Friday Night: Wear Your Rally Caps

Press Release by the Harrisburg Senators:

The Harrisburg Senators are back in town Friday Night to start what will be an exciting weekend series at Metro Bank Park against the Reading Phillies. The game starts at 7:00pm, but be sure to get there early to enjoy all the newness of the ballpark.

The Senators are calling for all fans to flip their favorite caps inside out and wear it to the park on Friday Night in a show of support for the home team6 as they come off their longest trip of the year. If you can’t find your rally cap at home, we will have plenty of rally caps available for sale at a discount throughout the ballpark so you can help rally the Sens. Rally caps only work if everyone is wearing them so the Senators Front Office and Game Day Staff will be sporting them as well!

Make sure to come early to get your Harrisburg Senators Ski Cap Giveaway (first 1,000 fans) and stay late as well for Fireworks. Both presented by WINK 104. The Senators open their series with Reading at Metro Bank Park on Friday Night at 7:00pm; gates open at 5:30 pm.

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12 in a Row...Game Notes 4/30/09

After 19 hits last night, the Senators could only manage to get 6 hits today in a 9-3 loss to Akron (box/recap).

Hits were collected by Marvin Lowrance (2), Baez, Castro, Whitney and Rhinehart. The Senators continue to struggle with runners in score position as they were 0/11 today.

Cory VanAllen was tagged with the loss as he allowed 4 runs on 8 hits over 4 IP. Josh Wilkie entered in relief and pitched two scoreless innings allowing only 1 hit. Adam Carr had another difficult outting as he allowed 5 runs on 5 hits, walked 3 batters in 2 IP.

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Freddie Bynum Assigned to Harrisburg

Freddie Bynum was assigned to the Harrisburg Senators from (Triple-A) Syracuse Chiefs on 4/30/09.

Bynum, 29, is in his 10th season of professional baseball. Majority of the time was spent in the minors (748 games) where he has a career .274 average. He has played in 129 games at the major league level over the past 4 seasons; 05 with Oakland, 06 Cubs, and 07-08 with Baltimore. Bynum has played SS, 3B, 2B and OF during his career.

Nothing offical from the Senators regarding this player move. MiLB.com has Bynum listed in the transaction section as being assigned to Harrisburg and he is listed on Harrisburg's roster. This move would bring the active roster to max 24 players.

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4/29/09 Game Report

Harrisburg’s bats finally come alive with 19 hits but still ended up losing 7-6 loss to Akron(box/recap).

Current losing streak stands at 11 games.

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Times Have Changed....

It was about this time last season that the Senators were 12-5, with a 4 game winning streak and had the 4th best winning percentage out of the 32 Double-A teams. The major issue was attendance. Times have changed…

This season the Senators are 2-14 and are in last place in the Eastern League. To take this a step further, out of the 136 affiliated minor league teams (A, Advanced A, AA, and AAA) Harrisburg ranks 135th in win percentage (.125) and overall record (2-14); only Buffalo in the AAA International League has a worse record (2-15) and worse win percentage (.118). However, Harrisburg does own the worse losing streak in all of baseball (MiLB and MLB) at 10 games.

As you might expect the Senators rank last in the EL in many offensive categories including team batting average, runs scored, hits, RBI’s and stolen bases. 6 players are hitting below .208. Only two are over .300; Bynum (.400) was promoted after 4 games and Desmond (.346) who has only played 7 games.

They also rank near the bottom in many pitching categories as well, including next to last in ERA (5.05) and have allowed the most homeruns (14). Not many opportunities were available but the Senators have only 1 save (Zinicola).

Of the Senators 14 losses, 8 of them were by 2 runs or less. The main reason for the losses is leaving to many runners on base (which I initially reported about weeks ago and has since been reported on by everyone else, for more information click here).

One topic that has not received much press is attendance, which was a big topic last season at this time. Maybe the reason for this is that media tends to feed off of negativity and there is nothing negative to report about the attendance, at least not yet. Granted there has only been five home games so far this season but average attendance is not one of the categories the team ranks last in; that title belongs to Erie. Harrisburg is averaging 3,563 fans per game early on, good for 6th place in the EL (out of 12 teams). At this rate Harrisburg could see close to 300,000 fans this season.

I know it is not fair to judge attendance by only 5 games but it’s something positive to build on. By comparison to last season, at this point date wise (even through they had 10 home games last season) Harrisburg was averaging only 1509 fans per game. To see attendance jump 2,000 per game is a very positive thing for Senators owners and front office. It shows, at least initially, that the stadium renovations, the addition of the video entertainment and the improved in-game entertainment is working. Watching a last place team is not easy but the Senators front office is doing their best to keep fans entertained.

Senator’s fans have to keep the faith that at some point the on field performance will improve. At some point the hits will start to fall, runs will score and the Senators will start to win games. Besides, it can’t stay this bad all season, can it?

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O'Connor to Syracuse

As expected, Michael O'Connor was assigned to Syracuse Chiefs from Harrisburg Senators effective 4/28/09.

Nothing official has been released by the Senators regarding this roster move. The change was announced on MiLB.com and O'Connor is no longer on the Senators roster.

No additional roster moves announced at this time. This leaves the Senators active roster at 23 players. I can guess/hope the Senators get a shortstop in return.

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UCP Annual Sports Auction May 2, 2009

The 23rd Annual UCP/Senators Sports Memorabilia Auction will be held Saturday May 2, 2009, at the Carousel Pavilion at Metro Bank Park on City Island.

The event, sponsored by the Harrisburg Senators Baseball Club, has raised more than $1 million during its 22-year run to support the programs at UCP Central PA that benefit individuals with disabilities and their families.

There will be both Live and Silent Auctions—more than 250 items are available. That means there’s something for everyone… and sports memorabilia makes a great gift. This year's silent auction will feature many items ranging in value, some that in year's past would only be available in the live auction.

Items are on display through April 30 at Strawberry Square, 1st floor between the Walnut Street entrances.

The day of the event schedule is as follows:
8:45 AM -- Registration and a Preview of Items; Silent auction bidding is also permitted.

10:00 AM -- Live auction begins.

11:30 AM-12:30 PM -- Silent Auction closings - 15 minute intervals for each section.

1:00 PM - Premier Silent Auction closes.

Refreshments will be available.
Click here for the complete list of items.

Questions? Call Jennifer Brubaker at UCP at 717-975-0611, or email.

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Desmond to DL, Alaniz Joins Senators

Most of you know this by now but for those that don’t….I also added my thoughts on this move.

UPDATED

“The Harrisburg Senators announced today just their second player transaction of the season with INF Ian Desmond being placed on the disabled list and RHP Adrian Alaniz joining the Senators.

Desmond has been placed on the disabled list after having had surgery on Thursday to remove his Hamate bone. He is expected to be out four to six weeks. Desmond was batting .346 in seven games with the Senators and had a home run with four runs driven in.

Alaniz joins the Senators from extended spring training. He is expected to join the Sens rotation and make the start on Sunday afternoon in Erie. He was 0-5 with the Senators last season but had a solid 3.97 ERA. This is his third professional season after having been taken in the 8th round of the 2007 draft.”

This is a big blow to the Senators. Ian Desmond seemed to have put things together toward the end of last season. Then during spring training there was concern raised during a physical, which was later calmed after a scan came up negative. Early on it was looking like Ian was going to be one of the Senators offensive leaders and now he is sidelined for 4-6 weeks. If all goes well he should be ready to return the end of May or beginning of June.

The Senators continue to struggle offensively hitting .224 as a team through the first 15 games. As I had pointed out, over the first two weeks of the season the team is leaving way to many runners on base and in scoring position The Patriot-News followed with a full article on this topic in yesterdays Sunday paper (sorry no online link available).

The Senators have no true shortstop on the team. They have been trying to fill the gap left by Desmond’s injury with Michael Martinez (a second baseman). The Senators have been using outfielders Leonard Davis and Jemel Spearman as infielders. 3rd baseman, Ofilio Castro has been playing second base. The juggling of players has really shown in the on-field play as the team at times looks lost (not turning double plays, commiting errors and not hitting the cut-off man). The heart of the infield is usually the shortstop and with no true shortstop on the team I’m afraid that Senators fans will continue to sloppy play.

At a time when the Senators are struggling to score runs, losing games by leaving to many runners on base, and juggling players around, the Nationals promote pitcher Adrian Alaniz. Alaniz struggled in his first stint with the Senators in 2008 (as mention above). Before joining the Senators in 08 he was 9-0 with a 2.62 ERA at Potomac. He was a mid-season All Star in 2007 and 2008. While I projected Alaniz to start the season at Harrisburg, and later changed that to he would join the team after O’Connor’s expected promotion to Triple-A. The only way this move makes sense to me is if O’Connor does end up getting promoted and the Senators receive a shortstop in return (Seth Bynum or someone else).

UPDATE, Link to Patriot News article: Harrisburg Senators' statistics tell tale

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4/28-4/30 Series Preview: Harrisburg vs. Akron

The Senators (2-13) have the day off today as they head to first place Akron (13-4) for a 3 game series.

The Senators are already 10 games out of first in the EL’s Southern Division.

Akron’s roster hasn’t changed in the last week so it is still full of prospects (Santana, Weglars, Mills, Rivero and Rondon) and a bunch of mid-level prospect.

Harrisburg will be without the services of SS Ian Desmond who is out for 4-6 weeks. Joining the team from extended spring training is RHP Adrian Alaniz.

PROBABLE STARTERS:
4/28/09 Justin Jones (L) at Akron, Hector Rondon (R)
4/29/09 Ross Detwiler (L) at Akron, Josh Tomlin (R)
4/30/09 Cory VanAllen (L) at Akron, Steven Wright (R)

Weather Forecast:


Top Prospects:
Prospect wise, nothing has changed since these teams faced-off last week. Below are both Baseball America (BA) and John Sickels (JS) list of prospects for each team. If necessary, I will also offer notes on players to watch. For more information on John’s grading system visit here

Akron Top Prospects:
C: Carlos Santana 1(BA) / B+(JS)
OF: Nick Weglars 3(BA) / B-(JS)
1B: Beau Mills 5(BA) / B(JS)
SS: Carlos Rivero 11(BA) / B-(JS)
RHP: Hector Rondon 13(BA) / B(JS)
RHP: Josh Tomlin 28(BA) / C(JS)
LHP: Chuck Lofgren C(JS)
RHP: Neil Wagner C(JS)
RHP: Steven Wright C(JS)
3B: Jared Goedert C(JS)
OF: John Drennen C(JS)

Other prospects of note: RHP Carlton Smith

Senators Top Prospects:
LHP: Ross Detwiler 2(BA) / B-(JS)
OF: Leonard Davis 16(BA) / C(JS)
1B: Bill Rhinehart 17(BA)
SS: Ian Desmond 19(BA) / C(JS) (DL 4-6 weeks)
RHP: Luis Atilano 27(BA)
LHP: Cory Van Allen 28(BA)
OF: Marvin Lowrance C+(JS)
OF: Mike Daniel C(JS)
LHP: Yunior Novoa C(JS)

Other pitching prospects to watch: Adrian Alaniz, Adam Carr, Justin Jones, Josh Wilkie, and Zech Zinicola.
Hitting prospects to watch: OF: Edgardo Baez and C: Jhonatan Solano.

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Series Preview: Harrisburg @ Erie 4/23-4/26

The Harrisburg Senators (2-9) travel to Erie to play the SeaWolves (6-6). The Senators have lost five straight and are last in the EL Southern Division.

PROBABLE STARTERS:
4/23/09 Harrisburg, Ross Detwiler (L) @ Erie, Alfredo Figaro (R)
4/24/09 Harrisburg, Cory VanAllen (L) @ Erie, Brooks Brown (R)
4/25/09 Harrisburg, Luis Atilano (R) @ Erie, Luis Marte (R)
4/26/09 Harrisburg, TBA @ Erie, Dontrelle Willis (L)

Weather Forecast:



Top Prospects:
While he is not a prospect is should be noted that Dontrelle Willis is scheduled to make a rehab start for Erie on Sunday. Anyone willing to several hour trip from Harrisburg would be in for a treat. Below are both Baseball America (BA) and John Sickels (JS) list of prospects for each team. If necessary, I will also offer notes on players to watch. For more information on John’s grading system visit here

Erie Top Prospects:
SS – Cal Iorg 3(BA) / C(JS)
2B – Scott Sizemore 7(BA) / C(JS)
RHP – Cody Shatterwhite 8(BA) / C+(JS)
1B – Ryan Strieby 12(BA) / C(JS)
OF – Casper Wells 13(BA) / C+(JS)
RHP – Alfredo Figaro 16(BA) / C(JS)
RHP – Luis Marte 17(BA) / C+(JS)
LHP – Jon Kibler 19(BA) / C(JS)
C – Alex Avila 20(BA) / C+(JS)
SS – Mike Hollimon 25(BA)
RHP – Zach Simons 28(BA) / C(JS)
RHP – Jonah Nickerson C(JS)

Senators Top Prospects:
LHP: Ross Detwiler 2(BA) / B-(JS)
OF: Leonard Davis 16(BA) / C(JS)
1B: Bill Rhinehart 17(BA)
SS: Ian Desmond 19(BA) / C(JS)
RHP: Luis Atilano 27(BA)
LHP: Cory Van Allen 28(BA)
OF: Marvin Lowrance C+(JS)
OF: Mike Daniel C(JS)
LHP: Yunior Novoa C(JS)

Other pitching prospects to watch: Adam Carr, Justin Jones, Josh Wilkie, and Zech Zinicola.
Hitting prospects to watch: OF: Edgardo Baez and C: Jhonatan Solano.

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4/21/09: Rained Out

The Harrisburg Senators and Akron Aeros game scheduled for Tuesday night, April 21, has been rained out. The game will be made up as a part of a doubleheader tomorrow (Wednesday, April 22) morning beginning at 10:30am. Two seven-inning games will take place.

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Series Preview Harrisburg vs. Akron 4/20-4/22

Harrisburg (2-7) hopes to get on track with a very good Akron (8-2) team coming to town. Their roster is comprised of a handful of highly touted prospects (Santana, Weglars, Mills, Rivero and Rondon) and a bunch of mid-level prospect.

Sorry for the delay in posting this. I had it ready on Friday and thought I had scheduled it to automatically post yesterday but I didn't.

PROBABLE STARTERS:
4/20/09 Rained Out rescheduled as a doubleheader on July 5th.
4/21/09 Rained Out scheduled for doubleheader on 4/22 starting at 10:30 AM
4/22/09 TBD

Weather Forecast:


Top Prospects:
Prospect wise, nothing has changed since these teams faced-off last week. Below are both Baseball America (BA) and John Sickels (JS) list of prospects for each team. If necessary, I will also offer notes on players to watch. For more information on John’s grading system visit here

Akron Top Prospects:
C: Carlos Santana 1(BA) / B+(JS)
OF: Nick Weglars 3(BA) / B-(JS)
1B: Beau Mills 5(BA) / B(JS)
SS: Carlos Rivero 11(BA) / B-(JS)
RHP: Hector Rondon 13(BA) / B(JS)
RHP: Josh Tomlin 28(BA) / C(JS)
LHP: Chuck Lofgren C(JS)
RHP: Neil Wagner C(JS)
RHP: Steven Wright C(JS)
3B: Jared Goedert C(JS)
OF: John Drennen C(JS)
Other prospects of note: RHP Carlton Smith

Senators Top Prospects:
LHP: Ross Detwiler 2(BA) / B-(JS)
OF: Leonard Davis 16(BA) / C(JS)
1B: Bill Rhinehart 17(BA)
SS: Ian Desmond 19(BA) / C(JS)
RHP: Luis Atilano 27(BA)
LHP: Cory Van Allen 28(BA)
OF: Marvin Lowrance C+(JS)
OF: Mike Daniel C(JS)
LHP: Yunior Novoa C(JS)

Other pitching prospects to watch: Adam Carr, Justin Jones, Josh Wilkie, and Zech Zinicola.
Hitting prospects to watch: OF: Edgardo Baez and C: Jhonatan Solano.

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Senators Home Opener Photos (13)

Finally done editing/processing photos from the Senators home opener on 4/16/09. Inside are 13 photos. Enjoy.
More than 4,000 fans attended the Senators opening night game. Gates opened at 5:30 PM and fans began pouring into Metro Bank Park to check out the renovations and enjoy the pre-game events.


The first stop many people made was to "The Spot at the Park".


A band played music prior to the start of the game on the back concourse.


A new addition to Metro Bank Park this season is Applachian Brewing Company(which is located on the first base side).


The new sign reflecting the name change of the stadium to Metro Bank Park is now in place.


The New video board was functional and a much needed upgrade to the old scoreboard. Still a few technical issues need to be worked out but that will come with time.


Senators Mascot Grrrounder was on hand to welcome fans and provide pregame entertainment.


Senators outfielder, Marvin Lowrance, took time to chat with little league players.


Lowrance also took time to sign autographs and take photos for fans.


Colors were presented during the pregame activities.


The Senators 2009 home opener got under way as starter Justin Jones delivered a first pitch strike.


Lowrance wasted no time as he delivered with a solo homerun in the first inning.


Second baseman, Michael Martinez, walks off the field.

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Harrisburg Wins Home Opener 7-2

Opening night was a lot of fun. The stadium was packed with more than 4,000 fans checking out the various aspects of the upgraded stadium (the boardwalk and outfield seating won’t be ready until some point in May). Fans were treated to fireworks after homeruns and other in-game entertainment associated with the new video board. The Senators turned on the power switch and knocked out 3- homeruns in a 7-2 victory (Box / Recap)

One thing I’m not a fan of is the new start time. I know you are probably tired of hearing my complaint about the 7PM start time but it was validated last night (at least in my opinion). I had to change lens 3 times from 7 to 8. At that point I gave up and went home. Although I was happy that I made it home in time to watch The_Office, 30 Rock, and Southland.

I was drained from working all day and then photographing 2-hours of pre-game stuff so photos from opening night will be posted either tonight or tomorrow.

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Series Preview Harrisburg vs. Reading 4/16-4/19

The Senators their first home stand of the season with a 1-4 record.

PROBABLE STARTERS:
4/16/09 Justin Jones (L) vs. Reading, Joe Savery (L)
4/17/09 Ross Detwiler (L) vs. Reading, Vance Worley (R)
4/18/09 Cory VanAllen (L) vs. Reading, Mike Stutes (R)
4/19/09 Luis Atilano (R) vs. Reading, Alex Concepcion (R)

Weather Forecast:


Top Prospects:
Prospect wise, nothing has changed since these teams faced-off last week. Below are both Baseball America (BA) and John Sickels (JS) list of prospects for each team. If necessary, I will also offer notes on players to watch. For more information on John’s grading system visit here

Reading Top Prospects:
OF: Michael Taylor 6(BA) / B(JS)
LHP: Antonio Bastardo 11(BA) / C+(JS)
RHP: Vance Worley 16 (BA) / C+(JS)
RHP: Edgar Garcia 19 (BA) / C(JS)
LHP: Joe Savery 20(BA)
OF: Quintin Berry 25(BA) / C (JS)
RHP: Pat Overholt 26 (BA)
LHP: Sergio Escalona 27(BA) / C (JS)
RHP: Michael Stutes C+(JS)
2B: Brad Harman C(JS)

Senators Top Prospects:
LHP: Ross Detwiler 2(BA) / B-(JS)
OF: Leonard Davis 16(BA) / C(JS)
1B: Bill Rhinehart 17(BA)
SS: Ian Desmond 19(BA) / C(JS)
RHP: Luis Atilano 27(BA)
LHP: Cory Van Allen 28(BA)
OF: Marvin Lowrance C+(JS)
OF: Mike Daniel C(JS)
LHP: Yunior Novoa C(JS)

Other pitching prospects to watch: Adam Carr, Justin Jones, Josh Wilkie, and Zech Zinicola.
Hitting prospects to watch: OF: Edgardo Baez and C: Jhonatan Solano.

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Bynum to Triple-A

According to The Patriot News “2B Seth Bynum was promoted to Class AAA Syracuse, with utility player Jemel Spearman joining the Senators from extended spring training in Viera, Fla”

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Nats call up Bernadina from Triple-A

A day after the sending center fielder Lastings Milledge to Triple-A Syracuse, the Nationals recalled outfielder Roger Bernadina from Syracuse and outrighted outfielder Leonard Davis to Double-A Harrisburg on Wednesday.

Source: Nats call up Bernadina from Triple-A

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Senators lose in Trenton

Senators lose in Trenton 3-2 (Box/Recap)

Yunior Novoa takes the loss allowing 2 runs on 3 hits in only 1 inning pitched.

Senators’ hitters combined for 6 hits (2-Lowrance, Desmond, Baez, Davis, and Martinez). They were 3/9 with runners in scoring position and left 7 on base.
RBI’s came off the bats of Davis and Baez.

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Dan Watson Set to Call First Game in New Stadium

Here is a very good article about the opening of Parkview Field (Voices of TinCaps ready to ‘make history’ ), home of the Fort Wayne TinCaps.

Dan Watson, who worked with the Senators during the 2008 season serving as Terry Byrom’s assistant, will be calling the first game in the new stadium as Fort Wayne takes on the Dayton Cubs.

Be sure to check out my interview with Dan, as he talked about moving on from the Senators and his excitement with opening a new stadium.

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Senators 2009 Home Opener This Thursday

Some information from the Senators regarding the season opener and the 4/15-4/22 homestand.


The Senators open the home portion of their 2009 schedule this Thursday at 7:00pm against the Reading Phillies. The long-awaited home opener promises to be the start of one of the most exciting seasons of baseball on City Island.

In December, the City of Harrisburg and the Senators announced a two-phase $45 renovation project to Metro Bank Park (formerly Commerce Bank Park). The first phase included a new video system, sound system, entrance, outfield seating and boardwalk.

Fans this Thursday will have the opportunity to experience the new video and sound system, and see for themselves the on-going work on the new entrance, boardwalk, and seating areas. The Senators anticipate the boardwalk and new seating areas will be ready for its grand opening sometime during the second homestand, beginning the first week in May.

In addition to the construction and upgrades to Metro Bank Park, the Senators are also unveiling their new aggressive promotional schedule beginning Thursday night with the home opener. There is something for every fan during the first homestand.

Thursday, April 16 @ 7:00pm vs. Reading (Gates Open at 5:30pm)
Magnetic Schedules to the first 2,500 fans courtesy of the Gazebo Room
Recycled Tote Bags to the first 1,000 fans courtesy of Metro Bank & abc27
$2 Buck Beers on the Boardwalk courtesy Coors Light & X105

Friday, April 17 @ 7:00pm vs. Reading (Gates Open at 5:30pm)
Poster Schedule to the 1,500 fans courtesy of abc27 and WINK 104
Post-Game Fireworks courtesy of WINK 104

Saturday, April 18 @ 7:00pm vs. Reading (Gates Open at 5:30pm)
Schedule Mouse Pads to the first 1,000 adults courtesy of Metro Bank & abc27

Sunday, April 19 @ 2:00pm vs. Reading (Gates Open at 12:30pm)
Baseball’s to the first 1,000 fans
Family Day presented by Rite Aid & WHP 580 AM. Coupons available at participating Rite Aid locations redeemable at Metro Bank Park for 4 tickets, 2 hot dogs and 2 soft drinks
Pre-Game Catch on the Field 1:20pm to 1:40pm

Monday, April 20 @ 7:00pm vs. Akron (Gates Open at 6:00pm)
Cost Cutters Kids Eat Free Mondays presented by BOB 94.9 & River 97.3
Kids age 12 and under receive a free dinner along with an Upper Deck MLB Toy Truck

Tuesday, April 21 @ 7:00pm vs. Akron (Gates Open at 6:00pm)
Baseball Bingo – Fans can win prizes with a Bingo!

Wednesday, April 22 @ 10:30am vs. Akron (Gates Open at 6:00pm)
Education Day and Earth Day presented by Dauphin County Solid Waste

Tickets can be purchased online at senatorsbaseball.com or by calling 231-4444. Tickets can also be purchased at the new Little Red Box Office built by Home IN Hand located across from the stables on the Walnut Street Bridge landing.

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4/14/09 Game Postponed

4/14/09 Game Postponed, no makeup date announced.

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Senators Fall to Trenton

Harrisburg extended their losing streak to three-games in a 5-2 loss to Trenton(Box/Recap).

Senators’ starter, Luis Atilano, was touched up for 11 hits and all 5 of Trenton’s runs over 3.1 innings pitched. Jack Spradlin, Josh Wilkie, and Zech Zinicola combined to throw 4.2 scoreless innings in relief, allowing only 1 hit while striking out 8.

The lone Senators runs came off the bat of Bill Rhinehart who doubled in Ian Desmond and Matt Whitney. Rhinehart was 1/4 with a double and 2 RBI’s. Ian Desmond was 1/4 with a double and a run scored. Seth Bynum was 2/4.

Harrisburg continued the trend of leaving runners on base (6) and not driving in runners in scoring position (1-7). Harrisburg is hitting .246 as a team but only .186 with runners in scoring position.

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Series Preview vs. Trenton Thunder 4/13-4/15

As the Senators head to Trenton for a 3-game series they're looking to rebound from a season-opening series loss to Reading (1-2). A combination of sloppy play (4 errors in the 3rd game) and 15 players being left of base (in 2 one run losses) really hurt the Senators. So far the Senators have left 25 runners on base and are hitting a combined .190 (7-for-36) with runners in scoring position.

PROBABLE STARTERS:
4/13/09,7:05, Luis Atilano (R) @ Trenton, Eric Hacker (R)
4/14/09,7:05, Cory VanAllen (L) @ Trenton, George Kontos (R)
4/15/09, 7:05, Mike O’Connor (L) @ Trenton, Zach McAllister (R)

Weather Forecast
I will continue to provide weather forecast, like I did last season, but only for home games.

Top Prospects
Below is a list of top prospects for each team according to Baseball America (BA) and John Sickels (JS). If necessary, I will also offer notes on players to watch. For more information on John’s grading system visit here

Thunder Top Prospects
RHP: Zach McAllister 6(BA) / B-(JS)
LHP: Michael Dunn 16(BA) / C(JS)
C: Frank Cervelli 21(BA) / C(JS)
RHP: Eric Hacker C+(JS)
RHP: Kanekoa Texeira C+(JS)
RHP: Ryan Pope C(JS)
RHP: Kevin Whelan C(JS)

Other prospects to watch: SS Eduardo Nunez is batting .375 (6/16) early on.

Senators Top Prospects
LHP: Ross Detwiler 2(BA) / B-(JS)
OF: Leonard Davis 16(BA) / C(JS)
1B: Bill Rhinehart 17(BA)
SS: Ian Desmond 19(BA) / C(JS)
RHP: Luis Atilano 27(BA)
LHP: Cory Van Allen 28(BA)
OF: Marvin Lowrance C+(JS)
OF: Mike Daniel C(JS)
LHP: Yunior Novoa C(JS)

Other pitching prospects to watch: Adam Carr, Justin Jones, Josh Wilkie, and Zech Zinicola.Other hitting prospects to watch: OF: Edgardo Baez and C: Jhonatan Solano.

Trenton Thunder Web sites
Official Home of the Trenton Thunder
Mike Ashmore's Thunder Baseball

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Happy Easter!!

Senators are off today. Enjoy the holiday.

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4/11/09: Errors Cost Senators in Loss

The Senators committed 4 errors in a 3-2 loss to Reading (Box Score/Recap)

Errors were committed by Ofilio Castro (2), Bill Rhinehart (1) and Jhonathan Solano (1). Castro, who is normally a sure-handed defender, committed both a throwing and fielding error.

The Senators offense was held to 2 runs on 8 hits. The only RBI's came off the bat of SS Ian Desmond and a bases loaded walk to Bill Rhinehart. Desmond was 2/3 with a double and a RBI. CF Mike Daniel was 3/5 (all singles) and a run scored.

Ross Detwiler, the Nationals #2 prospect according to Baseball America, made his Senators debut pitching 5 innings, allowing 2 runs (neither earned), while registering 5 strike outs.

Senators reliever, Adam Carr, was tagged with the loss as he walked 2, allowed a hit and gave up the winning run in 1 inning of work.

The Senators left 9 runners on base tonight. Over the last two games, both one run losses, the Senators have stranded 15 runners.

EL Box Scores

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Former Senators, De Caster and Raines Jr. Released

Chicago White Sox Released former Senators outfielder Tim Raines Jr.
Raines Jr. has signed with Newark Bears, where he’ll play for his father Tim Raines, manager of the Atlantic League club.

Also in former Senators news, the Detroit Tigers released Yurendell De Caster.


Thanks to Jane for passing along this info.

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Barnstormers sign former Senator Juan Ovalles

Lancaster Barnstormers sign form Harrisburg Senators Juan Ovalles. Ovalles made 4 appearances with the Senators in 2006.

Source: Our Sports Central

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4/10/09: Senators Fall to Reading 2-1

Reading rallies late to top the Senators 2-1(Box/Recap).

Opening night the Senators pounded out 15 hits but they could only manage to get 5 tonight. The Senators lone run came off a solo shot by Edgardo Baez, who was 1/4 with a run scored. The other 4 hits were by Seth Bynum, Bill Rhinehart, Leonard Davis and a double by Matt Whitney.

Cory VanAllen left the game in the bottom of the 3rd inning after getting hit by a line drive(no word on his condition). Zack Segovia, former Reading Phillie turned Harrisburg Senator, enter the game for VanAllen. Segovia had a very strong outting allowing 4 hits and no runs scored in 4.1 IP and he struck out 5.

Trouble started in the bottom of the 8th when Jack Spardlin replaced Segovia. Spardlin gave up a lead off single to Kevin Mahar. A sac bunt moved the runner to second. He then walked Brad Harman. Back-to-back singles by Michael Taylor and Brian Stavisky plated Mahar and Harman. Basically that ended the game.

The Senators had a runner on first with one out in the top of the 9th but Edgardo Baez hit into a double play to end the game.

Injury update on VanAllen Senators VanAllen Hit In Head

Nationals Affiliates scores

EL Box Scores 4/10/09

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Rosters Analyzed by Baseball Amercia

Baseball America has “analyzed the rosters of every full-season minor league team, with an eye on which players’ assignments surprised and who is missing from the rosters. Click the team name for the team’s roster.”

Below is the information on the Nationals affiliates:
TRIPLE-A SYRACUSE: RHP Jordan Zimmermann earned the No. 5 starting job for the Nationals, but fans in the team’s new Triple-A outpost in Syracuse will get to see him until Washington needs a fifth starter on April 19.
DOUBLE-A HARRISBURG: LHP Cory VanAllen and RHP Zech Zinicola return to try to master the Eastern League, while LHP Ross Detwiler gets his first crack. SS Ian Desmond is also back, but reports of his strong spring suggest he might not be there for long.
HIGH CLASS A POTOMAC: The P-Nats could have an elite power-hitting duo in OF Michael Burgess and 1B Chris Marrero, who returns to the Carolina League for the third year in a row. He was starting to master the league last summer before breaking his fibula and tearing ankle ligaments in June. The top two college products from the 2008 draft—SS Danny Espinosa and LHP Will Atwood—jump short-season Vermont to Potomac.
LOW CLASS A HAGERSTOWN: LHP Jack McGeary has put his Stanford education on hold to focus on baseball full-time, instead of joining the organization after spring classes ended. His catcher will be Derek Norris, an advanced offensive player looking to improve behind the plate.
EXTENDED SPRING/NOTABLE INJURIES: Three of Washington’s top prospects—C Adrian Nieto and OFs Destin Hood and J.P Ramirez—were 2008 high school draftees, and the Nationals chose not to push any of them to start their first full season.

BA is also tracking the Nationals affiliates scores, rosters and stats here: http://www.baseballamerica.com/statistics/affiliations/

Baseball America's Complete Roster Analysis of every minor league affiliate:
NL East: http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=3095
NL Central: http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=3088
NL West: http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=3099

AL East: http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=3090
AL Central: http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=3086
AL West: http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=3093

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Senators Win in Extra Innings

A late inning rally ended in a 6-5 Senators win over Reading(Box /game log).

The Senators were lead by:
Edgardo Baez 4/4, a double and 3 runs scored.

Seth Bynum 2/5, homerun, 2 RBI’s and a run scored.

Ian Desmond 2/4, homerun, 1 RBI and a run scored. By all accounts, Desmond’s monster homerun may have left the stadium.

The win was picked up by Matt Avery who pitched 2 innings in relief, allowing 2 hits and no runs.

Zech Zinicola made things interesting in the 10th as he struck out lead off batter, was ahead in the count 0-2 and hit Mike Spidale with an inside pitch. Kevin Mahar flied out to RF. Then Zinicola walked Quintin Berry to put runners on first and second. Brad Harman popped out to Rhinehart at 1B to end the game. Zinicola picked up the save.

Nationals Minor League Affiliate Scores

EASTERN LEAGUE BOX SCORES

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Opening Night: Series Preview Harrisburg @ Reading 4/9-4/12

Series Preview Harrisburg @ Reading 4/9-4/12

PROBABLE STARTERS:
4/9/09 Michael O'Connor (L) @ Reading, Tyson Brummett (R)
4/10/09 Justin Jones (L) @ Reading, Joe Savery (L)
4/11/09 Ross Detwiler (L) @ Reading, Vance Worley (R)

Weather Forecast:
I will continue to provide weather forecast, like I did last season, but only for home games.

Top Prospects:
I am going to do this much the same way I did last season. I will pass along both Baseball America (BA) and John Sickels (JS) list of prospects on each team. If necessary, I will also offer notes on players to watch. For more information on John’s grading system visit here

Reading Top Prospects:
OF: Michael Taylor 6(BA) / B(JS)
LHP: Antonio Bastardo 11(BA) / C+(JS)
RHP: Vance Worley 16 (BA) / C+(JS)
RHP: Edgar Garcia 19 (BA) / C(JS)
LHP: Joe Savery 20(BA)
OF: Quintin Berry 25(BA) / C (JS)
RHP: Pat Overholt 26 (BA)
LHP: Sergio Escalona 27(BA) / C (JS)
RHP: Michael Stutes C+(JS)
2B: Brad Harman C(JS)

Senators Top Prospects:
LHP: Ross Detwiler 2(BA) / B-(JS)
OF: Leonard Davis 16(BA) / C(JS)
1B: Bill Rhinehart 17(BA)
SS: Ian Desmond 19(BA) / C(JS)
RHP: Luis Atilano 27(BA)
LHP: Cory Van Allen 28(BA)
OF: Marvin Lowrance C+(JS)
OF: Mike Daniel C(JS)
LHP: Yunior Novoa C(JS)

Other pitching prospects to watch: Adam Carr, Justin Jones, Josh Wilkie, and Zech Zinicola.
Hitting prospects to watch: OF: Edgardo Baez and C: Jhonatan Solano.

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More Open Practice Photos

A few more photos from open practice.

Manager John Stearns throws batting practice.


Leonard Davis taking infield practice at 3rd base, he is expected to be a start in the outfield.


Matt Whitney fielding ground balls at first base. Not exactly the best photo but it will do for now….


Stearns asked for all outfielders to come to the dugout, even the emergency backups. Leonard Davis (arms around the kid) recommends using the kid as a back up.

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Around the EL 4/8/09

Scores and highlights from opening night around the Eastern League.

Erie defeated Altoona 8-7 (Box Score)
Erie was lead by 1B Ryan Strieby who was 2/4 with 2 HR’s, 4 RBI’s and 2 runs scored.

B-Mets beat Trenton 5-3 (Box Score)

Akron scored 9 runs early to hand Bowie a 9-5 loss (Box Score)

The Aeros were lead by catching prospect, Carlos Santana who was 2/4 with a homerun, 2 runs scored and 4 RBI’s.

New Hampshire defeated New Britain 7-4 (Box Score)

Fisher Cats second baseman, Brad Emaus was 3/4 with 3 doubles, 4 RBI’s and a run scored.

I am going to start the season by doing a daily post of scores and highlights from around the EL. Not sure how long it will last though.

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Open Practice Photos and Notes *EDIT*

Last night was open practice for the Harrisburg Senators.

I managed to snap only a few photos as I some how injured my left hand before coming to the stadium, and it actually hurt to hold the camera.

EDIT: Photos in this post are now on Flickr.

Ofilio Castro took time to sign autographs for fans.


Leonard Davis played about 10 games for the Senators in 08. This year he will starting in the outfield. He could see time at 3rd base as he took some infield practice as well yesterday.


Newcomer, Michael Martinez, spent last season at Potomac. He will probably serve as a back up to Seth Bynum at 2nd and Ian Desmond at SS. It was bitterly cold, note the snow flakes flying in the background.


Ian Desmond returns for his 3rd stint with the Senators (06, 08 and 09). Watching batting practice, I noticed that Ian changed his stance (slightly open). I asked him about it and he said “I changed everything”. I asked if it helped with seeing pitches better, Ian confidently replied “yeah, definitely”. He then stepped into the batters box and hit two homeruns.


Other notes: Seth Bynum, Matt Whitney, Marvin Lowrance, and Ian were all hitting the ball well.

The ball was really jumping off Bill Rhinehart’s bat.

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09 Senators Roster with Jersey Numbers

2009 Roster with Jersey Numbers

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National Affiliate Rosters & Senators Prospects

The Nationals affiliate rosters have all been announced.
Triple-A: Syracuse
Double-A: Harrisburg
High-A: Potomac
Low-A: Hagerstown

Prospect wise Harrisburg starts the season with the following:

The Nationals Top 30 prospects entering the season according to Baseball America
Washington Nationals
2 Ross Detwiler LHP
16 Leonard Davis OF
17 Bill Rhinehart 1B
19 Ian Desmond SS
27 Luis Atilano RHP
28 Cory Van Allen LHP

According to John Sickels:
4) Ross Detwiler, LHP, Grade B-: Numbers at Potomac not great, but scouts still like power arm from left side.
16) Marvin Lowrance, OF, Grade C+: For some reason I like this guy. Nice power.
20) Ian Desmond, SS, Grade C: Good tools, can field, probably won’t hit enough.

Other C Grade Prospects Include: Mike Daniel, Leonard Davis, Yunior Novoa

I should have more photos and a roster with numbers posted tomorrow (possibly later tonight).

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FanFest/Construction Photos 4/4/09

Fan Fest 2009 and Construction photos.


A large crowd turned out for 2009 Fan Fest


Terry Byrom gave tours describing the upgrades being made to the stadium.


Bounce Pit was one of many games available for kids.


My son went on this slide about 5-6 times.


2009 Klubhouse Kids posed for photos


...and then signed some autographs


My son raced with Senators President Kevin Kulp in the outfield.


Construction Photos
Working on the deck




one of two very large Ribbon Boards


Another view of the same ribbon board and the outfield seating area.


Batters-eye view


The left side of the photo shows the other ribbon board. New scoreboard is also in the photo.


Outfield fence

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2009 Harrisburg Senators Roster as of 4/5/09

The Senators just released the 2009 Harrisburg Senators roster.

18 of the players are former Senators.

Edit: Senatorsfansunite Flickr page has been updated to reflect the new roster.


Pitching Staff
Atilano, Luis
Avery, Matt
Carr, Adam
Detwiler, Russ
Jones, Justin
Novoa, Yunior
O'Connor, Michael
Segovia, Zach
Spradlin, Jack
VanAllen, Cory
Wilkie, Josh
Zinicola, Zech

Catchers
Herrera, Javy
Solano, Jhonatan

Infield
Bynum, Seth
Castro, Ofilio
Desmond, Ian
Martinez, Michael
Rhinehart, Bill

Outfield
Whitney, Matt
Baez, Edgardo
Daniel, Mike
Davis, Leonard
Lowrance, Marvin

Coaching Staff
Stearns, John Manager
Tomlin, Randy Pitching Coach
Gingrich, Troy Hitting Coach
Toriida, Atsushi Athletic Trainer
Lawson, Brad Strength and Conditioning Coach

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Casto, O'Connor to Triple-A Syracuse

Kory Casto and Michael O’Connor did not make the Nat’s roster out of spring training. Not really a surprise considering they both struggled this spring.

The big surprise is that both Casto and O’Connor cleared waivers and will report to Triple-A Syracuse to start the season. I think most Nat’s fans were in agreement that one or both would be picked passing through waivers.

Both deserve a long look at the big league level. O’Connor will probably see time with the Nat’s in 09 but I’m not sure that Casto will get the long look with the Nationals.

Good luck this season to both players.

Also, Chico Harlan, with the Washington Post, wrote a really good article on Kory Casto’s fight to make the Nationals team this spring. I highly recommend reading it when you have time: Out of Options, Casto Is Fighting for Roster Spot With Nats


Source: Casto, O'Connor to Syracuse

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Former Senator, Garcia, Elected to Buffalo HOF

Former Harrisburg Senator great-Carlos Garcia has been elected to the Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame.

Garcia played “parts of three seasons with the Bisons, 1990-1992. He played 63 games with Buffalo in 1990 and then stole 30 bases in 127 games with the team 1991. In his third season with the team, Garcia hit .303 with 13 home runs, 70RBI and 21 stolen bases and was named an American Association mid-season All-Star. In his Bisons career, Garcia ranks 3rd in the Modern Era in stolen bases (58), 8th in games played (303) and hits (304), tied for 8th in triples (15), 10th in doubles (59) and tied for 11th in RBI (148).”

Signed by the Pirates in 1987, Carlos Garcia made his City Island debut in 1989. In 1989 he batted .282 in 54 games. In 1990 he batted .277, 5 homeruns, 36 runs scored and 12 stolen bases in 65 only games. See as how Carlos was a standout SS for the Senators and went on to play all 1B, 2B, 3B, and SS in the majors, people tend to forget that he pitched in 21 games for the Senators in 1990. He started 20 of those appearances and finished the season with an 8-10 record and a 3.98 ERA (not bad for a SS prospect).

Carlos Garcia played parts of 13 seasons in the majors, with Pittsburgh (90-96), Toronto (97), Anaheim (98) and San Diego (99). Garcia finished 9th in the Rookie of the Year voting in 1993. He was an All-Star with the Pirates in 1994. He finished off his playing career with Yankees Triple-A affiliate in 2000 & 2001. Since retiring he has served as a minor league coach in the Indians organization (2002-2004), 3rd base coach for the Mariners (05-07) and is currently the Minor League infield Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Thanks to my good friend Jane for bringing this to my attention.
Source: Our Sports Central

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Free Public Workout Set for Tuesday Night

Full Press release from the Senators regarding Workout and Media night.


Fans of the Harrisburg Senators will get their first look at the 2009 Senators on Tuesday night, April 7. Gates to the ballpark open at 5:00pm, in time to watch the team workout, which also begins at 5:00pm.

Prior to the public workout, the team will meet with the media for an hour beginning at 4:00pm. The players and coaches will be available to the media for interviews and photos for one hour.

Manager John Stearns will lead the workout, which will last until approximately 7:00pm and include infield/outfield practice and batting practice. It’ll be the first time we see home runs fly out of the newly configured Commerce Bank Park playing field. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase hot dogs, sodas, popcorn and coffee for just one dollar during the workout.

Due to construction, all fans must park in the main city parking lot and make their way to the road into the ballpark just north of the Senators office building. There will be limited handicap parking available nearer to the ballpark. We ask that all fans attending observe all construction signs.

Welcome Back Dinner
Harrisburg Senators players and staff will attend the annual Welcome Back Dinner on Wednesday, April 8th at 6:00 PM at the Penn Radisson on the Camp Hill Bypass. The Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and the Senators Fan Club sponsor the dinner. Tickets for the dinner are $30 and can be purchased by calling 231-4444.

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My 09 Roster Updated...Again

With 2 cuts in the books and some other news (thanks to my good friend Jane), I’ve taken time to update my 09 Senators roster.

I really can’t see a starting rotation with 3 Lefty pitchers. It is possible but not likely. Right now I’m leaning towards Justin Jones either coming out of the bullpen in Harrisburg or starting the season in AAA. Most likely Pena will be in the starting rotation.

Detwiler being optioned to Harrisburg was a surprise after his struggles last year. He has command issues and needs to be more consistent. He could end up getting hit hard in AA as the hitters are much more advanced. I’m not so sure this was a smart move by the Nationals. I would have liked to see him start at Potomac for a few months. I just got done with a Q&A session where I said the Nationals don’t rush players like other organizations, but I think they rushed this one.

Removed from the original list are: Justin Maxwell (to AAA), Dee Brown (released).

Added are: Ross Detwiler (optioned to AA on 3/10) and outfielder Francisco Plasencia (played at Potomac last season).

Starters
C - Jhonathan Solano
1B - Bill Rhinehart
2B - Michael Martinez
3B - Ofilio Castro
SS - Ian Desmond (optioned to AA on 3/16)
LF - Marvin Lowrance
CF - Mike Daniel
RF - Edgardo Baez

Starting Pitchers
RHP Adrian Alaniz
RHP Luis Atilano (optioned on 3/16)
LHP Ross Detwiler
LHP Justin Jones or RHP Hassan Pena
LHP Cory VanAllen

Bench
CA Devin Ivany
IF Marco Yepez
IF Matt Rogelstad
OF Francisco Plasencia
OF Matt Whitney (sent to minors camp on 3/10)

Relief Pitchers
RHP Arnesen, Erik
RHP Wilkie, Josh
LHP Severino, Atahualpa
LHP Spradlin, Jack
RHP Jeff Mandel (added to roster on 4/2/09)
RHP Adam Carr

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Morales Released by Nationals

Washington Nationals released former Senators pitcher Alex Morales.

Morales played 6-seasons in the Expos/Nationals organization (2003-2008). He was a member of the 06, 07 & 08 Senators teams. His best season as a Senator came in 2007 when he posted a 3.04 ERA in 16 games, while recording 2 saves.

I had Alex starting the 09 season in Harrisburg. With Morales' release I am going to added Jeff Mandel to the "best guess" roster.

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Reminder: 2009 Harrisburg Senators FanFest

Just a reminder: FanFest is returning to City Island on Saturday April 4th from 12 pm until 3 pm.

Timed Events include:
•Introduction of the 2009 Klubhouse Kids is at 1:00pm
•Mascot and Klubhouse Kids autographs are at 1:30pm
•Question and Answer session with members of the Senators front office and special guests are at 2:00pm

Throughout the course of the event there will be various free activities including but not limited to:
•Stadium and Clubhouse Tours
•Inflatables including the super fun slide, speed pitch and moon bounce
•Midway carnival style games with prizes
•Caricature artist, clown and balloon animals

Individual game tickets go on sale online and at the box.
The Senators 2009 National Anthem auditions are also being held at the FanFest.
Weather permitting we’re opening the gates to the field and letting you play catch in the outfield.
There will also be a huge merchandise sale that day. The Senators will be aggressively pricing their remaining 2008 inventory to make way for all the new merchandise for the 2009 season.

For more details please visit: : Harrisburg Senators or Our Sports Central

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Mike Schmidt Returned to Reading 6/25/08

Back on June 25, 2008 I made a trip to see the Reading Phillies play Harrisburg. The real reason for my visit was to see Hall of Fame and Philly legend Mike Schmidt.

I grew up a Phillies fan and followed them until Schmidt’s retirement in 1989. I then followed the San Frisco Giants until the baseball strike in 1994. Since then I just try to enjoy the game and follow players and not a specific team.

Schmidt, along with Giant’s legend Willie Mays, are my all-time favorite players. To be able to participate in a press conference in a professional capacity was an exciting time for me.

He was in Reading, as part of a 5-stop minor league stadium tour, to talk about benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and encourage men to see their doctor for an annual prostate screening exam.

Before I get into the photos I want to add a disclaimer: Each image has been heavily tagged (some you can see while other you can not) and saved in low quality to discourage people from borrowing images. All images in this post are Copyright 2008 © Will Bentzel/Major League Baseball Advanced Media. All rights reserved. The images on this site are for on-screen viewing only and may not be copied, reproduced, manipulated or used in any way, for personal or commercial use.

Arriving at First Energy Stadium it was clear who was the main attraction that night….


Walking in to where the press conference was held, which is also a inside batting cage, statements/words of encouragement line the walls.


As previously mentioned, Schmidt smiled/laughed a lot during the press conference.


In deep conversation with Reading Phillies Manager PJ Forbes


Throwing out the first pitch.


Following the first pitch, he spoke about his personal experience with BPH and encouraged fans to get checked.


Schmidt was scheduled to sign autographs for 30 minutes but ended up signing for close to an hour.


For more information on BPH please visit Talk About BPH

Additional media coverage of Schmidt's return to Reading:
Reading Eagle: In Reading, Schmidt offers thoughts on Phils
Reading Eagle: Mike Schmidt returns to Reading, where his career began

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