his third stint in the Atlantic League, and second with the Ducks. He previously played for Southern Maryland in 2009, and Long Island in 2010. 


Randy Keisler was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 2nd round (67th overall) of the 1998 MLB Amateur Draft. From 2000-2007, he pitched in 151 major leagues for the New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, Oakland A's and St. Louis Cardinals. He has a career 4-4 record with a 6.63 ERA in his big league career. Last season, he posted a 7-7 record with a 4.67 ERA for the Los Angeles Dodgers Triple-A affiliate Albuquerque. He has a carer 86-71 record with a 3.96 ERA in his affiliated minor league career.


Eric Niesen was originally drafted by the New York Mets in the 3rd round (99th overall) of the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft out of Wake Forrest University. He played all five seasons of his professional career in the New York Mets organization, including 76 games at the Double-A level. He has a career 20-40 record with a 4.54 ERA in 430 innings pitched.


Mike Rivera signed as undrafted free agent with the Detroit Tigers in 1997. From 2001-2011, he played in 189 major league games for the Detroit Tigers, San Deigo Padres, Milwaukee Brewers and Florida Marlins. He has a .239 batting average with 13 home runs and 69 RBI in his major league career. Rivera spent most of the 2011 seasons with the Brewers Triple-A affiliate Nashville. In 1055 minor league games, Rivera has a .260 batting average with 174 home runs and 682 RBI.

Read More

LI Ducks Blog: Ducks Ink Three More

In addition to the signing of Mike Loree, the Long Island Ducks announced the signings of catcher Shawn Williams, pitchers John Meloan and Connor Graham for the 2012 season on Tuesday. 

Williams was acquired early last week from the Quebec Capitales of the Can-Am League for future considerations. Williams played most of his minor league career as an infielder but will be catching for the Ducks.  

John Meloan was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 5th round (166th overall) of the 2005 MLB Amateur Draft out of the University of Arizona. He  played three seasons in the Dodgers organization, and had his best season with them in 2007, when he posted a 7-2 record with 2.02 ERA and 20 saves in 66.2 innings between Jacksonville(AA) and Las Vegas(AAA). His success that season earned him a promotion to the major leagues in September. Meloan pitched in five games for Dodgers that season. From 2007 to 2009, Meloan pitched in 13 major league games for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cleveland Indians and Oakland A's. He has a 4.59 ERA with no decisions in his major league career. Last season, he was 1-3 with a 4.67 ERA for Oakland's Double-A affiliate Midland.

Connor Graham was originally drafted in the 5th round (162nd overall) by the Colorado Rockies in the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft. In 2008, he had his best season for the Rockies organization, posting a 12-6 record with a 2.26 ERA in a 147.1 innings pitched for Asheville(A). He started the 2009 season in the Rockies organization but was traded to the Cleveland Indians midway through the season. In 2010, Graham was 3-6 with a 3.43 ERA for Cleveland's Double-A affiliate Akron.

Read More

LI Ducks Blog: Reaction to Mike Loree Signing!

I speak for all Long Island Ducks fans when I say...Yes!

This is a major signing for the Ducks, and completely changes the dynamic of their rotation, as well as the balance of the Atlantic League.

Loree had a breakout season for the Ducks in 2011, and was named Atlantic League Pitcher of the Year. He was also a major reason the Ducks won the first half championship,

If Loree can continue where he left off last season for the Ducks then they should be instant contender. Loree doesn't over power hitters, but is a finesse pitcher who hits his spots. Another season working with Ducks pitching coach Steve Foucault should make him even better.

Mike is also a great guy to talk to about pitching and baseball. He's always willing to sign autographs for fans, and is a great ambassador for the Ducks. Great signing!

Read More

2011 Atlantic League Pitcher Of The Year, Mike Loree Returns to Ducks!

The Long Island Ducks announced that they have signed 2011 Atlantic League Pitcher of the Year, Mike Loree for the 2012 season.

Loree was lights out for the Ducks in 2011, posting a 14-6 record with a 1.98 ERA, and was named to the Atlantic League All-Star team. On August 21st, he was signed  by the Pirates organization and had a 1.17 ERA in 4 games with Altoona in the Eastern League (AA). He ultimately returned to the Ducks for their playoff run. Loree was named to the Baseball America 2011 Independent Leagues All-Star Team.

Loree started the 2012 season in spring training camp with the Pittsburgh Pirates before he was released at the end of March.

Mike Loree was a 50th round selection (1441st overall) by the San Fransisco Giants in the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft out of Villanova University. He pitched three seasons in the Giants organization from 2007 to 2009, where he posted a 13-13 record with a 3.51 ERA in 228 innings.  In 2010, he pitched for the Newark Bears.

Check out our interview with him!

Read More

LI Ducks Blog: Reaction to Canham and Meyer Signings

I'm surprised it took the Ducks this long to sign a catcher, but they landed a good one with Mitch Canham. I've talked to some players who have played with and against him and they all say he's a high character guy with a great personality. Duck fans should have no problem warming up to him. He's also a solid player who had some great seasons in the Padres organization. Last season he added some versatility to his portfolio playing left field and first base for Sacramento(AAA) in the A's organization. He should be slated to be the Ducks opening catcher unless they sign someone else.

I'm not completely sure where Dan Meyer fits into the Ducks plans. Earlier in his career with the Braves organization he was used exclusively as a starter, but in recent years has been used as a reliever. He hasn't started a game since 2008, which leads me to believe he'll be used as a reliever.

Read More

LI Ducks Blog: Updated Projected Ducks Lineup and Rotation

Here's my updated projection on what the Ducks opening day lineup and rotation might look like.

Lineup:
1 - Kraig Binick - LF
2 - Reid Gorecki - RF
3 - Brandon Sing - 1B
4 - Ryan Garko - DH
5 - Ray Navarrete - 2B
6 - Lew Ford - CF
7 - Bryant Nelson - 3B
8 - Mitch Canham - C
9 - Dan Lyons - SS

Bench:
Wilberto Ortiz
James McOwen


Rotation:
1 - Gustavo Chacin 
2 - TBA
3 - TBA
3 - Joe Esposito
5 - Jason Monti 

Bullpen:
Dan Meyer
Bob Zimmerman
Travis Minix
Jeremy Hill
Jeff Lyman

The Ducks currently have 19 roster spots filled. Look for them to pick up another catcher, a closer and at least two starting pitchers over the next week.

Read More

LI Ducks Blog: Ducks Sign Meyer And Canham

The Long Island Ducks announced on Wednesday that they have signed pitcher Dan Meyer and catcher Mitch Canham for the 2012 season.

Dan Meyer was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 1st round (34th overall) of the 2002 MLB Amateur Draft out of James Madison University. He spent part of five seasons in the major leagues with the Atlanta Braves, Oakland A's, and the Florida Marlins. He has a career 3-9 record with a 5.46 ERA in the major leagues. Last season, he pitched 14 games for the Pirates Triple-A affiliate Indianapolis.

Mitch Canham was a 1st round (57th overall) selection by the San Diego Padres in the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft out of Oregon State University. He played five seasons in the Padres organization, including 2008 when he hit .285 with 8 home runs, 81 RBI and 13 stolen bases for Lake Elsinore(A+).  Last season, he split time between the Oakland A's Double-A affiliate Midland, and their Triple-A affiliate Sacramento.

Read More

Ducks Acquire Williams

The Long Island Ducks have acquired infielder Shawn Williams in a trade from the Quebec Capitales of the Can-Am League for future considerations.

Williams was a 35th round (1061st) selection by the Houston Astros in the 2002 MLB Amateur Draft. He played for Fort Worth Cats of the American Association in 2006, and hit .317 that season. Williams signed with the Tampa Bay Rays organization in 2007. He played a three full seasons in the Rays organization (6 games in 2010), and had 3 home runs, 50 RBI and a .256 RBI in 166 games. In 2010, split time time between Newark (Atlantic League now in the Can-Am League) and Brockton of the Can-Am League. Last season, he hit .316 with 2 home runs and 29 RBI for the Brockton. 

 Even though the trade has been completed. Williams has not yet signed with the Ducks.

Read More

New Duck Hats and Jerseys For Sale

The Ducks unveiled a new hat by FlexFit on their online store. The hat looks strikingly similar to the hat  that I suggested they design back in November. Take a look at the hats and tell me what you think?

2011 Ducks uniform review
2012 - Black/Orange 6580 Hat - Ducks Online store

Of course I like the new hats because I suggested it on here.

Also, the Ducks now have jerseys for sale on their website, another thing I had asked for. Check out the jerseys in their online store. Each jersey is priced at a reasonable $85.00!


Pinstripe White Home Jersey
Alternate Orange Jersey
Black Road Jersey 

Awesome news for Duck fans!

Read More

LI Ducks Blog: Ducks Sign McOwen

The Long Island Ducks announced that they have signed outfielder James McOwen for the 2012 season.

McOwen was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 6th round (195th overall) of the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft our of Florida International University. He played four seasons in the Mariners organization, advancing as high as Double-A in 2011 with the Jackson Generals. He had his best seasons in 2009, with High Desert, when he .340 with 10 home runs and 82 RBI. McOwen has a career .289 batting average with 27 home runs, 220 RBI and 59 stolen bases in 403 games.

Read More

Ducks New Marketing Slogan

The Ducks have a new marketing slogan for the 2012 season! Here it is!

Read More