Nice Assignment Mr. Phelps

With a talented roster, the Charleston RiverDogs are expected to have some very well pitched games this season. Today was one of them. Starter David Phelps limited the Rome Braves to three hits over 5.2 innings in the RiverDogs 2-0 victory.

Phelps didn't walk a batter and struck out four before turning things over to Dan Kapala and Pat Venditte, who allowed only one more hit over the final 3.1 innings. Venditte picked up his second save.

Carmen Angelini and Abe Almonte each drove in a run and Garrison Lassiter had three of the 'Dogs nine hits.

	April 12, 2009
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Rome 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 Charleston 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 X 2 9 2 W: D. Phelps (1-0, 0.00); L: R. Delgado (0-1, 5.40); SV: P. Venditte (2) HR: None.

Brackman roughed up in season debut

Plenty of eyes will be on the RiverDogs this season and they will mainly be looking up. That's because 2007 first round pick, 6'10" Andrew Brackman (seen here between fellow pitchers Manny Banuelos and D.J. Mitchell), will be starting the season in South Carolina.

Brackman was drafted by the Yankees despite knowing he would need Tommy John surgery. Some thing it was a mistake, but the Yankees are confident they knew exactly what they were doing.

You can bet though that Brackman would like to put his season debut last night behind him. The 6'10" right-hander allowed 5 earned runs (6 total) in 5 innings pitched in the RiverDogs 8-2 loss to the Rome Braves. Brackman gave up 5 hits, walked 3, and struck out 5. He was handed a 2-0 lead, but with his team clinging to a 2-1 margin, gave up four runs in the fourth inning.

The River Dogs played a sloppy game, committing 5 errors, including a pair by shortstop Carmen Angelini. He did try to make up for it at the plate by leading the RiverDogs with 3 hits and also drove in a run.

	April 9, 2009
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Rome 0 0 1 4 1 0 0 0 2 8 7 0 Charleston 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 13 5 W: R. Sullivan (1-0, 3.60); L: A. Brackman (0-1, 9.00); SV: E. Spruill (1) HR: None.

The Post and Courier has more on the Charleston pitching staff that comes with high expectations this year.

RiverDogs GM Dave Echols maintains a blog on the team's official site and was excited about Thursday's opener.

Opening Day is almost here! MLB has started and our turn will be here on Thursday. Don’t miss arguably the best time of the year and don’t be late as we introduce your 2009 Charleston RiverDogs via and Opening Day Parade – with a little taste of NY in Charleston brought to you this year by Comcast.

A few familiar faces (Angelini, Almonte & Baisley), a 6’10” RHP (Brackman), a Clemson Tiger (DJ Mitchell) and an ambidextrous pitcher (Venditte) help fill out our roster. Take advantage of our first, meet the team party / practice tonight from 6pm – 8pm. A new opportunity to mingle with the players for a short period of time then watch the open practice.

Every team is different but we trust Torre will be use his past success in managing the RiverDogs to help guide this team thru the summer season. You’ll be catching his blog throughout the summer as well.

Come out and enjoy the start of a relaxing summer of RiverDogs baseball. Thursday, April 9^th we battle the Atlanta Braves affiliate from Rome, GA and begin a 140 game quest to bring a championship to Charleston.

We will introduce a few new food items (Mellow Mushroom pizza, sushi), a few new promotions but with the same Fun Is Good approach. Who knows, maybe you’ll see Bill Murray walking the concourse, get a chance to tell Mike Veeck your favorite promotion or see future New York Yankee make a great play.

Baseball is back in Charleston, come out to The Joe, relax and let us entertain you.

Dave

Jackson's Star Rising

Austin Jackson practically single handedly beat the New Britain Rock Cats yesterday in the Trenton Thunder's 9-3 win. Jackson had 2 doubles, a single, and 7 RBI to back the pitching of Jason Jones, who improved to 8-1. Zac Boyer of the Trenton Times spoke with Jackson after the game.

"I was looking for something to drive in the gaps -- that was the main thing," said Jackson, who also finished with seven RBIs in a 15-5 win at Reading on May 21. "I'm trying to just become more of a gap- to-gap hitter, really. The home runs and things like that will come, but that's mainly what we're working on."

After a rough April, in which he hit just .268 with 3 RBI in 27 games, Jackson heated back up in May. He hit .280 with 3 home runs and 23 RBI and posted an .861 OPS.

The Thunder also beat the Rock Cats on Saturday 13-3. P.J. Pillitere and Chris Malec had 4 hits each and combined for 5 RBI. Mark Melancon picked up the win in relief despite allowed 2 runs in 3.2 innings. Anthony Claggett provided 2.1 scoreless innings of relief.

Mike Ashmore has a Q&A today with Thunder outfielder Colin Curtis.

Scranton split a pair with the Rochester Red Wings over the weekend. The Yankees scored 3 in the 10th on Saturday, capped off by Jason Lane's 2-run home run, to take a 5-2 victory. David Robertson earned the win.

Steven White was roughed up in Sunday's start, allowing 6 earned runs in 3 innings as the Yankees fell 8-7. Dan Giese started, but was pulled after 1 inning, further fueling the fire that he'll be in New York on Tuesday. Phil Humber, one of the players acquired in the Johan Santana deal, picked up the win for the Red Wings. Eric Duncan homered and drove in 4 in the loss.

It has also been learned that Jason Lane can opt out of his contract if not recalled by tomorrow. Considering Jorge Posada will be returning this week and the Yankees will be carrying 3 catcher for a while, the recall doesn't seem likely.

It was a tough weekend for the Tampa Yankees as they were swept by the Ft. Myers Miracle. Having already lost Friday's game, the Yankees didn't get the pitching they needed to earn a win. Zach McAllister gave up 4 earned runs in 4 innings in Saturday's 8-6 loss. Josue Calzado had 3 hits and a pair of ribbies for Tampa. Scott Baker was making a rehab start for the Twins 'A' team and picked up the win.

Christian Garcia didn't fare any better on Sunday, allowing 6 runs in 4 innings as the Yankees lost 7-1. Calzado hit his 4th home run of the year.

It was a very successful weekend for the Charleston RiverDogs though. They took a pair of games to complete a 4-game sweep of the Hickory Crawdads. On Saturday, Adam Olbrychowski went 5 innings in a 2-0 win. Jon Ortiz picked up his 16th save. Both Dogs runs were unearned.

Ortiz blew his 3rd save on Sunday, but picked up the win when the RiverDogs rallied from a 6-5 deficit for a 9-6 win. Jesus Montero enjoyed a 2-hit, 2 RBI day and Carmen Angelini was 3-3 with an RBI and 2 runs scored. Lance Pendleton gave the RiverDogs a quality start with 3 runs allowed in 6 innings.

Jackson's Star Rising

Austin Jackson practically single handedly beat the New Britain Rock Cats yesterday in the Trenton Thunder's 9-3 win. Jackson had 2 doubles, a single, and 7 RBI to back the pitching of Jason Jones, who improved to 8-1. Zac Boyer of the Trenton Times spoke with Jackson after the game.

"I was looking for something to drive in the gaps -- that was the main thing," said Jackson, who also finished with seven RBIs in a 15-5 win at Reading on May 21. "I'm trying to just become more of a gap- to-gap hitter, really. The home runs and things like that will come, but that's mainly what we're working on."

After a rough April, in which he hit just .268 with 3 RBI in 27 games, Jackson heated back up in May. He hit .280 with 3 home runs and 23 RBI and posted an .861 OPS.

The Thunder also beat the Rock Cats on Saturday 13-3. P.J. Pillitere and Chris Malec had 4 hits each and combined for 5 RBI. Mark Melancon picked up the win in relief despite allowed 2 runs in 3.2 innings. Anthony Claggett provided 2.1 scoreless innings of relief.

Mike Ashmore has a Q&A today with Thunder outfielder Colin Curtis.

Scranton split a pair with the Rochester Red Wings over the weekend. The Yankees scored 3 in the 10th on Saturday, capped off by Jason Lane's 2-run home run, to take a 5-2 victory. David Robertson earned the win.

Steven White was roughed up in Sunday's start, allowing 6 earned runs in 3 innings as the Yankees fell 8-7. Dan Giese started, but was pulled after 1 inning, further fueling the fire that he'll be in New York on Tuesday. Phil Humber, one of the players acquired in the Johan Santana deal, picked up the win for the Red Wings. Eric Duncan homered and drove in 4 in the loss.

It has also been learned that Jason Lane can opt out of his contract if not recalled by tomorrow. Considering Jorge Posada will be returning this week and the Yankees will be carrying 3 catcher for a while, the recall doesn't seem likely.

It was a tough weekend for the Tampa Yankees as they were swept by the Ft. Myers Miracle. Having already lost Friday's game, the Yankees didn't get the pitching they needed to earn a win. Zach McAllister gave up 4 earned runs in 4 innings in Saturday's 8-6 loss. Josue Calzado had 3 hits and a pair of ribbies for Tampa. Scott Baker was making a rehab start for the Twins 'A' team and picked up the win.

Christian Garcia didn't fare any better on Sunday, allowing 6 runs in 4 innings as the Yankees lost 7-1. Calzado hit his 4th home run of the year.

It was a very successful weekend for the Charleston RiverDogs though. They took a pair of games to complete a 4-game sweep of the Hickory Crawdads. On Saturday, Adam Olbrychowski went 5 innings in a 2-0 win. Jon Ortiz picked up his 16th save. Both Dogs runs were unearned.

Ortiz blew his 3rd save on Sunday, but picked up the win when the RiverDogs rallied from a 6-5 deficit for a 9-6 win. Jesus Montero enjoyed a 2-hit, 2 RBI day and Carmen Angelini was 3-3 with an RBI and 2 runs scored. Lance Pendleton gave the RiverDogs a quality start with 3 runs allowed in 6 innings.

Minor League Recap - 5/13

Ian Kennedy got in his one inning of work (12 pitches) and then Scranton went out and beat the Indianapolis Indians 2-1 in 10 innings to start a doubleheader sweep. Eric Duncan provided the Yankees' game winning single for pitcher Dave Robertson (1-0, 2.70).

Scranton took the nightcap as Juan Miranda homered and Brett Gardner had a double, triple, an RBI, and a run scored. Steven White threw a complete game, scattering 10 hits to raise his record to 4-1 with a 2.66 ERA.

Trenton had the night off, but the Thunder will start up a series with the Portland Sea Dogs tonight.

The Tampa Yankees dropped their 2nd straight, after blowing a 1-run lead in the 9th, 6-2 in 11 innings to the Lakeland Flying Tigers. The Yankees bullpen wasted the efforts of starter Mike Dunn who pitched scoreless, 2-hit ball over 6 innings.

The Charleston RiverDogs got back to their winning ways with a 5-0 blanking of the Greenville Drive (who named that team?). Lance Pendleton (2-2, 3.42), Wil De La Rosa, and Casey Erickson combined on a 5-hitter. Carmen Angelini belted his first home run to spark the offense.

The Star Ledger's David Waldstein has a feature today on Trenton pitcher Dan McCutchen. It's not all that more informative than past features on the right-hander, but still worth the read.

Minor League Recap - 5/13

Ian Kennedy got in his one inning of work (12 pitches) and then Scranton went out and beat the Indianapolis Indians 2-1 in 10 innings to start a doubleheader sweep. Eric Duncan provided the Yankees' game winning single for pitcher Dave Robertson (1-0, 2.70).

Scranton took the nightcap as Juan Miranda homered and Brett Gardner had a double, triple, an RBI, and a run scored. Steven White threw a complete game, scattering 10 hits to raise his record to 4-1 with a 2.66 ERA.

Trenton had the night off, but the Thunder will start up a series with the Portland Sea Dogs tonight.

The Tampa Yankees dropped their 2nd straight, after blowing a 1-run lead in the 9th, 6-2 in 11 innings to the Lakeland Flying Tigers. The Yankees bullpen wasted the efforts of starter Mike Dunn who pitched scoreless, 2-hit ball over 6 innings.

The Charleston RiverDogs got back to their winning ways with a 5-0 blanking of the Greenville Drive (who named that team?). Lance Pendleton (2-2, 3.42), Wil De La Rosa, and Casey Erickson combined on a 5-hitter. Carmen Angelini belted his first home run to spark the offense.

The Star Ledger's David Waldstein has a feature today on Trenton pitcher Dan McCutchen. It's not all that more informative than past features on the right-hander, but still worth the read.

Minor League Recap - 4/22

Darrell Rasner and the Jose Veras out dueled Twins prospect Glen Perkins in the Yankees 3-0 win over Rochester. Rasner allowed just 2 hits in 8 innings and struck out 5 to improve to 3-0, 0.72. He should be the first choice to replace either Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, or Mike Mussina if they continue to struggle. Jason Lane hit his 6th home run for the Yankees.

Trenton used two home runs and a triple to rally from a 4-0 deficit, but the Binghamton Mets won it with a run in the 9th, 5-4 over the Thunder. Matt Carson and P.J. Pilittere had the home runs.

After throwing 2 straight shutouts, the Tampa Yankees were blanked by the Clearwater Threshers (Phillies), 6-0. The Yankees made 3 errors that lead to 4 unearned runs. Edwin Nunez had 2 of the team's 5 hits.

Charleston took 3 of 4 from Columbus, topped off by last night's 7-2 win over the Catfish. Carmen Angelini and Brandon Laird lead a 15-hit River Dogs attack with 3 hits each. Rutgers alum David Williams, and Taylor Holiday drove in 2 runs each. Noel Castillo went 7 innings to improve to 3-0, 2.28.

Minor League Recap - 4/22

Darrell Rasner and the Jose Veras out dueled Twins prospect Glen Perkins in the Yankees 3-0 win over Rochester. Rasner allowed just 2 hits in 8 innings and struck out 5 to improve to 3-0, 0.72. He should be the first choice to replace either Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, or Mike Mussina if they continue to struggle. Jason Lane hit his 6th home run for the Yankees.

Trenton used two home runs and a triple to rally from a 4-0 deficit, but the Binghamton Mets won it with a run in the 9th, 5-4 over the Thunder. Matt Carson and P.J. Pilittere had the home runs.

After throwing 2 straight shutouts, the Tampa Yankees were blanked by the Clearwater Threshers (Phillies), 6-0. The Yankees made 3 errors that lead to 4 unearned runs. Edwin Nunez had 2 of the team's 5 hits.

Charleston took 3 of 4 from Columbus, topped off by last night's 7-2 win over the Catfish. Carmen Angelini and Brandon Laird lead a 15-hit River Dogs attack with 3 hits each. Rutgers alum David Williams, and Taylor Holiday drove in 2 runs each. Noel Castillo went 7 innings to improve to 3-0, 2.28.