June 13, 2020 - Boston Globe
Earlier today, while hosting the Federals, the Cardinals suffered an unexpected blow when 24 year old, rookie shortstop Leon Smith sustained a severe tear of the labrum in his right shoulder. Team doctors and orthopaedic specialists at Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham & Womens Hospital, and Newton-Wellesley Hospital reached consensus that the damage was a career ending injury. Leon never again will be able to dazzle fans with his defensive skills. After 218 official at bats, Leon's budding career is over.
Smith was drafted out of the University of Oregon by the Cardinals in the 9th round of the 2018 first year player draft. During the past two seasons he quickly progressed from single-A to triple-A ball. In April he was named the #61 prospect in the ABL.
In twenty-four Spring Training games in March, Smith earned the starting shortstop job by recording a .328/.371/.621/.992 slash line with two uncharacteristic home runs and thirteen runs batted in. Quite simply, he won the job.
In the first ten weeks of the regular season, however, Smith struggled at the plate. The coaching staff remained confident that Leon would return to form and increase his production over time as he gained experience and developed confidence. Meanwhile, he played extremely well in the field.
The Cardinals already were very thin in terms of talent at the infield positions. The loss of Leon Smith intensifies the need to exchange one or more talented outfielders, of which the Cardinals have many, for infielders with comparable skills.
For the time being, Donald Cameron will inherit the starting shortstop role. Cameron is a very gifted defensive infielder with incredible range and outstanding ability to make the pivot at the second sack. He has not yet hit well during the current season, but he is a veteran of four campaigns who can supplement his sparkling defense with an acceptable level of production at the plate.
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Sunday, August 31, 2014
Monday, August 25, 2014
Boston Cardinals Review - May 2020
The Cardinals had our ups and downs during May, but we ended the month in a virtual tie for the lead in the Earl Weaver Division. The Jacksonville Jacks are coming on strong. With nearly one-third of the season in the books, it is beginning to appear as though a two-team race for the division title is taking shape.
Most of the position players continued to drive the ball well throughout the month. We generated enough runs to overcome pathetic performances by many pitchers, especially starting pitchers. In the end, we fought our way to a 14-14 record for May and stand at 30-21 for the season.
Batting - Top Performances:
Young Nick Holmes continued to wield an extremely hot bat. Holmes logged a .321/.426/.550 slash line, homered six times, and drove home 32 teammates in the 28 games. His incredible patience at the plate continued to amaze experts as he registered 20 free passes while fanning a mere 7 times. Nick simply wears out opposing pitchers.
Left fielder and lead-off hitter Alberto Reyes sparked the offense with a .319/.406/.483 slash line, 14 doubles, 9 stolen bases in 10 attempts, and 25 runs scored. He, too, walked more than he whiffed. The Cardinals love having two players, Holmes and Reyes, with such outstanding plate discipline batting at the top of the order.
Bob Hayes fueled the offense by launching 9 big flies, driving in 23, and compiling a .300/.352/.600 slash line. Fans love watching the fireworks displays he ignites.
Pat Thompson also pounded the ball throughout the month. His slash line of .316/.381/.505 speaks volumes about his value as the player who is sandwiched between Reyes and Holmes at the top of the order. On May 7, Pat pummeled Seattle Sasquatch pitchers and ended the day with a record six hits in six at bats, two doubles, a homer, five runs scored, and four runs batted in. What a performance!
Pitching - Top Performances:
Rookie Nate "Cookie" Gary continued to shine during the month. He absorbed the first loss of his major league career, but he won three games. After two months his record stands at 7-1. His sinker and curveball, his primary pitches, seem to be working well in concert with his splitter and slider to keep opposing batters off balance. He is a welcome addition to a starting rotation that has many holes.
Veteran Nolan Lyons, a 21-game winner in 2019, also won three games during May and ended the month with a 5-2 record. His 2.54 ERA leads the Thurman Munson League. On May 30, Nolan sustained an injury which is expected to sideline him for a couple of weeks. He has not disclosed the nature of his injury, but sources who know him well suspect that he injured himself while preparing a home-cooked meal, not one of his favorite activities.
Larry Foley stepped up big in his role as middle reliever. In 16 appearances he recorded an ERA of 1.84 and a WHIP of 1.23. In addition he held opposing batters to a .231 batting average. He did not earn a win or a save, but his contributions were invaluable.
Summary:
The Cardinals are crushing the ball and generating many runs. The pitching staff has some bright spots, but the effectiveness of many hurlers is in question. Time will tell whether we can muster enough good pitching to remain a serious contender for the division title.
Most of the position players continued to drive the ball well throughout the month. We generated enough runs to overcome pathetic performances by many pitchers, especially starting pitchers. In the end, we fought our way to a 14-14 record for May and stand at 30-21 for the season.
Batting - Top Performances:
Young Nick Holmes continued to wield an extremely hot bat. Holmes logged a .321/.426/.550 slash line, homered six times, and drove home 32 teammates in the 28 games. His incredible patience at the plate continued to amaze experts as he registered 20 free passes while fanning a mere 7 times. Nick simply wears out opposing pitchers.
Left fielder and lead-off hitter Alberto Reyes sparked the offense with a .319/.406/.483 slash line, 14 doubles, 9 stolen bases in 10 attempts, and 25 runs scored. He, too, walked more than he whiffed. The Cardinals love having two players, Holmes and Reyes, with such outstanding plate discipline batting at the top of the order.
Bob Hayes fueled the offense by launching 9 big flies, driving in 23, and compiling a .300/.352/.600 slash line. Fans love watching the fireworks displays he ignites.
Pat Thompson also pounded the ball throughout the month. His slash line of .316/.381/.505 speaks volumes about his value as the player who is sandwiched between Reyes and Holmes at the top of the order. On May 7, Pat pummeled Seattle Sasquatch pitchers and ended the day with a record six hits in six at bats, two doubles, a homer, five runs scored, and four runs batted in. What a performance!
Pitching - Top Performances:
Rookie Nate "Cookie" Gary continued to shine during the month. He absorbed the first loss of his major league career, but he won three games. After two months his record stands at 7-1. His sinker and curveball, his primary pitches, seem to be working well in concert with his splitter and slider to keep opposing batters off balance. He is a welcome addition to a starting rotation that has many holes.
Veteran Nolan Lyons, a 21-game winner in 2019, also won three games during May and ended the month with a 5-2 record. His 2.54 ERA leads the Thurman Munson League. On May 30, Nolan sustained an injury which is expected to sideline him for a couple of weeks. He has not disclosed the nature of his injury, but sources who know him well suspect that he injured himself while preparing a home-cooked meal, not one of his favorite activities.
Larry Foley stepped up big in his role as middle reliever. In 16 appearances he recorded an ERA of 1.84 and a WHIP of 1.23. In addition he held opposing batters to a .231 batting average. He did not earn a win or a save, but his contributions were invaluable.
Summary:
The Cardinals are crushing the ball and generating many runs. The pitching staff has some bright spots, but the effectiveness of many hurlers is in question. Time will tell whether we can muster enough good pitching to remain a serious contender for the division title.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Boston Cardinals News & Views - May 2020
The Boston Cardinals opened the 2020 season under the cloud of uncertainty. The search for a new general manager had not yet reached a conclusion. Additionally, during the off-season owner William McAllister had suggested that he might relocate the team. What would become of the franchise?
Seemingly spurred on by the questions yet to be answered, the Cardinals dominated the opposition during April, registered a 16-7 won-lost record, and entered May in first place in the Earl Weaver Division. Baseball analysts and fans alike fully expect the team to fall from our lofty perch as the season progresses, but the positive start has fueled optimism throughout New England.
In early May, both the GM and franchise questions were answered.
First, McAllister introduced Tim Ackley as the new GM of the Cardinals. In his remarks to the press, Ackley vowed to apply the knowledge accumulated through several years of experience to the best of his ability. "We have an excellent team of managers, coaches, and trainers in place," he said. "My goal is to guide the Cardinals back to the playoffs by using existing expertise and augmenting it with a strengthened management team."
Second, McAllister shocked the region when he announced firm plans to relocate the franchise. He entered into an agreement with officials representing the city of Portland, Oregon and Multnomah County to operate the franchise in Portland for an undisclosed number of seasons. In addition, several businesses with significant presence in the area have entered into sponsorship agreements. They include Intel, Nike, Columbia Sportswear, and more.
Fans of the national pastime living in the Northwest have long been clamoring for the ABL to expand operations into the region. The Seattle Sasquatch are located a few hours from Portland, and the close proximity of the two teams undoubtedly will result in a rivalry over time, but fans want more options available throughout the region.
To this end, McAllister announced that the entire Cardinals organization will relocate to the Northwest and commence operations beginning in 2021. Operating agreements have been negotiated with several cities each located a reasonable distance from Portland. In 2021 the organization will be structured as follows:
Seemingly spurred on by the questions yet to be answered, the Cardinals dominated the opposition during April, registered a 16-7 won-lost record, and entered May in first place in the Earl Weaver Division. Baseball analysts and fans alike fully expect the team to fall from our lofty perch as the season progresses, but the positive start has fueled optimism throughout New England.
In early May, both the GM and franchise questions were answered.
First, McAllister introduced Tim Ackley as the new GM of the Cardinals. In his remarks to the press, Ackley vowed to apply the knowledge accumulated through several years of experience to the best of his ability. "We have an excellent team of managers, coaches, and trainers in place," he said. "My goal is to guide the Cardinals back to the playoffs by using existing expertise and augmenting it with a strengthened management team."
Second, McAllister shocked the region when he announced firm plans to relocate the franchise. He entered into an agreement with officials representing the city of Portland, Oregon and Multnomah County to operate the franchise in Portland for an undisclosed number of seasons. In addition, several businesses with significant presence in the area have entered into sponsorship agreements. They include Intel, Nike, Columbia Sportswear, and more.
Fans of the national pastime living in the Northwest have long been clamoring for the ABL to expand operations into the region. The Seattle Sasquatch are located a few hours from Portland, and the close proximity of the two teams undoubtedly will result in a rivalry over time, but fans want more options available throughout the region.
To this end, McAllister announced that the entire Cardinals organization will relocate to the Northwest and commence operations beginning in 2021. Operating agreements have been negotiated with several cities each located a reasonable distance from Portland. In 2021 the organization will be structured as follows:
- Portland Beavers (ML) - formerly the Boston Cardinals
- Vancouver Canadians (AAA) - formerly the Springfield Reformers
- Boise Hawks (AA) - formerly the Murfreesboro Deacons
- Eugene Emeralds (A) - formerly the Las Vegas Lost
The new organization structure will enable the franchise to consolidate operations within one region of the country - and Canada. The working agreement with Vancouver will inject an international flavor into the organization and enable baseball enthusiasts in British Columbia to enjoy quality, professional baseball. The Boise, Idaho area also has long been known as a baseball stronghold. Finally, the Eugene franchise will expand professional baseball into southern Oregon.
What about the fueled optimism in New England, reporters asked? "As a native of Ipswich and a life-long resident of New England, I can feel what fans are feeling," McAllister responded. "Fans are knowledgable and loyal. I am confident that baseball will return to Boston. Be patient and it will happen. Throughout the remainder of this season, we plan to treat fans to a series of fan appreciation events that we hope will soften the blow. We hope the fan base will continue to support the team as we progress through our final campaign in Boston."
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