All Things Valley League

Fauquier Roster Available!

This is the part of the offseason that begins to get interesting: the rosters begin to trickle in, and we can look to see what schools are sending players to play in the Valley.  Obviously, these rosters are preliminary; several reasons may cause players to drop out of summer ball, like injuries, or the draft, or a "better" opportunity elsewhere (I know, you're wondering what could be "better" than the Valley League. For example, I think that most players would have a hard time turning down the prestige of the Cape Cod League.)

Three teams now how rosters posted on their websites. For today, I'll focus on the Gators. (The roster is posted here.)

At first glance, it looks as if the Gators have recruited from bigger schools this year. They have players coming from Virginia Tech, Louisiana State, Auburn, Mississippi State, and another player from Vanderbilt. This doesn't mean that they'll be better necessarily; it's just something to notice.

The team has four returners from last year: Daniel Ottone, from Western Carolina, Kurt Lipton, from Vanderbilt, Scott Lambert, from Shenandoah, and Kyle Clayton, from Kennesaw State.

One player to watch will be Matt Gaudet, from Louisiana State. Matt is a junior transfer from Delgado Community College who, supposedly, has a good bit of power.

San Francisco Giants Prospects Part II

We have two former Valley Leaguers left from the Giants' chat (subscription required) with Andy Baggarly. One is a very brief mention of Nick Pereira (Harrisonburg 04), and the second is a question on former 2002 Staunton Brave Clay Timpner.

We'll deal with Pereira first:

"Q: Prospect Hound from MLB.Com Giants Forum asks: Good Morning Andy. I find it amusing that 7 of your top 10 prospects are position players when what really stands out for me in the Giants system is the pure 'pitching factory' depth of servicable (sic) arms. While relatively light in top end starters, the system probably possesses 30 hurlers who can be projected onto a MLB staff, health permitting. Who are some of your favorites for a breakout year and why?

A: Andy Baggarly: It does seem like the Bizarro Giants, but that's where they stand after graduating Lincecum and Sanchez. The Giants have worked hard to balance out the system in recent drafts. That could be a bad thing if all you trust them to do is churn out serviceable arms. (Given their dismal track record producing bats, I wouldn't blame you for feeling that way.) Looking at the upper levels, the Giants could run into some organizational depth problems if they have injuries in the rotation, since only Nick Pereira looks to be in a position to help the major league club next year. You're right, one of the challenges of putting together a Giants top-30 is that you know you're leaving off 10-15 arms that have a chance to pitch in a big league bullpen. Perfect example is one '07 draftee, Steve Edlefsen, who showed a wicked slider and good fastball command at Salem-Keizer. He could be one to watch. I also like lefty Wilmin Rodriguez and the Bucardo brothers."

Excellent! Pereira is in a position to help the big-league Giants next year! Maybe he can join Jared Burton and Joe Koshansky in the Baseball Encyclopedia. (Or at least on baseball-reference.com)

Then Timpner:

"Q: Greg from Concord asks: Where does Clay Timpner fall in with this list? Looked like a breakout year to me in AAA. The kid has been ready defensively for the majors since he was drafted.

A: Andy Baggarly: Timpner would be a slightly above average defensive center fielder in the major leagues, but his bat has been all over the place. I'm sure the Giants want to see another year like the one he just showed. Timpner is certainly a better player than someone like Adam Shabala, who was in a similar role as a 4-A outfielder stuck behind others. It shows the incremental growth in the Giants system. Still, they need some blue-chip bats to compete with the kind of high-ceiling talent in the rest of the division, so I'm not sure what kind of meaningful difference it makes having Clay Timpner in your organization. He is a hard worker and will see the majors at some point, probably in September."

Greg's definition of a breakout year? 301/363/395.  Not too shabby. Timpner didn't show much power, even in the Pacific Coast League, but he did have a good BB/K ratio, at 37/68.  It certainly doesn't look the Giants are going to compete in the NL West in 2008; maybe Timpner will get to spell Aaron Rowand when he inevitably runs into the wall (literally!) at some point.

San Francisco Giants Prospects Part I

Baseball America has reached the halfway point; all the National League Top 10 Prospects lists have been posted. The last NL team was the San Francisco Giants, another team, like the Cardinals, that is "friendly" to former Valley Leaguers.  Again, no former VBLers made the actual Top 10 list, but four different players have been mentioned in Andy Baggerly's chat (subscription required).

I'll cover two players today and two in a future post. The two for today are Brian Bocock (Luray 04) and Antoan Richardson (Winchester 03).

First, the question about Bocock, who was named the organization's  best defensive infielder, and has the best infield arm in the system:

"Q: John from Harrisonburg asks: What can we expect out of Brian Bocock? Will he hit enough to play in the major leagues?

A: Andy Baggarly: The Giants think so. He might have been a reach as a Futures Game representative (he'll be #11 on the top-30 list), but he's the best defensive shortstop in the system. One thing to watch: He had his right elbow scoped after the season. Since his arm is one of his best tools, it's vital that he makes a full recovery."

Second, the question about Richardson, who was named the best defensive outfielder in the system:

"Q: ScottAz from Phx, AZ asks: Is Marcus Sanders now a non-prospect? What about Antoan Richardson? Seems he has better discipline than most speedsters. Can he contribute at the big league level beyond being a speedy pinch runner/defensive replacement?

A: Andy Baggarly: The Giants tried loosening Sanders' shoulder capsule and it didn't take. Sadly, he is just about done. Richardson can run right up there with Velez, McBryde, Burriss, etc. He was probably San Jose's most valuable player on their Cal League championship team. He was old for his league, and I'm not sure he has enough bat to turn the corner. But I wouldn't bet against him making Connecticut a much better team next year, either."

Seems like both Bocock and Richardson, while not free of weaknesses, have some good things going for them. Hopefully both will play well in Connecticut next year!

Williams Named Alexandria Aces Manager

According to an Alexandria Aces press release, Eric Williams, a former coach with the Haymarket Senators, has been named the Aces' manager for their upcoming inaugural season in the Cal Ripken, Sr. Collegiate Baseball League. The Aces' front office will have a "Valley League" flavor in the front office, as former Haymarket Senators' manager Brian Midkiff is the Aces' general manager, recruiting coordinator, and pitching coach.

The press release:

Alexandria, VA - Saturday, December 8, 2007 - The Alexandria Aces Collegiate Summer Baseball Club, the eighth and newest franchise of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Collegiate Baseball League, is proud to announce Eric Williams as the team's first manager for its upcoming 2008 inaugural season.

"We have a very strong leader with Eric Williams, a guy who definitely knows his way around the bases," said Aces chairman and CEO Donald R. Dinan. "Eric has a vast wealth of skill and knowledge when it comes to coaching baseball and we're proud to have him as the first skipper of our ball club."

Coach Williams is originally from Omaha Nebraska, where he played baseball while attending Westside High School and the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He moved to Virginia in 1983 while serving in the United States Coast Guard Presidential Honor Guard.

Eric's coaching experience includes six years as a varsity assistant coach at Robert E. Lee High School in Springfield, Virginia where he helped head coach David Gardziel guide the Lancers to three regional appearances and a third place finish in the state. He also spent two years as a varsity assistant coach at Annandale High School, in Annandale, Virginia, under the tutelage of Terry Brown.

The past two seasons Coach Williams served as an associate head coach in the Valley Baseball League, located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.  Coach Williams owns his own business in Springfield and he and his wife Veronica live in Springfield with their two sons Adam and Drew.

The Alexandria Aces Collegiate Summer Baseball Club is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which will play its inaugural season in 2008 as a part of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Collegiate Baseball League, based primarily in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.  The Aces will compete against the Bethesda Big Train, Herndon Braves, Rockville Express, Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts, Maryland Redbirds, College Park Bombers and Youse's Maryland Orioles.

For more information, click here to go to the Aces' website. (Photo courtesy of Alexandria Aces)

Shields to Manage Haymarket

The Haymarket Senators have announced that Billy Shields, currently an assistant coach for Frostburg State, will be the new manager for Haymarket in 2008.

With both Brian Midkiff and Eric Williams both gone to the Alexandria Aces of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Collegiate Baseball League, the Senators needed a new staff, and quickly settled on Shields.

The official release:

The Haymarket Senators are pleased to announce the hiring of William “Billy” Shields as their Head Coach.  Billy is an Assistant Coach for the Frostburg State Bobcats.  A native of Winchester, Massachusetts, Coach Shields heads up the recruiting efforts for Frostburg State.  Billy is also involved with the Strike One Sports Complex located in Danvers, Massachusetts.  Strike One is widely recognized as the top indoor instructional facility in the entire Northeast.  Shields past duties include being both the Assistant and Hitting Coach for Winchester High School.

From 1996-2000, Shields played for Dowling College on Long Island and was the starting first baseman and designated hitter. He helped lead Dowling to three consecutive post season appearances. In 1998, Shields helped Dowling to the ECAC Championship, NYCAC championship game and a 26-11 overall record, the second best finish in school history. After graduating, he took a position with Mass Financial Services in Boston.

While in Massachusetts, Billy worked with Eric Wedge, the current Cleveland Indians manager at Strike One Indoor baseball complex, giving individual and group hitting lessons. Coach Shields currently offers hitting lessons in Frostburg and at the Rawlings Sports Complex in Rawlings, Md.

”Bill is a welcome addition to the Haymarket Senators family and we are excited to have him on board.  His experience, baseball knowledge and personality will be an asset to the team and we are confident that these strengths will lead the Haymarket Senators to a successful 2008 summer season and beyond in the Valley Baseball League”, says Bernie Schaffler, co-owner of the Haymarket Senators.

Nolan Neiman Back to Manage Rebels

Nolan Neiman, who as recently as 2006 was an assistant with the Rebels, has been named the new head coach of the New Market squad.  Last year's head coach, Evan Brannon, was unable to continue in the role die to time restraints.

Here is the club's release, as found online here:

NEW MARKET, VA, October 16, 2007—When the New Market Rebels take the field for their Valley League Baseball opener next June they will be playing for a new manager but one with a very familiar face and ties to both the ball club and the community. Nolan Neiman will be returning to lead the Rebels after assisting manager Blaine Brown with the 2006 team that finished in first place with a team record of 32 victories.    

Neiman is beginning his first season as assistant coach at his alma mater DeSales University located in Center Valley, Pennsylvania. The 2005 graduate Neiman is staying in the family business as his father, Tim, is returning for an 18th season at the helm of the Division III school baseball program. The father and son teamed up to guide the Bulldogs to the 2003 D-III College World Series in Nolan’s sophomore season.

   

Neiman joined the staff at Penn the season after graduating before the opportunity presented itself to join the Bulldogs and coach along side his father back home in Center Valley.

   

  “We couldn’t have found a better person to represent our town of New Market and our franchise,” Rebel President and General Manager Bruce Alger said. “He symbolizes the high standards we are all about with our organization.”

   

Alger and Neiman have already been very busy as the entire Valley League attempts to get the right group of players signed for next year before the holidays. While Evan Brannon was unable to return as manager due to time restraints, his younger brother Dale Brannon (U-Conn) joins Nick Stanley (NC State), Aaron Yoder (VMI) and Daniel Malone (Northwest Missouri State) as members of the 2007 team who will lace them up for Neiman and Alger in 2008.

   

“I am looking forward to working with Bruce as he is a tremendous person that I know I can turn to if I need help,” Neiman said. “Just being able to be a part of something special where this community and organization is concerned is an honor.”

   

Brown and Neiman teamed up to lead the Rebels to a national ranking as high as number 4 in the country in 2006 and Neiman is looking to create the same formula for success with the 2008 edition of the Rebels.

   

“Our team will very much be built on pitching and defense; our staff will be geared up to hold teams down,” Neiman added. “Our roster will include some of the best defensive players in the country including Mike Mooney who was just named JUCO defensive player of the year and is on his way to the University of Florida.”

   

Alger and Neiman continue to search the countryside in an effort to find the best ball players that best fit the Rebel way but the search for leadership was a success.

   

“Nolan brings with him an excellent combination of experience and knowledge of the game,” Alger added. “His work ethic and dedication to the game sets an excellent example for today’s collegiate athlete.”

   

If the harmony on the field matches that in the front office then the Rebels should be in for a successful season under Neiman.

Colorado Rockies Prospects

Steaming right along: No former Valley Leaguers appeared on Baseball America's Colorado Rockies top 10 prospect list, but one player, Joe Koshansky (Staunton 02-03), was covered by Tracy Ringolsby in his chat (subscription required).

Joe had an excellent year in 2007 at Colorado Springs, finishing with 30 doubles, 21 home runs, 99 RBIs, and a 295/380/490 line. He also made his major league debut with the Rockies, hitting a double in 12 at-bats. 

While Joe was named the organization's best power prospect, Ringolsby still doesn't believe Joe's ready for a major league position:

"Q: Dan from Denver asks: Seems like Seth Smith, Ian Stewart, and Joe Koshansky are ready for a starting shot in teh bigs either now or in the very near future. Do they have a future with the Rockies or are they all trade bait? Have you heard any trade rumors regarding them? Thanks

A: Moderator (Tracy Ringolsby): I don't see any of the three as being ready this season for a starting shot in the bigs. I think all three have areas they can work on. Smith is probably the closest, and could wind up forcing his way onto the roster as a fourth outfielder, particularly with the way he handled the challenge of the bench late last season."

Fair enough, but I'd like to know what else the Rockies feel Koshansky needs to do. Is it fielding related?  He committed 17 errors in 131 games at first base last year... Is it hitting lefties?  He was respectable, but not great, against lefties: 276/330/412... (He was 305/404/530 vs. righties.)

The Mitchell Report and the Valley League

What do the two have in common?  Not much, thank goodness.

Except that at least one former Valley Leaguer was cited in the report: Mo Vaughn, a former Harrisonburg Turk.  To be fair, it looks like Mo was allegedly using human growth hormone to recover from an ankle injury.

In Friday's News Virginian, reporter Robert Sisk tackled the question of what the reporting of major leaguers on performance-enhancing drugs might do to the youth in the Valley. He spoke with Derek McDaniel, a Waynesboro General assistant coach (he's also a coach at Wilson Memorial High School).

This is part of what Sisk had to say:

With the high pressure of trying to land a major league contract, there is stress on players in the local Valley League to do whatever is necessary to better their stats, said Derek McDaniel, a Waynesboro Generals assistant. College athletes use the summer wooden-bat league to stay in shape over the summer and get noticed by big league scouts.

“I have had one I suspected in all my years in the Valley [League],” said McDaniel, who also coaches baseball and football at Wilson Memorial. “I approached him and he said, ‘No, I’m not taking any.’ I [had] noticed a big improvement in six months and, well, that don’t happen. In high school they are a little different. It’s a lot harder to judge freshman that are 5-10, 105 pounds that go to 190. Is that drugs or … nature [taking its] course?”

Students can be turned on to illegal substances by taking over-the-counter nutritional supplements such as creatine and protein shakes.

“Just like any drug,” McDaniel said, “you start out on this and you want more … I don’t doubt that like an addict or alcoholic, they just start smoking dope, then popping pills, then they have a needle in their arm.”

Well....I have mixed emotions about what Major League Baseball has done. Frankly, the way our society handles things like this, I think it will blow over in a matter of months. (Except maybe Roger Clemens. He's too good, a certain first-ballot Hall-of-Famer, to fade away; just like Barry Bonds.)  Everyone will go back to buying memorabilia and tickets, and talking about how the Phillies are running away with the NL East (hopefully). I think it's admirable that MLB wants to come clean, but many, many of the players mentioned in the report took these drugs when they were not against the rules in baseball (but, admittedly, some were against the law).  Maybe George Mitchell was right: where MLB goes from here is the most important thing.

#5 Reliever: David Gutierrez

Our #5 reliever, Luray's David Gutierrez, is a redshirt sophomore at the University of Miami.  He had a filthy 2007 Valley League season on the mound, going 1-1, 1.15, with 1 save, an 0.79 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9, 9.2 K/9, and a .161 opponent's batting average. He completed 39 innings in 16 games, with one start. 

So how did David do so well?  He said, "I guess my ERA was something I just accomplished by going out every day and competing to the best of my ability. I think I came into the summer with a lot of confidence from the season because I also had a good season and I think that helped a lot."

Indeed, David used his repertoire of four pitches: a four-seam fastball, one-seam fastball, changeup, and curveball, to have an solid redshirt freshman year in Miami. He finished 2-0, 3.74, with a 1.52 WHIP, 4.8 BB/9, and 5.4 K/9 in 43 1/3 innings. Not bad for a first experience against aluminum bats in a very tough league!

It will be interesting to see how Coach Morris uses David this year, on a team that has a good chance to advance to Omaha! (picture below courtesy of Haymarket Joe)

San Diego Padres Prospects

Last offseason, I went on and on, ad nauseam, about Kevin Kouzmanoff (Winchester 02).  The grand slam, the high ranking on the Padres' Top 10 list, the starting position on my rotisserie team: I had the Crushin' Russian on the brain. (And I finished last in our Rot-ball League, too, in case you're wondering.)  Now, in case you haven't noticed, it's a year later, and Kouz, while finishing the year strong, did not exactly set the world on fire. He finished at 275/329/457, with 30 doubles, 18 home runs, and 74 RBIs, with a home stadium that plays as a pitcher's park. Solid numbers, but not wonderful.

ANYWAY, the Padres' new list is out at Baseball America, and guess who's at the top of the list?  No, not Kouz- his rookie eligibility is long gone. It's Chase Headley.  Now, while Chase isn't a graduate of the Valley League, I still have a connection with him (granted, it's a one-way connection). When Chase was playing in the California League in 2006, he was named to the All-Star team that played against the Carolina League in Salem, Virginia. I went down in a driving rainstorm with Ian and Eliot, in the hopes that the game wouldn't be canceled. The game went on, somehow, and I ended up with a seat right next to.... Chase's girlfriend. And a couple members of his family, too (not all in the same seat!). It was quite interesting to hear stories of how Chase was handling the grind of the minor leagues, and had great hopes for the future.  It certainly seems like the future is now, after his season at Double-A San Antonio!

In Matt Eddy's chat (subscription required), he covers what the Padres might do with Kouz and Headley:

"Q: Lincoln from Austin, TX asks: Do you think Headley pushes Kouz off the 3B spot in San Diego? Or do they trade one of them in the next year or so?

A: Matt Eddy: This is the Padres storyline to watch. Headley doesn't need much more- if any- minor league time. But then, Kouzmanoff overcame a putrid first half (my rotisserie team didn't!) to be a consistent producer for a 89-win team. Because Headley can hit righties and defend better than Kouzmanoff, I think he wins out.  Maybe the Padres let Kouzmanoff build trade value for a few months and then move him. Or maybe they move him to left field in spring training."

For what it's worth, BA lists Kouz as the left fielder in San Diego's projected 2011 lineup. I imagine that many of us will be watching in spring training this year to see what, if anything, the Padres do with the logjam at 3B.