Heels On The Field: A Baseball Blog : June 2014

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June 2014

June 12, 2014

Francisco Cervelli Begins Rehab in Trenton

By: Matt Kardos

(TRENTON)- Yankees backup catcher, Francisco Cervelli, began a rehab assignment with the Trenton Thunder on Wednesday night at Arm & Hammer Park. The 28-yar old Venezuelan product is nearing a big-league return after being placed on the DL on April 15 with a strained hamstring.

Cervelli has served as a steady back-up in the Bronx for a majority of his major league career, but with Brian McCann in tow and rookie John Ryan Murphy playing exceptionally well in that role, the Yankees are looking to increase his versatility by having him play first base. He did that on Wednesday night.

Prior to last night's game, Cervelli had only previously played first base on two occasions over the course of his seven-year professional career.

“I feel like I need to work a lot,” Cervelli said. “It’s a different position, but at the same time I think I can do it. We'll see what happens tonight.”

Cervelli added,"I’ve always been the 26th man on the roster. If everybody got hurt, I’d go in and play. I’ve played third, second, first. I love to catch and that’s what I’d like to do, but right now I’m looking to help the team as much as I can. Every time they give me the chance, I will.”

Cervelli admits that the biggest adjustment that he has to make in learning a new position is not so much mechanical or fundamental.

“I’m too hyper,” Cervelli explained. “Sometimes I have to be moving around and jump a little bit, because it’s not easy. Catching, I’m always squatting and blocking and everything. This is a little adjustment I have to do, to stay calm. It’s hard for me, but I can do it. You may see me dancing out there."

Cervelli went 0-2 and drew two walks in his first of two games in his return trip to Trenton. He played 38 games for the Thunder spanning the 2008-2009 seasons and was called up to the major leagues during both seasons. Cervelli recalls some very fond memories of his days spent with manager Tony Franklin and his career in Double-A.

"I'm excited to be here one more time," said Cervelli. "In 2008, that was the first time that I got called up in September, right after we won the championship here. I think that was the best day of my life."

Cervelli added, "The fans here are so good, Tony [Franklin], I have a lot of respect for him. He is a guy that helped me a lot and every time I see him, I feel so happy. I don't think I wanted to be here under these circumstances, like injuries, but that is what we've got and we have to enjoy it and play hard."

After playing seven innings at first base on Wednesday, Franklin said that Cervelli was slated to be back behind the plate for all nine innings on Thursday night in th series finale with Richmond.

"I will be here today and tomorrow," admitted Cervelli. 'After that, I am just waiting to hear what the next step is. I feel that I am ready to go."

Posted at 07:42 AM in Baseball, Eastern League , Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

June 08, 2014

2014 MLB Draft: UMaine Pitcher Tommy Lawrence Embraces Opportunity With Rays

However he can get to the big leagues, Tommy Lawrence wants the shot.

After being passed over in the June MLB Draft, University of Maine righty pitcher Lawrence got an offer he couldn't refuse from the Tampa Bay Rays. The team offered him a ND Free Agent deal.

"I was surprised I wasn't picked up," said Lawrence on Sunday. "I saw other guys drafted that I felt I was better than. Not to sound cocky. But now I have the same opportunity as them."

What round a player is selected can make a big difference in how he's perceived in the organization. The business of drafting and signing a player doesn't always seem fair, with guys often feeling, understandably, overlooked by higher ranked prospects. But opportunities have expanded for players to get in the door, even as signing bonuses have also ballooned, creating much tougher competition.

Lawrence joins the club of players that have a chance beyond the traditional draft and sign. And he's been offered a deal by a team that's invested time in his future for the past year.

"The Rays wanted me last year. I went to Cape Cod League and pitched well there, and then when the draft came around, I had a feeling that's where I would wind up."

The West Haven, Connecticut native, a West Haven High graduate, finished his senior season with a 3.18 ERA, striking out 97 in 104 innings of work. He appeared to have done enough to get a call on draft day. Lawrence admits he thinks he did a better job in 2013, despite winning six straight starts.

"Overall, it wasn't a bad year. I gave it my all."

When he began his collegiate career, he was faced with a new challenge. His 5-9 height was suddenly an issue. He knew what scouts look for in pitchers, and they have a preferred build.

"I looked around and the guys in college are 6-2 or 6-6. My height was a problem for teams," he said.

He had discussions with several teams, but there was clearly some hesitation. After pitching in the CCBL, and knowing the Rays were still interested.

"I knew the Rays had confidence in me."

He's yet to finalize a deal with the team, but expects to talk to Rays people in the next day or two to work out the details. He does say he's "definite" about signing with them.

Door open, he's got a scrappy, ready-to-battle attitude about his chances.

"I like to think I pitch like I am 6-6."

You can follow Tommy Lawrence @TommyGunzzz36

Posted at 04:31 PM in Baseball, Cape Cod League, College Baseball, Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball, Minor League Prospects, MLB Draft | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

June 07, 2014

2014 MLB Draft: 7th Rounder Drew Weeks Confirms Commitment To Rockies

Drew Weeks was getting nervous.

The Junior outfielder from the University of Florida expected to go in the first five rounds after several conversations with scouts. But when the 5th round concluded and his name wasn’t called, he was concerned.

“I thought ‘Oh sh** this isn’t good’”, he said late Saturday. “I started to slip. So the Rockies guy, who I’d talked a lot with, he called again and asked me if I’d be ok with 7th round for slot money, and I said that sounded perfect.”

Weeks didn’t just talk to a few teams, he talked to every team. He was in contact with every major league team, and the Braves, Mets, and Cubs exhibited strong interest. But the Rockies scout he spoke to expressed how much they liked him, and Colorado emerged as the favorite. The morning of the draft, Weeks was in an emotionally charged state of mind.

“You really do not know how will play out and what it’s like to experience that. Really only the top five guys know what’s going to happen. I don’t have an agent. But all my discussions with scouts was that there was no way I’d be on the board after the 5th round."

He had been there before, having been drafted by the Cubs in the 29th round in 2011. There was confusion and added stress this time, but when the commissioner announced the clock was on for the Rockies in the 7th, Weeks finally knew what was going to happen.

“It worked out perfectly,” he said.

This moment of his life comes after an already outstanding 2014 season, in which he led the nation in average, hitting .430, with 38 RBI and 52 runs scored in 53 games, and is now up for the Gregg Olson Award, which recognizes a breakout player. In 2013 he was one of just two Ospreys that stole double-digit bases (16). He lettered at Clay High School, where he also played football, in his hometown of Green Cove Springs, Florida, and was named First Team All State as a senior.

Weeks credits a lot of this season’s success to the wood bat league he played in last summer. He hit .310, leading the Northwoods League in RBI (67), and positioned himself a student of the game alongside another player.

“I picked the brain of an excellent hitter, John Laprise [University of Virginia]. I studied his habits. Everything was different this year. I applied everything I learned.” {Note: LaPrise received the Rawlings ‘Big Stick’ award at the end of that season]

As his consistency at the plate increased, so too did Weeks understanding of what he was capable of.

“Someone told me I was leading all college players in average, even though I wasn’t paying attention to my numbers. That did give me confidence at the plate. Not to sound cocky, but I just thought if I’m hitting better than anyone, then I can face any pitcher. It just gave me a huge boost. And that definitely helped my draft status.”

In truth, yes, Weeks thought he’d be picked higher. But he took pause to reflect on the situation, giving himself a reality check.

“I stepped back and thought about other guys drafted lower. I thought about how amazing that I’m this kid from a little school in Jacksonville. It’s such a blessing. I’m very happy.”You can follow Drew Weeks on Twitter @drewweeks03

Posted at 09:46 PM in Baseball, College Baseball, Minor League Baseball, Minor League Prospects, MLB Draft | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

June 03, 2014

Rays Julian Ridings Gets First 2014 At-Bat, Feels 'Stronger'

Some plays leave an imprint on the mind.

There's so many in a season, and they tend to run together. But there's always those stand-out moments that tell you more about a player than the 50 previous games and any conversation you may have had.

That moment came at the end of the 2013 season.

Julian Ridings team the Hudson Valley Renegades were fighting for a playoffs spot in Wappingers Falls New York, home of the New York Penn League Rays affiliate. The outfielder was on third and with the team down a few runs, he attempted to score a run, throwing his body violently toward the plate.

The Shelby, North Carolinian's gritty style of play may seem dangerous to himself, but you can admire his tenacity and desire to win even if you're cringing at the physical risk. Ridings had put together a season full of similar moments, even when he was wearing down.

Were those last few days and weeks a challenge?

"Yes, they really were," he said Tuesday. "But I pushed through it. What helped was that I got my body ready everyday."

Ridings was selected in the 18th round (22nd pick, 538th overall) of the June 2013 MLB Draft out of Western Carolina University where he was first team All Southern Conference. He led his beloved Catamounts (he often tweets support for them) with a .377 average, with 16 doubles and 11 home runs. The Rays assigned him to the short-season Renegades, and in 55 games he had 53 hits, with 14 doubles, and scored 25 runs. He sees that season as a complete learning experience.

"The most challenging part really is the grind. You hear it, but until you play everyday professionally you don't know. You have to stay locked in and mentally focused everyday."

The transition from college or high school to professional baseball is a crash-course in physical limits. The numbers don't necessarily matter. The experience does. Getting their reps, learning how to handle the daily life and what's required is the point of those first few weeks.

"The fun for me was learning more about the game. I learned how to work better counts, to become a better lead off hitter, and not just swing away when I'm up there. You have to be ready."

Ridings is readier than ever after having to remain in extended Spring Training. He'd hurt his left shoulder while in Florida this past spring, a problem that's popped up since high school and prompted surgery.

"We've done all we can to fix it," he said.

He made his debut for the Charlotte Stone Crabs of the Florida State League on Monday, getting two at-bats and striking out once.

"I got the call and suited up. I was more excited. I didn't get nervous. I felt really good...the best I felt in awhile. Being in the game atmosphere is better than extended. I just wanted to be in the lineup somewhere."

Ridings spent the off-season fine-tuning his swing and approach, and working out six days a week. He says he entered spring training nine pounds heavier. Now that he's finally gotten the opportunity to put all that self-care and correction to work, he knows what he wants to do to make this season count.

"I just want to become a better ballplayer and a better teammate. I want to expand my whole game, from offense to defense."

Expect more tenacity.

You can follow Julian Ridings on Twitter @JRIDINGS_04

Also, read the HOTF 2013 NYPL Awards. The Hudson Valley Renegades received a few honors- http://www.highheelsonthefield.net/my_weblog/2013/09/2013-new-york-penn-league-awards.html

See links below for more Rays minor league player stories & follow my continued coverage of the Durham Bulls & the minors league wide for 'Minor League Ball.'

Posted at 12:28 PM in Baseball, Florida State League, Minor League Baseball, Minor League Prospects, MLB Draft, New York Penn League, Spring Training | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

June 02, 2014

A Former 'Teen Queen' To Make Her Minor League Debut

There were a few huge teen girl sensations that upped the idol status, before there was an 'American Idol.' One of them accomplished Teen Beat stardom by touring malls, and now she'll make her way to a baseball field.

Tiffany, famous for a remake of 'I Think We're Alone Now' and 'Could've Been', will do a pre-game and post-game concert June 13th at Richmond County Ballpark, as announced by the Staten Island Yankees. They'll take on the 'cross-ferry' rival Brooklyn Cyclones that day. The SI Yankees have announced a full promotional schedule, so make sure to check it out and see if, you know, the New Kids On The Block show up. Maybe the Lowell Spinners could pull that off?