As the month of June drew to a close, Beaver fans were delighted that their team continued to lead the TML Weaver Division. The home town boys registered a 15-12 record during June to boost their record to 48-34 for the season. The Beavers continued to feature an explosive offense that ranks near the top in most categories, a pitching staff that exhibits occasional flashes of brilliance, and a defense that is improved over last season.
Fan interest continued to strengthen through the third month of the current campaign. Tickets to home games were in demand. With the Beavers drawing near capacity crowds to every home contest, attendance is up by more than 16% over 2023. Demand is so strong that some members of the front office brain trust are second guessing the decision to reduce ticket prices by 10% following a disastrous team performance last season. It was the right move to make at the time, but it is painful to be leaving some potential revenue on the table. Nevertheless, owner Bill McAllister is pleased with the performance of the team to date.
Top Performances
The extremely popular fan favorite Nick Holmes did not disappoint anyone during June as he compiled a slash line of .333/.426/.590. He launched 8 big flies, scored 24 runs, and drove in 19 baserunners to lead the team in all three categories. It's not surprising that he also led the club with 17 free passes issued by opposing pitchers who were afraid to challenge him. Further, the wRC+ mark of 153 he achieved for the month was outstanding. Nick truly is the team leader at the plate.
Dan Best, platooning at the hot corner, earned second star honors by posting a .304/.396/.522 slash line. The wRC+ of 135 he earned was second only to Holmes among players with significant playing time. He energized the lower third of the batting order throughout the month while playing well in the field. Dan seems to be enjoying his role.
The third star was awarded to young Manuel Garcia on the strength of a 4-0 record and 4.00 ERA in five starts. At the end of the month Manny, a recent graduate of The Ohio State University, was sporting a 7-1 record to date in his second full season pitching in the starting rotation. The front office team is hopeful he will continue to improve and contribute for many seasons.
Notes
The results for the month featured two series sweeps, one over the Hops in San Diego and the other over the Berserkers at Waterfront Park.
A rainout on June 24 translated into a twin bill on June 25, the birthday of GM Tim Ackley. The Beavers topped the Tornadoes in both contests on the way to a 3-1 series win.
Current Injuries
The team incurred several, minor injuries, which is to be expected during the long season. Fortunately, Alfonso Alonzo and Antonio Barbarro remained the only two players on the DL at the end of the month.
Down on the Farm
The entire organization was electrified by the acquisition of top prospect Tanner Johnson. The big left-hander signed with the Beavers for $5.5m and immediately went to work pitching before his home town fans in Boise, Idaho. After two starts he was promoted to the AAA Vancouver Canadians. Although he struggled in his first start for the Canadians, he won the game and showed signs that he is close to being ready for prime time. It is clear that before long he will make the jump to the Beavers.
During June the Beavers also signed 21-year old first baseman Tomas Rivera and assigned him to Boise. The organization is pleased to have him on board.
The official blog of the Portland Beavers of the Adult Baseball League. Visit http://www.usfleagues.net/concrete/v2/
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Beavers Top Prospect To Make Professional Debut
June 18, 2024 - Boise, Idaho
This evening highly regarded pitching prospect Tanner Johnson will make his professional debut before family and friends when the Boise Hawks host the Phoenix Lights at Basque Block Field. Since the Portland Beavers signed the first pick in the recent ABL first year player draft for a $5.5 million signing bonus, the mood in Boise and surrounding areas has been electric. Everyone is excited!
Johnson, a Boise native, learned the fundamentals and blossomed as a pitcher while progressing through Little League and high school. He also gained experience pitching in several, competitive summer leagues. Most recently he completed his final year pitching for Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.
Following is a photo taken of him pitching for a local American Legion team:
Tonight he returns home to take the next step in his career while pitching before thousands of family members, coaches, and friends who have played a part in molding him into the phenomenal, talented individual he is today.
Tanner, a 6' 10" southpaw, features electric stuff that includes a fastball that tops out at 98 miles per hour, a curveball, a changeup, and - to keep batters totally off-balance - a knuckleball. His skills appear to be nearly developed enough for him to pitch in the bigs, but the Portland front office brain trust plan to do their best to resist the temptation to rush him.
The current plan is for Johnson to start tonight and then again on Sunday when the Hawks host the Wichita Wolverines. At that point the coaching staff will assess his skill level. Hopefully Tanner will have demonstrated that he is ready for promotion to the Vancouver Canadians. After he gains experience and performs well at the AAA level, he should then be ready to ply his skills at the major league level. If all goes well, he could see action in a Beavers uniform sooner rather than later.
Join the excitement tonight at Basque Block Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm local time. Don't be late.
This evening highly regarded pitching prospect Tanner Johnson will make his professional debut before family and friends when the Boise Hawks host the Phoenix Lights at Basque Block Field. Since the Portland Beavers signed the first pick in the recent ABL first year player draft for a $5.5 million signing bonus, the mood in Boise and surrounding areas has been electric. Everyone is excited!
Johnson, a Boise native, learned the fundamentals and blossomed as a pitcher while progressing through Little League and high school. He also gained experience pitching in several, competitive summer leagues. Most recently he completed his final year pitching for Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.
Following is a photo taken of him pitching for a local American Legion team:
Tonight he returns home to take the next step in his career while pitching before thousands of family members, coaches, and friends who have played a part in molding him into the phenomenal, talented individual he is today.
Tanner, a 6' 10" southpaw, features electric stuff that includes a fastball that tops out at 98 miles per hour, a curveball, a changeup, and - to keep batters totally off-balance - a knuckleball. His skills appear to be nearly developed enough for him to pitch in the bigs, but the Portland front office brain trust plan to do their best to resist the temptation to rush him.
The current plan is for Johnson to start tonight and then again on Sunday when the Hawks host the Wichita Wolverines. At that point the coaching staff will assess his skill level. Hopefully Tanner will have demonstrated that he is ready for promotion to the Vancouver Canadians. After he gains experience and performs well at the AAA level, he should then be ready to ply his skills at the major league level. If all goes well, he could see action in a Beavers uniform sooner rather than later.
Join the excitement tonight at Basque Block Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm local time. Don't be late.
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