Yesterday began a six game road trip for the Vero Beach Devil Rays, starting with an early monring affair against the Palm Beach Cardinals (10:35). Scott Kazmir made his second rehab start with the Devil Rays and lasted 4.2 giving up 4 runs in a loss to the Cards 4-3.
Apparently there was a lot of confusion as to whether or not Scott would stay in the ball game for the fifth inning or finish in the bullpen. Not sure the exact details and frankly it's old news.
Bottom line is that the Cardinals are a solid first place team and have several .300 plus hitters in their lineup. Vero Beach played them tough and hopefully will do the same tonight and then again tomorrow. The hits are starting to rack up for Vero Beach resulting in runs and ultimately wins.
Does anyone see a coralation between Vero Beach and the Detroit Tigers? The Tigers started poorly, but have bounced back nicely with the big guns producing like everyone expected. Vero Beach started 3-0 then dropped seven straight before picking up steam all while guys like Matulia, Stewart, Fields and even Royster are swinging a solid bat. Sure it helped to have Dioner Navarro on the team, but Navarro doesn't swing everyone's bat. He can teach them a few things, but in the end it's the young guys getting the job done on their own.
Keep checking in periodically throughout the road trip for my latest blog entries. Also feel free to leave me a comment or an email at draysvoice@yahoo.com
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Quinn Stewart Belts Way to 7 RBI's
The past week has been a good one for Vero Beach not just in the win column, but at the plate as well. Brady Williams talked about the bats finally coming around with guys like Ryan Royster, Matt Fields and now Quinn Stewart. The invitation was sent out and Stewart replied back with force.
Stewart belted a pair of 3 run jacks and picked up a bases loaded HBP for his 7th rbi of the day against the Manatees. Stewart was a 21 home run guy last season with the Columbus Catfish and it was just a matter of time before he transfered that power to the Florida State League.
Not to be outdone, Matt Fields had a perfect 4 for 4 day with a solo shot of his own and fell just a triple shy of completing the cycle. The Devil Rays routed the Manatees 12-4 on 18 hits. Vero Beach got the scoring started in the 2nd with 6 runs coming home. Two three run bombs by Stewart and Dioner Navarro who appears to be just fine after suffering lacerations to two fingers while slipping in the Tampa Bay Rays dugout. Navarro caught starter Matt Garza who gave up all 4 of the Manatees runs, but felt no soreness which was a good sign.
It's not official whether or not Garza will throw again for the Devil Rays before joining Tampa again, but Scott Kazmir will toss another outing on Wednesday against the Palm Beach Cardinals at Roger Dean stadium. Vero Beach has now won 6 of their last 7 and are now 9-8 in the east just 2 games back of first place Palm Beach. Same two teams tomorrow night with the Bud Light pre-game show at 6:45. Feel free to email myself at draysvoice@yahoo.com.
Stewart belted a pair of 3 run jacks and picked up a bases loaded HBP for his 7th rbi of the day against the Manatees. Stewart was a 21 home run guy last season with the Columbus Catfish and it was just a matter of time before he transfered that power to the Florida State League.
Not to be outdone, Matt Fields had a perfect 4 for 4 day with a solo shot of his own and fell just a triple shy of completing the cycle. The Devil Rays routed the Manatees 12-4 on 18 hits. Vero Beach got the scoring started in the 2nd with 6 runs coming home. Two three run bombs by Stewart and Dioner Navarro who appears to be just fine after suffering lacerations to two fingers while slipping in the Tampa Bay Rays dugout. Navarro caught starter Matt Garza who gave up all 4 of the Manatees runs, but felt no soreness which was a good sign.
It's not official whether or not Garza will throw again for the Devil Rays before joining Tampa again, but Scott Kazmir will toss another outing on Wednesday against the Palm Beach Cardinals at Roger Dean stadium. Vero Beach has now won 6 of their last 7 and are now 9-8 in the east just 2 games back of first place Palm Beach. Same two teams tomorrow night with the Bud Light pre-game show at 6:45. Feel free to email myself at draysvoice@yahoo.com.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Kazmir and Navarro Solid in Rehab Start
On a beautiful night for baseball in Vero Beach, if dollar hot dogs and sodas were not good enough for fans to come out to Holman stadium, having a few major leaguers in the lineup certainly would. Scott Kazmir started the ball game and tossed 3 solid innings of one hit and one unearned run. Kazmir also struck out 3 batters while walking none.
Dioner Navarro who caught Kazmir and batted out of the two hole played a big role in helping the Devil Rays to an 8-5 victory. Without a hit, Navarro was able to get himself on base with two walks and was also hit by a pitch which did not damage. The second walk allowed Dioner to advance to third later in the inning before making an exit to a loud applause from the 2,053 in attendance.
Vero Beach has now won 4 of 5 and have improved to 7-8 on the season. Same two teams tomorrow night as Vero Beach travels 30 minutes south to Tradition Field to complete their home and home with the Mets.
Navarro is expected to DH tomorrow night with Matt Garza on the mound this Sunday. You can hear the call Sunday starting at 12:45 with the Bud Light pre-game show.
Dioner Navarro who caught Kazmir and batted out of the two hole played a big role in helping the Devil Rays to an 8-5 victory. Without a hit, Navarro was able to get himself on base with two walks and was also hit by a pitch which did not damage. The second walk allowed Dioner to advance to third later in the inning before making an exit to a loud applause from the 2,053 in attendance.
Vero Beach has now won 4 of 5 and have improved to 7-8 on the season. Same two teams tomorrow night as Vero Beach travels 30 minutes south to Tradition Field to complete their home and home with the Mets.
Navarro is expected to DH tomorrow night with Matt Garza on the mound this Sunday. You can hear the call Sunday starting at 12:45 with the Bud Light pre-game show.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Fields Launches Into the Night
On a night when it seemed like scoring a run would prove to be impossible, Matt Fields came through in a big way. A solo shot deep to left and deep into the night giving the Devil Rays the only run they needed.
Matt's home run was his second of the Florida State League this season and broke him out of his hitting slump. Jim Morrison, the skipper of the ball club talked about the lack of production from the big bats early on this season and maybe Matt overheard our conversation.
The Devil Rays now improve to 6-8 on the season and picked up a game on the Hammerheads with a series win tonight. The Mets come calling tomorrow night for Devil Ray back pack giveaway night. Remember happy hour from when the gates open to first pitch...beers are just $1. No reason to stay away on a Friday night.
Matt's home run was his second of the Florida State League this season and broke him out of his hitting slump. Jim Morrison, the skipper of the ball club talked about the lack of production from the big bats early on this season and maybe Matt overheard our conversation.
The Devil Rays now improve to 6-8 on the season and picked up a game on the Hammerheads with a series win tonight. The Mets come calling tomorrow night for Devil Ray back pack giveaway night. Remember happy hour from when the gates open to first pitch...beers are just $1. No reason to stay away on a Friday night.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Hellickson K's the Hammerheads
On a cold brisk windy night in Vero Beach, fans were huddled close together some draped in blankets and others with winter hats and gloves on. However, the cold had no effect on the young Jeremy Hellickson who turned in by far his best performance of the season.
Just one week into his 21st birthday, Jeremy fanned 13 Hammerheads in route to picking up his second victory of the season. Hellickson had everything working for him tonight. The curve ball was nothing short of spectacular. In fact Hellickson struck out every Hammerhead player except for Agustin Septimo. Don't fret, Septimo was sent down by Chris Kelly.
Neal Frontz struck out the side in the ninth which gave the Devil Rays 17 k's on the night. Two in a row now for Vero Beach and more importantly they now pick up a game on the first place Hammerheads. Hellickson was without a doubt on his game and earned the Vero Beach Devil Rays player of the game.
Just one week into his 21st birthday, Jeremy fanned 13 Hammerheads in route to picking up his second victory of the season. Hellickson had everything working for him tonight. The curve ball was nothing short of spectacular. In fact Hellickson struck out every Hammerhead player except for Agustin Septimo. Don't fret, Septimo was sent down by Chris Kelly.
Neal Frontz struck out the side in the ninth which gave the Devil Rays 17 k's on the night. Two in a row now for Vero Beach and more importantly they now pick up a game on the first place Hammerheads. Hellickson was without a doubt on his game and earned the Vero Beach Devil Rays player of the game.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Time to Stop the Bleeding
After starting the season 3-0 the Vero Beach Devil Rays caught the attention of many. However, the team is has yet to experience that winning feeling since April 5th in which Matt Fields singled in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning.
The first long road trip of the season has not been kind to the Devil Rays. The Hammerheads swept them away in three, but then again Jupiter has now won 8 in a row. The Cubs have already taken the first two in their three game series, but I'm sure the team would like to come home on a winning note. Sunday is an off day which could be good for the team. A chance to reflect on the early season struggles and refocus on getting back into the win column.
Vero Beach returns home for four games starting Tuesday night against the hot Jupiter Hammerheads. Tuesday will also be Jackie Robinson night as the organization pays tribute to the great number 42.
Hopefully the bleeding will stop with a win on Monday night and the boys can gain a little more confidence and begin a win streak of their own. You can tune in live on Tuesday with the Bud Light pre-game show starting at 6:45.
The first long road trip of the season has not been kind to the Devil Rays. The Hammerheads swept them away in three, but then again Jupiter has now won 8 in a row. The Cubs have already taken the first two in their three game series, but I'm sure the team would like to come home on a winning note. Sunday is an off day which could be good for the team. A chance to reflect on the early season struggles and refocus on getting back into the win column.
Vero Beach returns home for four games starting Tuesday night against the hot Jupiter Hammerheads. Tuesday will also be Jackie Robinson night as the organization pays tribute to the great number 42.
Hopefully the bleeding will stop with a win on Monday night and the boys can gain a little more confidence and begin a win streak of their own. You can tune in live on Tuesday with the Bud Light pre-game show starting at 6:45.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Why I Prefer Earth Over Jupiter
The Hammerheads continue to find ways to win, now 5 in a row after dropping their first two games of the season. Unfortunately for Vero Beach, the lack of offense was felt again tonight. Let's just chalk this one up to good pitching from Jupiter.
The Devil Rays have now fallen to 3-4 after taking the first three games of the year including a two game sweep of the St. Lucie Mets. No need to worry, the talent on this ball club is very strong and the depth is even greater. VB has been in just about every game except for Sunday afternoon's loss to Daytona. That's a very good sign of a team that is capable of putting together a nice winning streak themselves.
The final game of the series is Thursday night and then it's onto Jackie Robinson ballpark in Daytona for three against the Cubs.
Just in case you missed it, the St. Lucie Mets got their first win of the season tonight knocking off Brevard County 10-1 at Tradition Field.
Speaking of first wins...my Detroit Tigers finally put one in the win column ending their 7 game loosing streak. Jeremy Bonderman picked up the victory against the Boston Red Sox in Fenway. That's my time.
The Devil Rays have now fallen to 3-4 after taking the first three games of the year including a two game sweep of the St. Lucie Mets. No need to worry, the talent on this ball club is very strong and the depth is even greater. VB has been in just about every game except for Sunday afternoon's loss to Daytona. That's a very good sign of a team that is capable of putting together a nice winning streak themselves.
The final game of the series is Thursday night and then it's onto Jackie Robinson ballpark in Daytona for three against the Cubs.
Just in case you missed it, the St. Lucie Mets got their first win of the season tonight knocking off Brevard County 10-1 at Tradition Field.
Speaking of first wins...my Detroit Tigers finally put one in the win column ending their 7 game loosing streak. Jeremy Bonderman picked up the victory against the Boston Red Sox in Fenway. That's my time.
Road Trip!
Who doesn't like a road trip? Last night marked the first one of the season for the Devil Rays as they traveled south to Roger Dean stadium for three against the Jupiter Hammerheads. Not a lot of offense in this game for Vero Beach with just two runs on four hits. Clinging to a 1-0 lead heading into the bottom of the 7th, the Hammerheads plated three runs and didn't look back.
After winning the first three ball games of the season, the Devil Rays have dropped their last three and are now back to .500 early in the season. This is a six game road trip and most are taking their first cuts in Roger Dean and then onto Jackie Robinson ballpark in Daytona.
Speaking of Jackie Robinson...when the Devil Rays return home on the 15th (tax day) it will be Jackie Robinson night at Holman stadium. Ceremonies begin at 6:30 to celebrate his accomplhishments in baseball.
Feel free to drop me an email at draysvoice@yahoo.com
After winning the first three ball games of the season, the Devil Rays have dropped their last three and are now back to .500 early in the season. This is a six game road trip and most are taking their first cuts in Roger Dean and then onto Jackie Robinson ballpark in Daytona.
Speaking of Jackie Robinson...when the Devil Rays return home on the 15th (tax day) it will be Jackie Robinson night at Holman stadium. Ceremonies begin at 6:30 to celebrate his accomplhishments in baseball.
Feel free to drop me an email at draysvoice@yahoo.com
Monday, April 7, 2008
Extra Effort Falls Short
Free baseball for everyone tonight at Holman Stadium. Unfortunately the Cubs are the ones heading home happy. The Devil Rays fell just short in their attempt at a second comeback in three days dropping the rubber game 4-3. Trailing 2-0 the Devil Rays plated three runs in the sixth inning thanks in part to a pinch hit 2 rbi single off the bat of Garrett Groce.
The Cubs would battle back with a run in the eighth and tied at 3 heading into the bottom of the ninth Vero Beach had a chance. A lead off walk to Groce was quickly erased when a hit and run was put on which went unsuccessful on both ends. Onto extra innings we go and free baseball for all. Too bad the $1 hot dogs, sodas and beers were cut off.
The Cubs plated a run in the top half of the tenth off a bloop hit from Yusef Carter into shallow right field. The Devil Rays would go down 1,2,3 in the bottom of the tenth and that was all she wrote.
3-2 heading into the first long road trip of the season before returning home on the 15th. That's right, it's tax day kiddies. Keep an eye on the blog throughout the week with updates on the Vero Beach Devil Rays and thanks for tuning into the broadcast.
The Cubs would battle back with a run in the eighth and tied at 3 heading into the bottom of the ninth Vero Beach had a chance. A lead off walk to Groce was quickly erased when a hit and run was put on which went unsuccessful on both ends. Onto extra innings we go and free baseball for all. Too bad the $1 hot dogs, sodas and beers were cut off.
The Cubs plated a run in the top half of the tenth off a bloop hit from Yusef Carter into shallow right field. The Devil Rays would go down 1,2,3 in the bottom of the tenth and that was all she wrote.
3-2 heading into the first long road trip of the season before returning home on the 15th. That's right, it's tax day kiddies. Keep an eye on the blog throughout the week with updates on the Vero Beach Devil Rays and thanks for tuning into the broadcast.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Sunday Blues
Just how far could this Devil Rays team go before dropping their first game? Apparently just till today. Nothing to worry about, this team has plenty left in their tank. Maybe the team used up a little too much energy last night to rally back from two down in the ninth and walk off with three runs.
Plenty of hits today for Vero Beach, that was not the problem. Runs were far and few in between. At times Matt Walker looked good, but the Cubs hitters just appeared to be on their A game today. Ryan Royster who is quickly becoming a fan favorite with his pure power struggled today at the plate, but there was one thing that stood out in his ab's. In all three strikeouts Ryan showed frustration. I like that in a player. Ryan understands that he is a better hitter than that and he has showcased that talent already in this early season...2 home runs and 5 rbi's through 4 games.
Tomorrow is the rubber match between the Cubs and Devil Rays which just so happens to be $1 night at the ball park. $1 hot dogs, sodas and beers...how awesome is that promotion?
The email box is open and I invite all listening in to send a quick email and say hello, let me know where you are listening from and I'll give you a shout out on the broadcast. draysvoice@yahoo.com and the instant messenger is available during the live call as well. I'll do my best to get back to you in a timely manner.
Our first 7pm start at Holman Stadium is tomorrow night and the possibility of taking the first two series of the season looms. I really like the make-up of this ball club. Attendance appears to be up this season and with the quality product that is on the field everyone is starting to take notice.
Plenty of hits today for Vero Beach, that was not the problem. Runs were far and few in between. At times Matt Walker looked good, but the Cubs hitters just appeared to be on their A game today. Ryan Royster who is quickly becoming a fan favorite with his pure power struggled today at the plate, but there was one thing that stood out in his ab's. In all three strikeouts Ryan showed frustration. I like that in a player. Ryan understands that he is a better hitter than that and he has showcased that talent already in this early season...2 home runs and 5 rbi's through 4 games.
Tomorrow is the rubber match between the Cubs and Devil Rays which just so happens to be $1 night at the ball park. $1 hot dogs, sodas and beers...how awesome is that promotion?
The email box is open and I invite all listening in to send a quick email and say hello, let me know where you are listening from and I'll give you a shout out on the broadcast. draysvoice@yahoo.com and the instant messenger is available during the live call as well. I'll do my best to get back to you in a timely manner.
Our first 7pm start at Holman Stadium is tomorrow night and the possibility of taking the first two series of the season looms. I really like the make-up of this ball club. Attendance appears to be up this season and with the quality product that is on the field everyone is starting to take notice.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Walk Off In Fashion
If you haven't heard already, the Vero Beach Devil Rays have a pretty good team. Starting the season 2-0 with a two game sweep of the St. Lucie Mets was nice thanks in part to great pitching. The victory tonight showed signs of a championship type caliber team. The ability to not give up and come from behind are two key components in winning down the stretch.
Bottom of the ninth down by two the Devil Rays faced adversity straight in the face. An rbi single from Suarez followed by a textbook sacrifice bunt off the bat of Quinn Stewart allowed Suarez to move into scoring position. Ryan Royster tied the game with his rbi single followed by another base hit from Nevin Ashley. Have I mentioned the fact that Ashley has called three great games behind the plate?
Tonights hero was Matt Fields. A walk off rbi single scoring Royster from second emptying the dugout and sending everyone home happy. This team arrived in Vero Beach loaded with talent and slowly everyone is starting to take notice. The season is young yes, but it's fun to be excited at the ballpark again.
Bottom of the ninth down by two the Devil Rays faced adversity straight in the face. An rbi single from Suarez followed by a textbook sacrifice bunt off the bat of Quinn Stewart allowed Suarez to move into scoring position. Ryan Royster tied the game with his rbi single followed by another base hit from Nevin Ashley. Have I mentioned the fact that Ashley has called three great games behind the plate?
Tonights hero was Matt Fields. A walk off rbi single scoring Royster from second emptying the dugout and sending everyone home happy. This team arrived in Vero Beach loaded with talent and slowly everyone is starting to take notice. The season is young yes, but it's fun to be excited at the ballpark again.
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