Tag Archives: CanAm League

Jun 27 2012

Three Outs: Recapping Grand Prairie-Worcester (Indy Baseball)

Against the Grand Prairie AirHogs, Worcester’s Jerod Edmonson recorded five hits, three doubles, and four RBIs. (Photo Credit: Matt Noonan for Noontime Sports)

By Matt Noonan 

WORCESTER, MA – On Wednesday, the Worcester Tornadoes concluded their three-game series with the Grand Prairie AirHogs with a 4-3 loss. The game marked the end of their six-game home stand, which featured three games against the Newark Bears.

The Tornadoes are now 1-2 in interleague play against the American Association, and will return to the diamond on Friday when they travel to Texas to face Laredo.

Here are three takeaways from their last three contests against the AirHogs.

1.) Grand Prairie’s Excellent Bullpen: On Tuesday and Wednesday, the AirHogs relied on their various relievers to earn two critical road wins. And while they had to rally to secure leads, which they never relinquished, their bullpen arms halted Worcester’s offense with eight strikeouts and one earned run.

2.) The Edmonson-Trezza Offensive Connection: Despite only earning one win in a span of three days, Worcester’s offense relied on veterans Jerod Edmonson and Alex Trezza. Both players combined for 11 hits, seven RBIs, five runs, five doubles and one home run against the AirHogs, but that still didn’t help the Tornadoes during their final two games against Grand Prairie.

3.) Nunez Loses Fire: It’s very easy to state that Alex Nunez has been the spark of the Tornadoes offense, especially over the past few days. Yet, against the AirHogs on Wednesday, he struggled at the dish. He stepped up to the plate four times, but didn’t manage to muster a hit or run or RBI. Nunez hasn’t experienced a day with the Tornadoes where he hasn’t produced, so it’ll certainly be interesting to see how he responds on Friday.

Jun 25 2012

Three Outs: Recapping Newark-Worcester (Indy Baseball)

Nick Salotti’s 10th inning RBI single on Saturday capped off an exciting night of offensive fireworks between Newark and Worcester! (Photo Credit: Matt Noonan for Noontime Sports)

By Matt Noonan 

WORCESTER, MA – The Worcester Tornadoes concluded their three-game weekend series with the Newark Bears on Sunday with an 8-4 loss, which snapped a two-game winning streak.

On Monday, Worcester will return to their home diamond against the Grand Prairie AirHogs, (American Association of Independent Baseball) for a 7:05PM first pitch.

Here are three takeaways from this past weekend’s series against the Bears.

1.) Bicondoa’s Earns His First Win: Pitcher Ryan Bicondoa had pitched in five games prior to Friday’s contest, and hadn’t mustered one win. He had averaged 5.2 innings on the bump, allowed 21 earned runs, and tallied three consecutive losses, (which started on June 1 against the New Jersey Jackals).

Against the Bears at Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field on Friday, the right-hander controlled the contest by fanning 12 batters and allowing two runs on three hits in eight innings. Worcester’s offense complimented his performance with three runs, which helped Bicondoa earn his first win.

In his first two starts this season against Quebec and Rockland, he was off the hook for a win or loss. Although, he did manage to hold both clubs to six earned runs combined, as well as 10 hits, but his performance didn’t translate over to the offense, as Worcester lost both matches.

2.) Saturday’s Fireworks: It’s customary that after every Friday home game, Tornadoes fans are treated to the Awesome Atlas Fireworks show. And while there was an exciting show following Friday’s win, fans were able to enjoy an encore on Saturday, as both teams combined for 23 runs, 35 hits, 19 strikeouts, and five errors in 10 innings.

Worcester’s offense displayed some offensive fireworks, as Alex Trezza smacked two home runs, while Nick Salotti recorded the game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the 10th inning.

3.) Struggling Bullpen: One thing that manager Chip Plante will need to work on, especially if the Tornadoes want to clinch a spot in the CanAm League playoffs, is the Tornadoes bullpen.

Hands down, Nick Serino has been the most consistent reliever this season. He has the team’s lowest ERA, (2.57); recorded two saves, and retired 16 batters.

Yet, against the Bears, Serino mustered one save and one win, while Kyle Regnault and Matt McDonald struggled on Sunday. Regnault replaced Kevin Cooper in the eighth inning and surrendered four earned runs on six hits, while McDonald allowed one hit during 1.1 innings of relief.

‘Three Outs’ will be a frequent blog entry geared toward recapping and providing highlights from various summer baseball games in Massachusetts.  

Jun 13 2012

Catching Up With Johnny Welch (Worcester Tornadoes)

Johnny Welch cranked two home runs against Quebec on Tuesday afternoon, which helped Worcester earn their ninth win of the season! (Photo Credit: Matt Noonan)

By Matt Noonan

WORCESTER, MA – Against the Quebec Capitales on Tuesday afternoon, Worcester’s Johnny Welch recorded two hits, two home runs and three RBIs, which lifted the Tornadoes to their ninth win of the season.

“We had to win [on Tuesday afternoon],” said Welch. “We’ve all got to start hitting, [and I think] we’re all starting to figure it out, but once we get rolling I think we’ll be alright.”

Welch has been the spark the Tornadoes have needed this season. The Medford native has recorded 25 hits, four doubles, seven home runs and 15 RBIs, and certainly hasn’t disappointed.

Noontime Sports caught up with the former Boston Herald All-Scholastic on Tuesday to talk about the season thus far, as well as his high school and college playing days.

On playing at Malden Catholic: “Just making varsity [was one of my fondest memories]. It was huge. That first year we had a great team, but just having the older guys taking me under their wing was a big thing for me.”

On his junior and senior year mentality with the Lancers: “My senior year, I was a captain, but the other years I knew I was going to hit in the middle of the lineup, so I had to do well. We had a great team, and I just happened to get good hits, I guess.”

On not being recruited to play college baseball: “I really didn’t get recruited [to play] anywhere, but [Saint Anselm College] was there, and coach [Ken Harring] at the time saw me, and he told me I could play every day up there as long as I had the grades, and I got in and played.”

On majoring in criminal justice: “Going [to St. A’s] I knew the school was tough, but just didn’t know what I wanted to do with my major, and I happened to take some courses and I fell in love with it, [and] just rode it out.”

On dealing with injuries at St. A’s: “I missed my junior year, but every other year during the offseason, I seemed to have [various] surgeries, but I kept going back and playing. In the offseason it was rough, but in the season I played, so I’ve had a bunch, but they seem to be holding off right now. I had [offseason surgery on] my shoulder, elbow, wrist, I’ve had a bunch.”

On not being drafted in high school or college: “The whole thing [going to St. A’s] was it was a wood bat conference, so I knew I was going to play every day, and hopefully I had numbers for someone to give me a shot. My senior year, I had a great year and I didn’t know if I was going to be picked up or not, and I didn’t, so I happened to try out for [an independent baseball team] and someone saw me. I really didn’t talk to anybody [about the MLB draft]. In high school, I didn’t think much of it. I was a little shorter, didn’t really run as well, so I didn’t think anything of it. In college, we had a guy drafted the year before [I arrived], so I thought maybe I might get a shot, but it didn’t work out.”

On his first year playing Independent Baseball: “I really didn’t know too much about Indy ball. I had a buddy who played, and I knew he was pretty legit, so when I got to Brockton I knew it was the real deal. Pitching is better, guys are older and know what they’re doing, and then I got released and North Shore picked me up and I learned a lot from those guys [on the Spirit]. They helped me out a ton.”

Johnny Welch celebrates one of his two home runs on Tuesday with Jerod Edmonson! (Photo Credit: Matt Noonan)

On his success in the Frontier League: “I got to play every day. My manager told me, ‘you’re going to play every day, so it is what it is, figure it out.’ So by seeing pitches and being there and kind of getting that chance [was what helped me succeed with the Florence Freedom]. I finally got the opportunity to play every day, and it paid off.”

On playing with the Pittsfield Colonials: “I knew a few of the guys, and we had an awesome team last season. I actually liked playing [at Wahconah Park]. I loved hitting there, [and] the atmosphere was a little different [compared to Worcester], but I loved playing there and hitting there, too.”

On being signed by the Tornadoes: “It was huge. When we went into the draft, [due to the Colonials folding] I didn’t know what was going to happen with the whole team, they wanted to keep us together, but it didn’t work out. I’m glad Worcester picked me up, [and] I knew I was going to play every day, so I just wanted to get that opportunity again.”

On his success with the Tornadoes thus far: “I’m not really sure. [On Monday] I struggled, the day before I struggled, [but on Tuesday afternoon] I just told myself to see the ball and try to hit it. And finally, I actually made some contact, got some balls out [of the park]. I’m just trying to relax, and not trying to do too much [at the plate].”

On his pre-game ritual: “I get ready early, put some red hot on, and try to get out [to the field] early and stretch.”

On what songs gets him pumped for games: “I love techno, [some] deadmau5, [and] some Tiesto to get me fired up.”

On being able to play baseball in Massachusetts: “It’s great, especially for my family. When I was out in Kentucky it was tough for them to get out there, but now if people want to come see me they can, [so] it’s good to be near home, it makes you feel safer.”

Jun 13 2012

PHOTOS: Worcester Tornadoes Gallery

By NoontimeSports.com 

Here are a few snapshots from Wednesday’s Quebec-Worcester CanAm League matchup, which saw the Tornadoes prevail, 11-8. However, Quebec evened the score in the nightcap with a 6-3 victory.

For more information on the Worcester Tornadoes — check out their homepage and team blog.

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Jun 4 2012

Worcester’s Welch Off To A Fast Start

Worcester’s Johnny Welch is off to a fast start with his second CanAm League Indy baseball team! (Photo Credit: Flickr)

By Matt Noonan 

The first few weeks of the Worcester Tornadoes season is officially in the books.

The local independent baseball squad concluded its most recent six-game home stand with three wins and three losses. Yet, despite a few excruciating contests against Newark and New Jersey, fans were able to enjoy a few exciting home runs on Sunday afternoon by the former Boston Herald All-Scholastic Johnny Welch.

Welch, who is in his first season with the Tornadoes, has appeared in 14 games thus far and has recorded 12 runs, 17 hits, four doubles, four home runs and nine RBIs. He’s also tallied one stolen base and 13 strikeouts, too.

Last season, Welch joined the CanAm League with the Pittsfield Colonials, who’re no longer in existence, and appeared in 69 games. He experienced one of his better seasons at the dish, as he registered 15 home runs, 45 RBIs and seven stolen bases.

Welch’s best season in a Minor League setting was with the Florence Freedom in 2010, a member of the Frontier League, where finished the year with 93 hits, 13 doubles, one triple, 14 home runs and 46 RBIs.

Jun 2 2012

Mass Indy Baseball Player Profile: Chris Torres (Worcester Tornadoes)

By Matt Noonan 

WORCESTER, MA – Worcester Tornadoes catcher Chris Torres loves the game of baseball.

The 29-year-old Florida native, who was drafted by the Detroit Tigers, (2005) and Pittsburgh Pirates (2001) in the MLB Amateur Draft, is focused on doing whatever it takes to earn a spot on a big league roster.

Torres has appeared in six games this season and has recorded five hits, two home runs, and three RBIs. He’s hopeful that he’ll play in a majority of games this season, too, but again, is just focused on improving every single day.

Here is our conversation with the veteran catcher on the season thus far.

For the third consecutive year you’re playing for a Massachusetts independent baseball team. How’s it feel to be back in the Bay State, and how’s the season going thus far?

“It feels good. It’s a good organization; they’re doing things right, everything’s going in the right direction, and [it’s] a great group of guys. I couldn’t ask for a better position to be in, [but hopefully I’ll] get more playing time and I think it’ll work out itself as I keep doing better.”

This past Wednesday against Newark, you hit a walk-off home run to conclude a suspended contest. What’d you see on that particular pitch?

“I saw a 91 mph fastball and I said, ‘I’m going to hit it because I like them’ and it happened to go out [of the ballpark]. It’s just hard work pays off.”

From a veteran perspective, how have you helped some of the younger players progress over these past few weeks?

“We’ve got a young guy named J.B. Brown, a good guy and good hitter. [I’m helping him] work on his swings just a little bit, and just how he relates to the other guys. [These young guys] come out of college or right out of pro ball, and you figure out that we’re all in this together and there’s no need for [showboating]. Then you’ve got Tony Patane, who’s a great dude, great kid, working hard. I think [these young guys] just kind of latch to us [veterans], hang out and they learn stuff. They’re all good kids, good guys.”

What’s your relationship like with manager Chip Plante? How has he helped you or the team thus far?

“Chip’s awesome. Chip is a good manager. He gets into it just like he’s a player and I like that. He’s got a fire in him, he wants to win, he’s out there to win, he gets fired up, and I love when he gets fired up [because] we’re all here to win. At the end of the day, we all want to get a championship here in Worcester, and get some rings.”

Are there any parallels between this team and the Pittsfield Colonials?

“That was a special team, [and] it was a great group of guys. It’s good because the same chemistry is here with the Tornadoes, and we’ve just got to put that product that we believe in on the field. It’s going to come [because] I’ve never seen a team that started out in the beginning of the year blowing people up and ending the year blowing people up in the World Series. It’s usually that team that gets hot at the right time, so I think we’re going to figure it out, and we’re going to be a dangerous team.”

Excluding some of the rookies and younger players, which you mentioned above, who’re some other players to watch as the season progresses?

“Johnny Welch, who’s about to heat up. You’ve got Brandon Kelliher; he’s going to heat it up. Obviously, Nick Salotti, who started off a little slow, but that homer on Thursday is going to get him going. Alex Trezza, he always hits .300 and 15 homers [per season], and you can write it down because it’s going to happen, so once guys figure it out, we’re going to be rolling.”

What’s an average game day like for an independent baseball player? What’re things you do to prepare yourself for a game?

“Wake up at about 1PM, get some lunch, come to the field, bust out really hard work, we work hard, and we’re here from 2PM to 11PM, and people don’t realize that it’s not like we’re here for [a short period of time]. We take ground balls, I hit in the cage, then we hit again, we do our routine, and we shower, then we do our routine again, and we get ready for the game and then it’s an intense battle for two-to-three hours, even more sometimes, and then we wake up and do it again the next day, so it’s pretty intense.”

What’s it like playing with Jose Canseco? How has his MLB experiences helped you as a player?

“He’s got a lot of knowledge, and he gets a bad rap. Seeing him, hanging out with him every day, and listening to him, he’s like a gentle giant. He comes up; he talks to us about things and things he’s been through. He buys us [food], so he’s a really good guy, and he’s been helping. We’d like to see him hit a little bit more, but whatever he does, he’s good, he’s good [company].”

I have to ask you, what’s the deal with this new look? Are we ever going to see the Chris Torres from Pittsfield with a shaved head or Mohawk?

“I don’t know. We’re going to keep this [look] going because we’re hitting, but if the team doesn’t or if I feel like we need something to bring us together like we had the Mohawks in Pittsfield then we’re going to do it. Whatever it takes to bring us together to win, but yeah, I grew it out at home in Florida.”

Finally, what is the future for Chris Torres?

“Obviously, everyone on this field is playing to get back to organized ball in the big leagues, and if they’re telling you something else they’re lying, and that’s why I work hard and that’s why they all work hard because there’s still that in the back of my mind that is [my dream] kind of out of the loop, probably, but you never know [and] that’s why you put on a baseball uniform. [Excluding playing in the majors], I want to be around the game, and I either want to coach, work in the front office or [do] player development stuff or something. I’ll be around the game because I love it and can’t get away from it.”

Apr 20 2012

Canseco Signs One-Year Deal With Worcester Tornadoes

Jose Canseco will return to New England this spring and summer to play baseball with the Worcester Tornadoes! (Photo Credit: News.Softpedia.com)

By Matt Noonan 

The Worcester Tornadoes, an independent baseball team, announced on Friday that they’ve signed former Boston Red Sox and MLB slugger Jose Canseco to a one-year contract.

“From a baseball standpoint, we lost two of the best power hitters in our league. We lost Chris Colabello to the [Minnesota] Twins organization, we lost Mark Minicozzi to Quebec in our league, and that’s a serious drop off, that’s right-handed power hitting and Jose Canseco, why not give him a chance and see what he’s got,” Tornadoes GM Jorg Bassiacos said on Friday morning. “If it helps sell a few tickets, there’s no harm in that either.”

Canseco, who hasn’t been involved with a Major League team since 2001, had originally planned to play in the Mexican League this spring, but those plans were derailed after he refused to take a doping test.

“He’s very excited [about the season]. He has a true appreciation for Boston, he has true appreciation for the fans of New England, who’re in his words, ‘savvy baseball people,’” added Bassicos. “If you perform, you’re going to be embraced, and I think that’s a very accurate statement.”

The former MLB slugger played 17 seasons in the big leagues, two of them with Boston, and ended his career with 1,877 hits, 1,407 RBIs, 462 home runs, and 340 doubles.

“The buzz has been palpable, the phones have been ringing off the hook here in the front office, and I think it’s great. I think it’s great for us, I think it helps us tell a great story,” said Bassicos.

“I think giving Jose an opportunity to showcase what he can do, as well as us an opportunity to tell a story of really turning this around is a good story.”

Canseco and the Tornadoes will begin their 2012 schedule at Newark on Thursday, May 17, and will play their home opener on Monday, May 21, against Quebec.

Worcester hasn’t won a CanAm League title since 2005, and will attempt to end their seven-year drought this season, too.

For more information on this particular acquisition – please check out the Tornadoes press releases by CLICKING HERE.

Dec 16 2011

Brockton Rox 2012 Season Postponed

By NoontimeSports.com 

Saturday, Dec. 17 — UPDATE: According to a source close to the team, as well as a recent report via the Patriot Ledger, the Rox will most likely join the Futures Collegiate Baseball League next summer, (2012), but nothing officially has been confirmed.

Once news breaks on a decision, we’ll provide an update!

Friday, Dec. 16: The CanAm League announced on Friday that the Brockton Rox won’t be playing baseball in 2012, but are hopeful the club will return to the diamond and league in 2013.

According to the report on the league’s website, commissioner Miles Wolff announced that the league this year will only include the Newark Bears, New Jersey Jackals, Rockland Boulders and Worcester Tornadoes, who’ll take part in a 100-game schedule, which begins on Thursday, May 17, and concludes on Monday, September 3.

This season promises to be a special one, as all five teams will take part in an interleague schedule against various teams from the American Association.

For more information on the decision to postpone the Rox season, and Wolff’s statement from Friday, please CLICK HERE.

Sep 5 2011

Noontime Sports the Podcast with Kevin Tuve (CanAm League Baseball)

Our CanAm League baseball guru, Kevin Tuve joined Matt Noonan on Monday to preview the upcoming playoff series, which starts on Tuesday, but also to recap the 2011 season. 

Aug 7 2011

Rox Sweep Four Game Series Against Rockland

By Brian Willwerth 

BROCKTON, MA — The CanAm League game Sunday night between the Brockton Rox and Rockland Boulders was delayed at the start by 21-minutes due to wet weather. Yet, once the game began, the home team did not delay lighting up the scoreboard, as the Rox jumped out to a big lead early, and then cruised to a 9-2 victory at Campanelli Stadium, completing a four-game sweep.

The Rox got on the board in the bottom of the first. Dan Barbero drew a bases-loaded walk, with Melvin Falu trotting home from third. Then Trey Hernandez delivered the first big hit of the game, lining a two-run single to right that scored Keith Brachold and Chris Grossman. It was 3-0 Rox after one.

Norm Hutchins got Rockland on the board in the top of the second with a mammoth home run to right.

The Rox broke it open in the third. They added to their lead with yet another bases-loaded hit. This time, it was Tucker Nathans doubling down the right-field line to give Brockton a 5-1 lead. Then with runners on 2nd and 3rd, the Rox executed the suicide squeeze to perfection. Alex Sumner’s bunt brought home the sixth Brockton run. Then Chris Valencia made it 8-1 with a towering home run over the right-centerfield fence. It was his fourth home run of the season. That would also mark the end of the day for Rockland starting pitcher Will Hassett.

Barbero hit hisfourth home run of the season in seventh for the final Brockton run.

The nine runs were more than enough for Brockton starting pitcher Julian Sampson, who allowed only two hits over seven innings, one of them being the home run to Hutchins. Sampson earned his seventh win of the year.

The Rox are off Monday night. They’ll open a series against the first-place Worcester Tornadoes on Tuesday.