The Deep End

All Good Things...

2009-05-20T07:51:00.001-07:00

...must come to an end. It's been a great run here at blogspot, but the Riversharks' new official blog resides here. Come check us out!

Streak-Breaker

2009-05-14T22:38:00.001-07:00

The Riversharks FINALLY broke their five-game losing streak on Thursday night, and in convincing fashion too. They routed Somerset 9-0, scoring their second-biggest margin of victory of the year. Junior Spivey hit a grand salami in the first inning, and the 'sharks never looked back. Click here for the full game recap.

The 'sharks now travel to Long Island, for a weekend series against the Ducks. Long Island is currently 11-8, a half-game behind Liberty Division-leading Southern Maryland. Friday's game will be the first meeting of the year between the 'sharks and the Ducks. Probables for the boys from Camden...

FRIDAY: Dewon Brazelton (1-0, 1.50 ERA)
SATURDAY: Tom Davey (2-0, 1.00 ERA)
SUNDAY: Ryan Drese (1-3, 2.21 ERA)

Not a bad trio to send out there...

Tough Road Trip

2009-05-12T07:18:00.000-07:00

The 'sharks got swept by the Lancaster Barnstormers over the weekend, in a series we might as well just forget. The three losses dropped us to 9-7 overall, and a game behind Long Island in the Liberty Division. Click here for the complete Atlantic League standings.

But, again, there's no point in dwelling on the past. Better to move on, and move on we will, as the 'sharks start a three-game home series against the Somerset Patriots, at Campbell's Field tonight. Somerset is 7-8 on the season, three games behind league-best Newark in the Freedom Division. The 'sharks are 3-1 so far this year against the hated Patriots, winning the final three of a four-game set in Somerset back on the season's opening weekend. Here are the three scheduled pitching matchups for the series (Riversharks' pitcher listed first):

TUESDAY: Ryan Drese (1-2, 1.35 ERA) vs. Jim Magrane (0-0, 3.06 ERA)
WEDNESDAY: Brian Lawrence (2-0, 0.45 ERA) vs. Kip Bouknight (1-1, 2.30 ERA)
THURSDAY: Nate Bump (2-1, 3.32 ERA) vs. Brian Adams (2-1, 3.38 ERA)

As usual,the Riversharks will have the numbers advantage heading into each pitching matchup. The 'sharks have fallen to second in the Atlantic League in team ERA (3.01), but that's been through no fault of their original five-man rotation. Lawrence, Drese, Bump, Brazelton, and Davey have a combined ERA of 1.32, which is far below the league average. Lawrence leads the league in ERA and innings pitched, and he'll try to improve his record to 3-0, and the Riversharks' to 10-7, tonight.

5 Runs Wins It Again, But...

2009-05-09T14:13:00.000-07:00

For the sixth time in the past 8 days, the winning team in a Riversharks game scored 5 runs. This time, though, the final wasn't 5-2, and the 'sharks didn't win. The Lancaster Barnstormers knocked off the 'sharks 5-1 yesterday at Clipper Magazine Stadium in Lancaster, on the strength of a four-run seventh inning. Click here for the full story.

The 'sharks get another crack at the Barnstormers tonight at 6:30 PM. Tune in here for the live broadcast.

Road Trip

2009-05-07T21:08:00.000-07:00

The 'sharks take to the road tonight, as they start a three-game set with the Lancaster Barnstormers. The first pitch is scheduled for 7 PM.

If you're not able to get out to Lancaster, tune in to our online broadcast by clicking on this link. Pregame coverage should begin at roughly 6:45.

5-2 Again!

2009-05-07T11:50:00.000-07:00

The good news: the Riversharks picked up their fourth win in the past five games on Thursday afternoon, beating Bridgeport to improve to a league-best 9-4.

The weird news: it was the fourth time in the first six Riversharks home games that a game finished with a 5-2 final! Last Friday, Southern Maryland beat us 5-2, and then the 'sharks returned the favor, with a 5-2 victory on Saturday. They started the series against Bridgeport with another 5-2 win, and then broke the streak last night, with a 5-1 win (note that the winning team did still score 5 runs), and a 6-4 loss. But today, they were right back at it, managing to hold the Bluefish to 2 runs (despite their 11 hits), and scoring 5 of their own. So the final scores at Campbell's Field so far this year (with winning team listed first):

5-2 Southern Maryland
5-2 Camden
5-2 Camden
5-1 Camden
6-4 Bridgeport
5-2 Camden

We here at Riversharks Central, at least, find that pretty interesting.

Catching Up

2009-05-06T22:28:00.000-07:00

The Riversharks and Bluefish managed to play both parts of a doubleheader on Wednesday night, though the second game was cut short by rain.

The 'sharks took game 1, 5-1, and fell 6-4 in the finale. Click here for the game stories.

We'll be back at it early today, with the first pitch in the series finale scheduled for 11:05 AM at Campbell's Field. Come on by, or tune in at this link to hear Matt Tymann on the call.

Let's Go Sharks!

Riversharks Win One, Rain Out Another

2009-05-05T21:14:00.001-07:00

The Riversharks beat the Bridgeport Bluefish at Campbell's Field on Tuesday night, but were hoping for more.

That's because the Riversharks and Bluefish were scheduled to play a doubleheader, but had to postpone game 2, due to the continued rain over Camden. Game 2 was pushed back to Wednesday night, when the two teams will again start a scheduled doubleheader at 5:05 PM. Once again, each game will be scheduled for 7 innings. Here is the link to the recap of the game that did finish, and here is a link to an updated schedule.

One more note: the Riversharks beat the Bluefish 5-2 in last night's game, which means that all three of the 'sharks home games have ended in that 5-2 final. On Friday night, the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs beat the 'sharks by that 5-2 score, and then the 'sharks reversed it on Saturday night. Last night, the score was 5-1 heading into the 7th (and final) inning, but closer Tracy Thorpe was nice enough to give up his first run of the season, just to keep the streak alive. Given how lights out he'd been before last night, I have to believe that was his motivation. Anyway, three straight 5-2 finals is pretty interesting. Think it'll happen again on Wednesday night?

Riversharks sign LHP

2009-05-05T08:07:00.000-07:00

The Riversharks have signed left-handed pitcher Wayne Franklin, who has previously spent time with five Major League teams (the Astros, Brewers, Giants, Yankees, and Braves). Franklin is the only southpaw on the Riversharks' staff, and fills the roster spot vacated last week, when catcher Manuel Mejia was released. Click here for full career stats on Franklin, courtesy of The Baseball Cube.

And don't forget: we've got a doubleheader tonight, starting at 5:05 PM. It's Cinco de Mayo, so you can bet there'll be a bit of a Mexican flair at Campbell's Field tonight. Tickets are still available; click here for purchase information.

Game Postponed; Doubleheader Tomorrow

2009-05-04T13:52:00.001-07:00

Tonight's game with Bridgeport has been postponed, due to rain.

The good news: to make it up, the 'sharks will play their first doubleheader of the season tomorrow, starting at 5:05 PM. Get excited!

Rain, Rain, Go Away

2009-05-04T12:17:00.000-07:00

We here at Riversharks Central are closely monitoring today's weather, and we definitely don't want to cancel a game for a second straight day. As of now, tonight's game against Bridgeport is still on, but do make sure to check www.riversharks.com frequently, for up-to-the-minute updates. While you're all patiently waiting for an official decision as to the game status, here are some team comparison statistics for the Riversharks and the Bluefish...

ATLANTIC LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD TEAM STATISTICS
Copyright by PA-SportsTicker, 55 Realty Drive, Suite 200,
Cheshire, CT. 06410 (203)272-2072

BRIDGEPORT TEAM STATISTICS VS CAMDEN
PLAYER                   AVG   G  AB   R   H 2B 3B HR RBI  BB  SO  SB CS   SLG   OBP  E
Rogers, Ed,SS           .667   2   6   1   4  0  0  0   1   1   0   0  0  .667  .714  0
Davison, Todd,SS        .333   1   3   0   1  0  0  0   0   0   0   0  0  .333  .333  0
Caligiuri, Jay,DH       .300   3  10   0   3  0  0  0   1   2   1   0  0  .300  .417  0
Mateo, Henry,2B         .273   3  11   1   3  0  0  0   0   1   2   0  0  .273  .333  0
Lisk, Charlie,C         .200   2   5   0   1  0  0  0   0   1   2   0  0  .200  .333  2
Hoorelbeke, Jesse,1B    .182   3  11   0   2  0  0  0   1   1   0   0  0  .182  .250  1
Sing, Brandon,OF        .143   2   7   0   1  1  0  0   0   0   1   0  0  .286  .143  0
Greenberg, Adam,OF      .091   3  11   0   1  1  0  0   0   1   8   0  0  .182  .167  0
Lopez, Luis,3B          .083   3  12   0   1  1  0  0   0   0   1   0  0  .167  .083  0
Ezi, Travis,OF          .000   1   3   1   0  0  0  0   0   0   1   1  0  .000  .000  0
Harris, Shea,C          .000   1   3   0   0  0  0  0   0   0   0   0  0  .000  .000  0
Batista, Wilson,2B      .000   1   3   0   0  0  0  0   0   0   0   0  0  .000  .000  0
Czarniecki, Jordan,OF   .000   2   6   0   0  0  0  0   0   0   2   0  0  .000  .000  0
All Others              .000   0   0   0  0  0  0   0   0   0   0  0  .000  .000  0

Total-All Batters       .187      91   3  17  3  0  0   3   7  18   1  0  .220  .245  3



                                                                                        OPP
PITCHER               W-L    ERA    G GS CG SHO SV  IP     H   R  ER HR HB  BB  SO WP   AVG
Hoorelbeke, Casey     0-0   0.00    1  0  0   0  0   2.1   3   0   0  0  1   0   0  0  .375
Jackson, Kyle         1-0   0.00    1  1  0   0  0   6.0   3   1   0  0  0   0   2  0  .150
Weimer, Andrew        0-0   0.00    1  0  0   0  0   1.0   0   0   0  0  0   0   0  0  .000
Asadoorian, Rick      0-0   0.00    1  0  0   0  0   1.0   2   0   0  0  0   1   1  0  .400
Dipietro, Ryan        0-0   0.00    1  0  0   0  0   2.1   2   0   0  0  0   0   2  1  .250
Plefka, Jonathan      0-0   3.38    1  0  0   0  0   2.2   3   1   1  0  0   1   2  0  .273
Perez, Franklin       0-1  10.13    1  1  0   0  0   5.1   5   6   6  1  0   6   5  3  .263
Cavazos, Andy         0-0  10.80    2  0  0   0  1   1.2   1   2   2  1  0   1   0  0  .200
Reichert, Dan         0-1  15.43    1  1  0   0  0   4.2   8   8   8  1  1   2   6  0  .364
All Others            0-0   0.00    0  0   0  0   0.0   0   0   0  0  0   0   0  0  .000

Total-All Pitchers  1-2   5.67       3  0   0  1  27.0  27  18  17  3  2  11  18  4  .267




ATLANTIC LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD TEAM STATISTICS
Copyright by PA-SportsTicker, 55 Realty Drive, Suite 200,
Cheshire, CT. 06410 (203)272-2072

CAMDEN TEAM STATISTICS VS BRIDGEPORT

PLAYER                   AVG   G  AB   R   H 2B 3B HR RBI  BB  SO  SB CS   SLG   OBP  E
Chiaravolloti, Vito,DH  .500   3  10   1   5  1  0  1   5   2   1   0  0  .900  .583  0
Torres, Frederick,C     .375   3   8   0   3  0  0  0   0   0   2   0  0  .375  .375  0
Lydon, Wayne,OF         .364   3  11   3   4  0  0  0   2   1   0   4  1  .364  .417  0
Majewski, Val,OF        .333   3  12   4   4  1  0  1   2   2   3   2  0  .667  .429  0
Jacobs, Jason,C         .333   1   3   1   1  0  1  0   0   0   1   0  0 1.000  .333  0
Walker, Chris,OF        .231   3  13   3   3  0  0  0   1   1   3   4  0  .231  .286  0
Bonvechio, Brett,1B     .222   3   9   2   2  0  0  1   2   2   3   0  0  .556  .417  0
Abernathy, Brent,2B     .222   3   9   1   2  0  0  0   2   1   2   0  0  .222  .250  0
Spivey, Junior,SS       .167   3  12   1   2  1  0  0   2   0   2   0  0  .250  .231  1
Burgamy, Brian,3B       .083   3  12   2   1  0  0  0   0   1   1   1  0  .083  .154  1
Vincent, Jeff,PR        .000   1   0   0   0  0  0  0   0   0   0   0  0  .000  .000  0
Haines, Kyle,SS         .000   2   1   0   0  0  0  0   0   0   0   0  0  .000  .000  0
Finegan, Brian,2B       .000   2   1   0   0  0  0  0   0   1   0   0  0  .000  .500  0
All Others              .000   0   0   0  0  0  0   0   0   0   0  0  .000  .000  0

Total-All Batters       .267     101  18  27  3  1  3  16  11  18  11  1  .406  .345  2


                                                                                        OPP
PITCHER               W-L    ERA    G GS CG SHO SV  IP     H   R  ER HR HB  BB  SO WP   AVG
Flannery, Mike        0-0   0.00    2  0  0   0  0   3.0   2   0   0  0  0   2   4  1  .182
Guerrero, Julio       0-0   0.00    2  0  0   0  0   2.2   1   0   0  0  0   1   1  0  .111
Thorpe, Tracy         0-0   0.00    1  0  0   0  0   1.0   0   0   0  0  0   0   1  0  .000
Rodriguez, Felix      0-0   0.00    1  0  0   0  0   1.0   0   0   0  0  0   1   1  0  .000
Lawrence, Brian       1-0   0.00    1  1  0   0  0   6.0   3   1   0  0  0   0   4  0  .136
Capella, Anthony      0-0   0.00    1  0  0   0  0   1.0   2   0   0  0  0   0   0  1  .500
Davey, Tom            1-0   0.00    1  1  0   0  0   6.0   4   0   0  0  0   1   7  0  .211
Drese, Ryan           0-1   1.69    1  1  0   0  0   5.1   5   2   1  0  0   2   0  0  .238
All Others            0-0   0.00    0  0   0  0   0.0   0   0   0  0  0   0   0  0  .000

Total-All Pitchers  2-1   0.35       3  0   0  0  26.0  17   3   1  0  0   7  18  2  .187

Rainy Day Leaderboard

2009-05-03T08:52:00.001-07:00

As you can see here, today's game against Southern Maryland has been postponed due to rain. So, in order for all you fans to get your daily dose of the Riversharks, we figured we'd post some early-season league leaders in the Atlantic League. Here are all the categories whose leaders include a Riversharks player (CMD = Camden)...

            BATTING TOP 10 (MINIMUM  24 PLATE APPEARANCES)                          PITCHING TOP 10 (MINIMUM   7 IP)

  BATTER          CLUB    AVG   G  AB   R   H HR RBI           PITCHER                   CLUB   W-L    ERA  IP   H  BB  SO

Hernandez, Johnny    LGI    .462   7  26   2  12  1   8           Jackson, Kyle             BRG    2- 0  0.00  11   8   2   5
Mateo, Henry         BRG    .457   8  35   9  16  0   6          *Lee, Corey                BRG    0- 0  0.00   8   5   2   6
Gonzalez, Raul       LGI    .385   7  26   7  10  0   2           Davey, Tom                CMD    1- 0  0.00   7   4   2   7
Hall, Noah           SOM    .375   9  32   6  12  1   6           Lawrence, Brian           CMD    1- 0  0.69  13   6   2   6
Castillo, Alberto    NWK    .368   6  19   1   7  0   6           Drese, Ryan               CMD    1- 1  0.87  10   9   3   2
Perry, Jason         LCR    .361   9  36  10  13  6  15           Smith, Mike               YRK    0- 1  0.90  10   5   4   9
Padgett, Matt        YRK    .357   9  28   3  10  0   4          *Dipietro, Ryan            BRG    0- 0  1.23   7   4   2   3
Hagen, Matt          SOM    .355   9  31   3  11  2   9           Brazelton, Dewon          CMD    1- 0  1.50  12   8   1   7
Majewski, Val        CMD    .353   9  34   7  12  1   3           Brownlie, Bobby           NWK    1- 0  1.50  12   8   4   9
Rogers, Ed           BRG    .344   8  32   1  11  0   5           Bouknight, Kip            SOM    1- 1  1.64  11   6   4   8

             RBI                                                                SAVES
Perry, Jason              LCR    15                                   Simas, Bill               LGI     4
Garcia, Travis            SMD    10                                   Foulke, Keith             NWK     4
 Spivey, Junior            CMD     9                                   Minix, Travis             SOM     3
Hagen, Matt               SOM     9                                   Thorpe, Tracy             CMD     2
Osborn, Pat               SMD     9                                   Warden, Jim Ed            SMD     2

        STOLEN BASES
 Walker, Chris             CMD     8                                   
 Lydon, Wayne              CMD     7                                   
 Majewski, Val             CMD     3                             
Smith, Dustin             NWK     3                             
Esquivel, Matt            YRK     3


      ON-BASE PERCENTAGE                                                   INNINGS PITCHED
Mateo, Henry              BRG  .500                                   Bump, Nate                CMD  13.0
Gonzalez, Raul            LGI  .500                                   Lawrence, Brian           CMD  13.0
Hernandez, Johnny         LGI  .500                                   Bukvich, Ryan             NWK  13.0
 Majewski, Val             CMD  .476                                   Several Players Tied at        12.0
Everett, Carl             NWK  .462


        RUNS SCORED
Owens, Jeremy             SMD    11                             
Walker, Chris             CMD    10                             
Turner, Lloyd             LCR    10                             
Perry, Jason              LCR    10
Mateo, Henry              BRG     9

TEAM BATTING     AVG   AB    R    H  HR  BB   SO  SB  CS            TEAM PITCHING     W-L     ERA    H CG SHO SV  HR  BB   SO

SOUTHERN MARYLAND .280  311   54   87  14  25   68   4   2         CAMDEN               6-  3  2.39   58  0   2  2   6  20   45
 CAMDEN           .279  308   49   86   6  33   48  21   3         SOMERSET             4-  5  2.93   75  0   0  3   6  27   49
YORK              .272  316   36   86   4  32   47   7   5         SOUTHERN MARYLAND    6-  3  3.38   79  0   0  3   4  31   49
LONG ISLAND       .271  321   43   87   4  30   46   3   3         NEWARK               5-  4  3.83   75  0   0  4   7  34   63
BRIDGEPORT        .258  306   39   79   3  26   65   8   3         LONG ISLAND          5-  4  4.26   78  0   0  4  12  33   77
LANCASTER         .253  324   53   82  11  44   73   5   3         LANCASTER            4-  5  4.34   90  0   0  2   1  36   51
NEWARK            .240  300   35   72   3  32   58  14   3         BRIDGEPORT           4-  5  4.73   87  0   1  1   6  33   50
SOMERSET          .229  280   32   64   6  31   45   4   7         YORK                 2-  7  6.75  101  0   0  1   9  39   66


PITCHING TOP 10 (MINIMUM   7 IP)

PITCHER                 CLUB   W-L    ERA  IP   H  BB  SO

Jackson, Kyle           BRG    2- 0  0.00  11   8   2   5
Lee, Corey              BRG    0- 0  0.00   8   5   2   6
Davey, Tom              CMD    1- 0  0.00   7   4   2   7
Lawrence, Brian         CMD    1- 0  0.69  13   6   2   6
Drese, Ryan             CMD    1- 1  0.87  10   9   3   2
Smith, Mike             YRK    0- 1  0.90  10   5   4   9
Dipietro, Ryan          BRG    0- 0  1.23   7   4   2   3
Brazelton, Dewon        CMD    1- 0  1.50  12   8   1   7
Brownlie, Bobby         NWK    1- 0  1.50  12   8   4   9
Bouknight, Kip          SOM    1- 1  1.64  11   6   4   8

           SAVES
Simas, Bill               LGI     4
Foulke, Keith             NWK     4
Minix, Travis             SOM     3
Thorpe, Tracy             CMD     2
Warden, Jim Ed            SMD     2

      INNINGS PITCHED
Bump, Nate                CMD  13.0
Lawrence, Brian           CMD  13.0
Bukvich, Ryan             NWK  13.0
Several Players Tied at        12.0


TEAM PITCHING     W-L     ERA    H CG SHO SV  HR  BB   SO

CAMDEN             6-  3  2.39   58  0   2  2   6  20   45
SOMERSET           4-  5  2.93   75  0   0  3   6  27   49
SOUTHERN MARYLAND  6-  3  3.38   79  0   0  3   4  31   49
NEWARK             5-  4  3.83   75  0   0  4   7  34   63
LONG ISLAND        5-  4  4.26   78  0   0  4  12  33   77
LANCASTER          4-  5  4.34   90  0   0  2   1  36   51
BRIDGEPORT         4-  5  4.73   87  0   1  1   6  33   50
YORK               2-  7  6.75  101  0   0  1   9  39   66


COPYRIGHT BY PA SPORTSTICKER, CHESHIRE CT 06410  
(203) 272-2072

Home Opener Tonight!

2009-05-01T09:07:00.000-07:00

Excitement is reaching a fever pitch at Campbell's Field, where the first pitch of the Riversharks' home season is less than 7 hours away! Click here for more on the home opener. Don't forget: tonight also marks our first 2009 internet broadcast, featuring Tim Saunders. Click here for the link to tonight's webcast.

Riversharks Atop Atlantic League

2009-04-29T20:16:00.000-07:00

Through 6 games, the Riversharks are atop the Atlantic League, with a record of 5-1. After dropping the season opener, the 'sharks have won five straight, thanks primarily to outstanding starting pitching. On the season, the starters have given up just 5 earned runs in 37 innings, for an ERA of 1.22. See full league standings here, and league leaders here.

The 'sharks play again Thursday night, at Bridgeport (2-4), where they have taken the first two of a three-game series by a combined 17-1 score. Then, on Friday night, the Riversharks make their home debut, against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (4-2). For more info on the home opener, check out our home page story.

Don't forget: if you can't make it to Campbell's Field on Friday night, you can listen to Tim Saunders' online broadcast by clicking on to www.riversharks.com during the game.

Atlantic League Preview Show

2009-04-23T08:12:00.000-07:00

We recorded our Atlantic League Preview Show the other day, and it's now up on the web! You can find a link on the Red Zone Media home page, or you can click here for the direct link. Enjoy!

Red Zone Media

2009-04-21T09:00:00.001-07:00

The Riversharks are happy to announce that we've reached an agreement with Red Zone Media to be our official partner for our internet broadcasts! Red Zone is one of the best internet streaming companies on the web, and we are thrilled to be working with them. You can find their site at www.redzonemedia.com.

The exact schedule of games we'll broadcast with Red Zone is still to be determined, but you can find a tentative schedule here. We plan on broadcasting all 70 home games, and at least half of our 70 road games. Make sure to check the page frequently over the next week or two, as we finalize our broadcast schedule.

The Riversharks are excited for a terrific season with Red Zone Media!

Spring Training Update: 4/17

2009-04-17T08:47:00.000-07:00

Another update from Florida...

The Riversharks are currently playing their first spring training game of four, against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. Our exclusive sources tell us that the Riversharks lead, 7-4, going into the top of the 7th inning. Here are a few more tidbits...

Brian Lawrence started the game and went 4 innings, giving up 4 runs.
The Riversharks scored five in the bottom of the fifth, on the strength of a few bases-loaded hits.
Outfielder Chris Walker is 2/2, with a double and a single.
Brett Bonvechio and Vito Chiaravolloti are among the Riversharks with at least one RBI.
Ryan Drese pitched two scoreless innings in the 5th and 6th, giving up just 2 hits.

Spring training games are not like regular games, in that they aren't nearly as structured. Our sources told us that the fifth inning was actually stopped after the Riversharks had reached 5 runs, because the Ducks pitcher had thrown so many pitches. The game moved on to the 6th, with just two outs in the bottom of the fifth. Similarly, games don't always last 9 innings. Yesterday, two other Atlantic League teams played a 14-inning game, without being tied after 9. Spring training is much more about putting players in game situations, so they can be ready for the season, than winning or losing.

Still, it's nice to see the Riversharks with a late lead in their first game of the year, whether it counts or not. And it's always good to see how some of our favorite players are doing. With that in mind, make sure to check back here tomorrow afternoon, when we'll have an update on game #2!

Spring Training Update: 4/16

2009-04-16T06:42:00.000-07:00

Part 2 of our spring training updates brings you a chat with pitcher Brian Lawrence, who is in his second season with the Riversharks...

Q: Thanks for taking time, Brian. Talking to Ryan Drese yesterday morning, I know your practice was rained out on Tuesday. How was it yesterday?

Lawrence: "Yesterday was good, no rain. We got to get on the field for the first time, so that was good. We got to pitch off the mound, and had an all-around good first day. We'll move on from there."

Q: So, what did the first Riversharks practice of 2009 consist of?

Lawrence: "Well, we got there and warmed up, threw, that sort of thing, then went over some team fundamentals. Bunt plays, that sort of thing. Then, we moved into batting practice, and few of us pitchers threw off the mound, in what they call live BP, so the hitters get to see a pitcher, and we get to throw with a hitter in the box. Then, we just moved on to what we call pitchers' fielding practice, and that was much it, we wrapped it up from there. That was a pretty good first day, because we got a lot covered in a short amount of time. We'll probably do something similar today."

Q: Weather still looking good today?

Lawrence: "Yeah, yeah. I think we just had the one day of rain, and it's nice here, not too hot, kinda just right."

Q: Since you were with the Riversharks last year, have any of the other guys been asking you what it's like?

Lawrence: "Well, pretty much everybody's been around. A few guys ask me what the league is like, as far as where we go, and the stadiums, and that sort of thing. On the baseball side, everybody's been through similar leagues in the minor leagues, and they know what to expect. They're just curious on the other amenities, as far as hotels and the travel."

Q: Ryan talked yesterday about how it can be hard to develop much chemistry with your teammates, since spring training is so short. Do you agree?

Lawrence: "Yeah, and it's even more difficult because you have 4 or 5 teams in the clubhouse all together, sharing a clubhouse there, where we work out. So, that's different, because you have not only your own team, but the other teams in the league sharing a clubhouse with you. But some of the guys are staying in dorms, so they're all in there every day together all day, hanging out and getting to know each other. I am actually with my family, and we're staying in a hotel, so I'm not with [the other guys] at all times. But you get to know everybody. It is a short time, and we're gonna have to band together pretty quick, but it's the way the league is, and you just have to deal with it."

Q: What's the number 1 thing you personally try to get out of training camp?

Lawrence: "You just get your arm in shape. That's the number 1 thing. With this just being a week, you have to get good on your own before you get here. Just have to make sure that arms' ready to go once the season starts. The rest...you'll find your location and all that stuff along the way, but you just have to make sure your arm's ready to go. If you're behind, then that could be bad. As long as you're in shape, and your arm's ready to go, and you get a couple innings here at the beginning, you can kinda build up from there."

Q: How valuable are the four spring training games you'll be playing, starting tomorrow?

Lawrence: "You can't duplicate game situations in practice. You just can't. The intensity is not there. So the games are good, they're key. So that'll be good, being able to get on the mound in a game situation, because it's really difficult to duplicate that without a game being on the line."

Q: Last question. What are you looking forward to most about this season?

Lawrence: "It's just a chance to play, that's the biggest thing. Just the opportunity to come play, and be able to show that we can still play this game. And we're gonna be looked at. That's the biggest thing about this league, and it's a really good league for that."

Spring Training Update: 4/15

2009-04-15T07:03:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, spring training is upon us again! The Riversharks are down in Florida, gearing up for the rapidly-approaching regular season. They'll only be there for a week, and will play four preseason games, starting on Friday. By next Thursday, they'll be playing their regular season opener, down in Southern Maryland, against the Blue Crabs. So, unlike Major League teams that get almost two full months for spring training, the Riversharks really need to make every day count. That's why we here at the blog want to make sure to give you frequent updates, so you know exactly how the team is progressing. We hope to get as much insight from Riversharks players and managers as possible, in part so you can get to know the roster a little better. (For an updated team roster, click here.)

For our first installment of the spring training update, we checked in with pitcher Ryan Drese. Drese pitched with the Riversharks for part of last season, and has been with three Major League teams: the Indians, Rangers, and Nationals. He's looking forward to starting the season with the Riversharks, as opposed to joining mid-season like he did last year. Here are more of Drese's comments...

Q: So what'd you guys do yesterday?

Drese: "Yesterday, they wouldn't let us do anything. It was kinda brutal. It rained a lot of the day, but when we were actually at the park, it wasn't raining. But they wouldn't let us use the mounds, because they didn't want to uncover them, and risk them getting wet if it started raining again. So we were basically here doing absolutely nothing, just playing catch. They wouldn't let us use the weight room and work out either."

Q: Did that make it easier to start getting to know your teammates?

Drese: "Well, the locker room here is not really conducive to hanging out. They try to usher you in and out of here pretty quick, once they realize you're not gonna be doing anything."

Q: What's the weather like today?

Drese: "I'm actually sitting outside the clubhouse now. It's good weather today. We're supposed to throw some live batting practice, and some of the other guys are gonna throw in the bullpen. Yesterday, the hitters did get batting practice in the cage, and I think that went well for them."

Q: Are you looking forward to beginning the season with the Riversharks?

Drese: "Yeah. I was there last year for just under 2 months. This year, it's probably gonna be a much easier transition, just because I know what to expect. Last year, coming in, with a new team, you walk in the first day, everybody's already there, you don't really know what the competition level is, or what games and schedules are like. Now it's kinda, 'been there, done that.' "

Q: What's the most important thing you personally are looking to get out of spring training?

Drese: "For me, I just want to face hitters. You have to get used to pitching to contact, so if I can throw to hitters a few times down here, and get used to contact, throwing strikes, that's a good thing. And, of course, I want to stay healthy for when the games start."

Q: How well have you gotten to know everyone so far?

Drese: "I know some of the guys. In Major League spring training, you have 7 weeks to get to know each other and get familiar with each other, whereas here, it's like, 'Hey, how you doing? Let's play.' It takes a little time getting used to your catchers and other players.

Actually, you play with or against a lot of the guys that are with all the teams, because we're sharing a locker room with a lot of the other teams. So, you actually get to know a lot of the guys on the other teams. You say hello, and everybody knows you're here for business, and we're getting ready to play baseball during the season. Spring training is competition, but it's spring training nonetheless."

Q: Any final message for Riversharks fans?

A: "It's always fun to get a lot of fans out there. We were a pretty good team last year: playing to win, giving great effort. Now it's the beginning of a new season, and you don't really know what to expect. Everybody on the team's still getting to know each other. But all I can say is, come out and support us, and we'll give you a good show, and you'll enjoy it!"

Tim Saunders Joins Riversharks!

2009-03-19T08:01:00.000-07:00

We begin our 2009 blog season with some very exciting news! As recently revealed on our home page (www.riversharks.com), Tim Saunders will headline the Riversharks' effort to broadcast the majority of our games this season via the internet. Tim has been the radio voice of the Philadelphia Flyers since 1997, and is one of the best broadcasters in the business. Click here for the full story on our home page.

We hope to post a short interview with Tim right here on the blog within the next week. Tim's perspective will also be an integral part of this blog throughout the season. If you have any ideas as to how you'd like to see Tim's thoughts incorporated into the blog, you can send them to MTymann@riversharks.com. In fact, if you have ANY ideas whatsoever about the blog, send them to that address. If there's enough interest, we can even do a monthly mailbag segment, in which we answer all your Riversharks-related questions. The possibilities are endless!

State of the Sharks

2008-07-07T07:31:00.000-07:00

The Riversharks have five players headed to the Atlantic League All-Star Game next week but have had seven all-star caliber players picked up by major league organizations. It kind of makes you wonder what the Liberty Division team would have looked like next week if the scouts had stayed away.

All seven of the departed players were, at some point, nominated for the all-star squad--even if for only the preliminary ballots. On paper, the Sharks are No. 3 in the division for players headed to Somerset next week, but oh, the tale that could have been told.

The team also clinched the First Half Championship with a win last week in Southern Maryland. What does this mean? PLAYOFFS! The league is set up in a way that rewards first half success and teams that have sent players back to affiliated ball. The Sharks office now has the chance to decide whether it wants home field advantage of not for the opening series of the playoffs.

Now there are decisions to be made at all levels of the office. How do we market the team's success? How do we fill gaps left by departing players? How do we pitch sponsorship to local businesses? There's a new buzz around here. It's a pity most other offices don't have events like this to wake up their staffs. It's a perk to working in baseball, for sure. I couldn't imagine working in a boring field and having nothing to look forward to throughout my day besides watching Seinfeld reruns and trying to unwind after a long commute.

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

-Nick

Night of our 2nd Cub Scout Sleepover

2008-06-13T23:07:00.000-07:00

What a busy day today ….one minute we were down 7-3 and the next up 8-7. Fireworks went great in Right field ….seems like the talent in this league is far away the best ever. Seems like players are being picked up all over the league. I just wish there was more control over the waterfront parking and concerts concerns. Moving the fireworks help but the city needs to finish the proposed parking facility. The good news is im a little slimmer directing traffic in the heat!

The cub scout sleepover in underway. Had a deep fried smores ….did a couple of patrols and made sure proper measures are in place…I am already look forward to breakfast...guess im no longer slimmer....

Nice being in first place with no rain in sight this homestand!!!

As always, if you ever need to reach out to me, please call at 856-583-0030 or email at alorber@riversharks.com

Time to go to sleep for 2 hours…

Adam

They go in threes...

2008-06-10T07:10:00.001-07:00

Brian Lawrence is back to the National League. Well, close. Lawrence has been picked up by the Braves and will be throwing for their Triple-A team. Lawrence is a former 15 game winner in the Majors who pitched well in the Atlantic League. He leaves the Riversharks with a 3.21 ERA over eight starts.

Props

2008-06-10T07:04:00.001-07:00

Looks like our grounds crew is getting some of the props they deserve.

Practical Jokers and superstitions

2008-06-09T06:53:00.000-07:00

Wednesday afternoon I was approached by 3B/1B Brett Bonvechio in regards to having his Intro music changed. I happily obliged when he told me it was because he was trying everything to get out of the hitting slump he was currently in. Don't ever let someone tell you they are more superstitious then a baseball player.

The very next day I was approached by Richard Lewis about a new intro song. I didn't think anything of it. I'm not exactly sure exactly how the whole thing went down but it had to be pretty close to this.

R: Hey Chris,

C: Hey what's up man?

R: Can I get a new intro song tonight?

C: Yeah, sure.

R: You know Bonvechio's old song?

C: Yeah, "The Originators" by Bone Thugs in Harmony

R: Yeah, The entire first time through the batting order everyone but Bonvechio is going to come out to that song. Let him (Bonvechio) walk out to his new one.

C: OK, we can do that.

R: O yeah, and Chris every time after that I'm going to keep coming out to that song.

So that's how it all started.

No one knew. Just the players and the video booth. The top of the first flies by and up to the plate steps Nic Jackson. The entire walk to the plate Jackson is looking back into the dugout laughing at Bonvechio who is wondering what is going on.

"Now batting, third baseman, number 7, Richard Lewis" is heard over the loud speaker. Lewis strolls to the plate looking back into the dugout and almost losing it while Bonvechio throws his hands into the air as to give up.

The same routine took place through every player's first trip to the plate.

As I recalled on Friday with Brett, the joke was really on the rest of the starting line up as Bonvechio was the only player to record a hit during that first trip through the batting order.

Practical jokes are always a good sign that the clubhouse of your favorite team is loose and headed for a good season. A team that is able to interact on and off the field will generally go further then a group of individuals playing for themselves.

In terms of superstitions, last Thursday was also Salute to Old School Baseball. Players were given old school stir-ups, and the highlights of some of the greatest plays of all time were played in between innings.

Most of the players really enjoyed the evening and the chance to kick it back to the good old days. On the other hand, RiverSharks CF Nic Jackson was having a bonfire with his stir-ups after the game. It may have been the stir-ups or he may have just been out of sink with the another person's intro music but Jackson broke his 9 game hitting streak.

I'm still a fan of the shaving cream pie to the face or the bubble gum bubble on the hat but the RiverSharks are a team that gets along well enough for the occasional practical joke. This team is loose and a half game ahead of Bridgeport going into an important series this week.

- Chris Reed

Salute to Baseball

2008-06-06T09:06:00.000-07:00

Amidst all of the dreary weather and rain today, my spirits are still incredibly high! Tomorrow’s game is the event I have been waiting for since the beginning of the season. There has been so much anticipation and excitement for tomorrow’s Salute to Old School Baseball Night since the end of last week!
Now you might ask why I am so excited about tomorrow, well maybe it is because there is so much to look forward to! ESPN’s Page Two writer, Paul Lukas, will be joining us to report from the game. This is a monumental event for us to have ESPN take an interest in our ball club and come here to report on the game. The most distinctive thing about Paul and his column is his commentary over unique aspects of America’s greatest game. In his Uni-watch column you can find him obsessing over the length of the players sleeves or minutiae aspects of there uniforms, even commenting about the styles and amount of stripes on the players socks.
In the spirit of Paul Lukas visit we have ordered stirrups for all of the players to wear. However we have yet to open the box and see exactly how they turned out. The wait for the stirrups and all of the great events planned, has brought back those feelings I used to get on Christmas morning when it would almost be time to open up all the gifts under the tree.
The excitement over the guest, the gear, and the game against the York Revolution will provide for one of the greatest events of the season. Don’t miss out on the great atmosphere tomorrows is guaranteed to bring. For me tomorrow will be Christmas in June. Until then peace, love and homeruns

-JC Williams

Sorry the post didnt go up on Wednesday

Fond Memories from Dodger Stadium..

2008-05-30T13:17:00.000-07:00

Does the date April 4, 1979 mean anything to you? I (Brian Conner) recently spoke with a man who gave me a story about this day I will never forget. If nothing comes to mind that is because you were either not yet born or it was just another early spring day 29 years ago. For one man, it is one of his fondest memories from childhood. His name is Jose Zavala, and he's a resident of Aurora, Colorado. He's 42 years old and was at a game at Dodger Stadium on April 4, 1979. After the San Diego Padres took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first, the Dodgers responded with force. Current Riversharks manager Joe Ferguson was a Dodger back in those days, catching and batting in the eight-hole--where most catchers call home in the batting order. After his team had already put one run on the board, there were two outs and the bases were loaded as he stepped into the box. He was facing left-handed pitcher Randy Jones looking to get on base any way possible to give his team the lead.

This is the point where Zavala takes over and gives me his tale of a baseball accompanied by a black eye. Zavala was in the outfield seats that day and remembers Ferguson stepping into the box and looking determined to give his team the lead. The next thing he knows Ferguson swings and hits a fly ball straight toward him. He did not know if it had enough distance to make it so he wasn't prepared for the ball to land in the empty seat right next to him. Once he realized the ball was going to land next to him he looked over and started to lean towards the ball. The ball bounced off the chair next to him and hit him right in the eye as he trapped it with his hands to his face. Then with probably the biggest smile he had shown to date, he looked up, ball in hand, and started to feel the pain. He did not mention how much it hurt, but it didn't matter.
He caught a grand slam ball from one of his childhood idols, Mr. Joe Ferguson. The Dodgers went on to win the game 10-1 as they put up another five spot in the bottom of the fourth, and Ferguson went 2-for-3 with a grand slam, a single and four RBIs. For a casual fan or someone who doesn't get excited to see their favorite player anymore this story doesn't seem that dynamic. But for those of us who grew up with heroes who we watched on TV or at a stadium around the U.S. it gives us a reason to keep the love of baseball in our hearts forever. As a 22 year old who now works in baseball, I can say I still love the game as much now as when I was a kid going to the Vet to watch my favorite Phillies take the field on a summer day or night. As I was sitting at my desk today doing my daily work on the computer, I had no idea someone would call and tell a story that would make me feel like I was thirteen years old again. For that I thank Mr. Jose Zavala and hope that he has inspired you to keep the love of Baseball around forever and always know that no matter where life has taken you, a great baseball story can bring you right back to where it all began, and for him that was Dodger Stadium.

-Brian Conner

So long, Erick San Pedro

2008-05-30T11:07:00.000-07:00

The Major League clubs are coming around like a kiddy crane and picking off all the Atlantic League's best. Former second rounder Erick San Pedro is now a part of the White Sox family. He's headed to Birmingham, where the great Michael Jordan once roamed. I thought it'd be fun to come up with a few things that San Pedro and His Airness have in common.

1. The ACC connection. Jordan played at the University of North Carolina--just over 800 miles from San Pedro's alma mater. Like Jordan, San Pedro was a highly lauded draft pick when he left the University of Miami. Baseball America named him the Best Defensive Catcher in the Nationals system in 2005. Jordan, of course, was picked third overall after setting all kinds of records in college. He was pretty decent as a young pro, too.

2. Entrepreneurship. San Pedro majored in it at "The U," and Jordan seemed to reinvent it. I can't think of Hanes or Gatorade without thinking about Jordan. I've also used his cologne and ate at his restaurant. He's worth more as a spokesman than a lot of sports stars are on the field or court.

3. Intimidating domes. Both rock bald heads. I have a theory that the trademark look might have been part of the reason for Jordan's successes. I don't know much about physics or aerodynamicismnesses, but he was fast on a breakaway and did steal 30 bases in one season as a professional baseball player. San Pedro hasn't stolen a base as a pro yet, but at 6'0" and 205 lbs., he's a physical force.

Congratulations, Erick.

-Nick Steyn

The Big Leagues

2008-05-28T07:09:00.000-07:00

Have you ever dreamed what it would be like to be in the majors? It is awesome! When you are walking into work you smile because you know you've made it to The Show. The grass is a more perfect green then that of the first crisp dollar bill you made as a child, the bats have a shine like a brand new car, and the stands can appear to be filled with an ocean of people on any given night.

Bump. Your face kisses back and forth off the cool glass of a bus window. You wake up. You were just dreaming while aboard your bus from Long Island, NY to Waldorf, Md. Google Maps sets the destination at roughly five and half hours. Startled, you jump and realize this is independent minor league baseball. This experience is humbling, hard, and exhausting. The minors isn't a place to brag about, it is the most trying but the most necessary work that any up and coming player has to endure. The grass can be worn thin from company softball games in the outfield. The bats and balls have to be counted at the end of a day to cut costs as if you had to turn them back into your high school athletics department. The front office has to brainstorm 24 hours a day in order to have a promotion to attract people back to support a team with more turnover than the turnstiles that align the entry gates.

Keep dreaming that dream. The Big Leagues. The ability to have your name associated with, if even for just one moment, the likes of DiMaggio, The Babe, Cy, and my personal hero Michael Jack Schmidt.

Why would anyone ever give up on their dreams? I applaud those who are dealing with the long hours in minor league stadiums year round to hopefully at some point take leap out of the Delaware River and into the Ocean that is the Big Leagues.

-Chris Reed

Chris Walker leaps back to affiliated baseball

2008-05-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

Those Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have a lot of nerve. They've plucked our starting center fielder and sent him to Triple-A Salt Lake City. What does Salt Lake have that Camden doesn't have? Don't answer that.

Walker returns to affiliated ball after hitting .290 with five home runs, 20 RBIs and seven stolen bases. It probably couldn't have happened to a nicer guy either. Walker proved to be clutch on and off the field; he was always ready with a big hit and a big joke.

He made it easy to write game recaps. Every day, I knew I'd have to recap what he'd done on the field. It seems he had big hits in each of the team's 19 wins. Close enough.

As much as it's going to hurt this team, the purchase of Walker's contract should help the Angels. It is the goal of the Atlantic League to return players to organizations, after all.

Walker could see former Lancaster OF Brian Stavisky at a few company picnics. Stavisky was purchased by the Angels and sent to Double-A Arkansas.

The Angels outfield is stacked with experienced Major Leaguers, but three of those contracts expire this season: Juan Rivera, Garret Anderson and Vladimir Guerrero. The team holds options on Anderson and Guerrero, but Rivera is expendable if the talent pool proves deep (enter Chris Walker). Reggie Willits and Gary Matthews will be hanging around, too.

And hey, how cool would it be to see Walker and Jered Weaver playing together?

-Nick Steyn

First Week With the Riversharks

2008-05-23T06:33:00.000-07:00

My name is Irene Pastorino and Monday was the beginning of a new experience for me here at the Riversharks. I recently graduated from Washington College on Sunday and was now entering into the "Real World." I had the first day jitters that everyone has when they are stepping into a new environment for the first time. The nervousness was quickly eased when I found out it was Zack's first day and Brian had just started only a week before me. The morning actvities began with a tour where I shortly realized I had definitely worn the wrong shoes to work that day. After the tour Joel began to explain all of the different aspects of the Corporate Sponsorship Department with me and I was then sent off to do research on our company and look through many different documents and basically just learn the ins and outs of everything. The next few days flew by with the same research and watching the Atlantic 10 Tournament during lunch breaks. Unfortunately Temple did lose and now the only team I really cared about has been eliminated.

Thursday night was the Riversharks night at the Soul. A few of the front office employees manned the display area where we distributed free vouchers and calenders of the upcoming home games. Again this was a time where i greatly regretted my shoe choice that morning. Finley made an appearance at this event and many children flocked to him for pictures and autographs. I encountered my first minor league baseball fans who knew endless amounts of stats and information on the Riversharks and their competitors. At first I just stood there dumb struck because I had no idea about any of the information they were talking about. As my first week comes to an end, I look forward in anticipation for the games to begin on June 2nd and for the summer to really get underway.

Irene Pastorino

Stepping Up to the Plate

2008-05-22T12:20:00.000-07:00

"What song would you walk up to if you were in the pros?"

I've had the same conversation with every baseball fan I know. There is as much mystique to a player with a great walk-up song as there is to a great home run hitter. A good song can lend a player some swagger. Ever hear of Eric Byrnes?

Here's how some of this year's Rivershark entrance playlist lines up:
1. OF Chris Walker - "The Boss" by Rick Ross
2. IF Gary Cates - "Hood Figga" by Gorilla Zoe
3. IF Brett Bonvechio - "The Originators" by Bone Thugs & Harmony
4. OF Josh Rabe - "Still DRE" by Dr. Dre
5. OF L.J. Biernbaum - "Renegades of Funk" by Rage Against the Machine
6. IF Jason Phillips - "Party Like a Rockstar" by Shop Boyz
7. C Randy McGarvey - "Bombs Over Baghdad" by Outkast and the "Class of 3000" theme
8. OF Ron Davenport - "Black Betty" by Ram Jam
9. C Erick San Pedro - "They Know" by Shawty Lo
10. IF Gabe Suarez - "Da Rockwilder" by Method Man

If most of these songs have anything in common, it's that they are heavily censored by the guys in our sound booth. The team is winning, so no one is complaining.

Heck, Chris Walker's showing power like never before with a new walk-up song. "The Boss" is averaging a home run every 18 at bats (five in 90 ABs). In 2,323 ABs prior to signing with the Riversharks this off-season, Walker hit 15 home runs. That's approximately one per 155 ABs.

Jason Phillips has made millions as a Major Leaguer. The guy's got seven years of service time and can party like anything he wants to party like. It's some of the other guys I wonder about. A few of these songs are about fame and riches-- two things for which the Atlantic League is not known.

I still vote "Oh Yeah" by Yello as my song of choice. It's the song from Ferris Bueller and later from a Twix ad campaign. I'm told I'd be beaned for my arrogance, but I'd more likely be booed for not living up to expectations. Walk-up songs say so much.

There's more to baseball than box scores. Welcome to the Riversharks' front office blog.

-Nick Steyn, Public and Media Relations