So good to hear the true side of the minor league experience firsthand for those of us that wish to expose the reality of MLB drafts as opposed to the glamour we see on TV. Keep it coming guys and hoping for the best for your kids and others in their position here on the boards. GOOD STUFF!
Couple of minor things to report...
Son's team flew to Cali Columbia today for the second leg of their trip with games beginning tomorrow. One nice thing is they only play five games a week in this league versus the seven days a week in the normal minor league season. That should allow him to not get too over-worked this offseason. It also represents a (7/5ths per hour) pay raise over the minor leagues which is also a good thing
Son's team flew to Cali Columbia today for the second leg of their trip with games beginning tomorrow. One nice thing is they only play five games a week in this league versus the seven days a week in the normal minor league season. That should allow him to not get too over-worked this offseason. It also represents a (7/5ths per hour) pay raise over the minor leagues which is also a good thing
A couple of pictures from Bogata...
Some pictures from Cali, Columbia. He flew from Bogata to Cali this afternoon...
Some pictures from Cali, Columbia. He flew from Bogata to Cali this afternoon...
the thing that stands out to me in the pictures, things never look finished. when i worked in the BWI it struck me as the same kind of look. that one more thing to make it look good.
i'm sure he's having a ball, baseball really can trancends language. love reading the updates.
i'm sure he's having a ball, baseball really can trancends language. love reading the updates.
Interesting pics.
The one that looks like its beyond an OF fence reminds me of Curacao.
The one that looks like its beyond an OF fence reminds me of Curacao.
Very interesting and informative thread. I really enjoy reading about the "next level" and the many endless possibilities/opportunities that are available for the players who are living the dream.
So exciting, yet so nerve racking as your sons' travel to foreign countries..
I wish all the parents/players the best of luck and safety as they continue on the journey.
Thanks ...
So exciting, yet so nerve racking as your sons' travel to foreign countries..
I wish all the parents/players the best of luck and safety as they continue on the journey.
Thanks ...
How are your guys adapting to the food in these countries? Guess you can't get Montezuma's revenge in Columbia since that was a little too far south for old Montezuma. 
quote:Originally posted by Three Bagger:
How are your guys adapting to the food in these countries? Guess you can't get Montezuma's revenge in Columbia since that was a little too far south for old Montezuma.
I guess one of the staples down there is a rice and chicken caserole or jumbalaya type dish and he likes that thus far. There are also American eateries. I think he is trying to develop a taste for the local cuisines as well. I'll see if I can find more info about them.
CD, can he take these pictures out in the open or does he kind of sneak out his cell phone to take these pictures? Some look like they are from a moving vehicle.
I hope this isn't a totally ignorant question!
I hope this isn't a totally ignorant question!
quote:Originally posted by fillsfan:
CD, can he take these pictures out in the open or does he kind of sneak out his cell phone to take these pictures? Some look like they are from a moving vehicle.
I hope this isn't a totally ignorant question!
fillsfan - no cell phone as he bought his digital camera one day before leaving the country. Some of those pictures indeed are snapped inside of a car through a window or inside his apartment through the window. I'll tell him to roll the window down in the future
PS - We are thrilled he has posted so many pictures. Many more pictures are on his facebook and I have merely posted some of them here. It has eased our sense of anxiety and they are fun to look at.
Jonathan Meloan is getting married. Blessings in Holy Matrimony with Jon Meloan, and his bride to be!
Sorry folks! Father Neiman just called me to let me know. It's Jon and his soon bride that's getting married next weekend.
Best Regards,
Fathertime71
Sorry folks! Father Neiman just called me to let me know. It's Jon and his soon bride that's getting married next weekend.
Best Regards,
Fathertime71
Does this player have a parent here that we know?
I was just wondering as I thought that this topic was about players of websters and winterball or what's happening for some of them in the off season.
I was just wondering as I thought that this topic was about players of websters and winterball or what's happening for some of them in the off season.
TPM
Does that mean I cannot post about any of our former players who are now in pro ball????
Does that mean I cannot post about any of our former players who are now in pro ball????
-TPMquote:Originally posted by TPM:
Does this player have a parent here that we know?
I was just wondering as I thought that this topic was about players of websters and winterball or what's happening for some of them in the off season.
I will have to assume this is directed my way. Why, I truthfully, don't know. Let me just say this though for the official record, several LA Dodgers personnel and their parents visit this site quite often, and would like to know that Jon's getting married since his departure. He played for the Dodgers a while, and made many lasting relationships with these "good people" who read this board. No harm intended. Just thought I would share the happiness with those who visit, including the Kershaw and Leach family.
Shep,
No problem with your explanation.
I just had never seen him play or knew who he was, and just found it strange though some people (not you in particular) will talk about players we have never seen play (or even know about) or know who they are yet very rarely acknowledge our own players.
Peace brother.
No problem with your explanation.
I just had never seen him play or knew who he was, and just found it strange though some people (not you in particular) will talk about players we have never seen play (or even know about) or know who they are yet very rarely acknowledge our own players.
Peace brother.
I knew what TPM meant and she is right.
I frankly don't care about tangential relationships and name dropping. We've had posts here from actual members like njbb, itsinthegame, rabe62, justbb, TPM, and so forth. That was the intent of the thread.
I frankly don't care about tangential relationships and name dropping. We've had posts here from actual members like njbb, itsinthegame, rabe62, justbb, TPM, and so forth. That was the intent of the thread.
Not a problem, at all. I had a vision recently that your son will pitch in the bigs. I pray for him often, and more than willing, to let by-gones, be by-gones.
DK will pitch in the Major leagues, AND I GIVE YOU MY BLESSINGS-NFA. He is deserving, and paid his dues.
Complete recovery will launch him to the "Pinnacle". Take it to the bank.
Peace Out
DK will pitch in the Major leagues, AND I GIVE YOU MY BLESSINGS-NFA. He is deserving, and paid his dues.
Complete recovery will launch him to the "Pinnacle". Take it to the bank.
Peace Out
CD, what a great thread. I have kept up with everyone this last year but not posted much. I am rooting for your boy.
Keep us posted. The pics are wonderful.
Keep us posted. The pics are wonderful.
quote:Originally posted by playfair:
CD, what a great thread. I have kept up with everyone this last year but not posted much. I am rooting for your boy.
Keep us posted. The pics are wonderful.
Thank you playfair!
Since this is an offseason thread, have things settled down at UNLV?
I will take you off topic for now. you can delete after you read it.
Nolan left UNLV. With the new coaches' policy of UNLV being for LV players Nolan felt it would be too risky to be an outsider in that program. He wants to at least have a shot a pro ball and did not want to be a junior with little option (as did happen there this year) Nolan is at Yavapai College in Prescott AZ. He loves it there. The coaching staff is really top quality. He is enjoying a great fall campaign. He has never felt better. He says his arm is blazing and he is learning the day to day of swinging wood.(they play wood bat) I am not there too much, I think I will go next weekend.
Last week he had an official visit at University of Illinois, Chicago and University of Virginia is also interested. Both have offered. He will be in great hands with whoever he chooses. It is all good for Nolan Clark right now.
On topic, I am thrilled about your boy. How wonderful it is to be chosen for the Winter Leagues. He will be well protected by the MiLB but I will include him in my prayers none the less.
Keep me posted. I love this thread.
Update, just now Nolan accepted an offer to play for University of Virginia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!We are so excited we cant stand it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(seriously, 5 min ago!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Nolan left UNLV. With the new coaches' policy of UNLV being for LV players Nolan felt it would be too risky to be an outsider in that program. He wants to at least have a shot a pro ball and did not want to be a junior with little option (as did happen there this year) Nolan is at Yavapai College in Prescott AZ. He loves it there. The coaching staff is really top quality. He is enjoying a great fall campaign. He has never felt better. He says his arm is blazing and he is learning the day to day of swinging wood.(they play wood bat) I am not there too much, I think I will go next weekend.
Last week he had an official visit at University of Illinois, Chicago and University of Virginia is also interested. Both have offered. He will be in great hands with whoever he chooses. It is all good for Nolan Clark right now.
On topic, I am thrilled about your boy. How wonderful it is to be chosen for the Winter Leagues. He will be well protected by the MiLB but I will include him in my prayers none the less.
Keep me posted. I love this thread.
Update, just now Nolan accepted an offer to play for University of Virginia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!We are so excited we cant stand it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(seriously, 5 min ago!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
quote:Originally posted by playfair:
Update, just now Nolan accepted an offer to play for University of Virginia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!We are so excited we cant stand it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(seriously, 5 min ago!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Wahoo!!!
quote:Update, just now Nolan accepted an offer to play for University of Virginia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!We are so excited we cant stand it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(seriously, 5 min ago!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
No way are we going to delete that!!!
Unbelievably good news!
quote:On topic, I am thrilled about your boy. How wonderful it is to be chosen for the Winter Leagues. He will be well protected by the MiLB but I will include him in my prayers none the less.
Thank you for the kind wishes and the prayers mean a lot!
CD,
Talked with C.C.'s Gilly three times this week. Your boy Tyler is doing really well. Maybe I will get to see him in the FL STATE league this upcoming season in Charlotte, or a at an opponents park, anyway. Is he ticketed for SS or 2nd base? Sounds like he could play anywhere on the infield. Showing a little power, and average doesn't hurt either. Great pics from the Winter League. Sorry I missed his debut with the Stone Crabs this past season. My best to Wade Davis, Jeremy Helickson, and Jake McGee. I videotaped all three here in the FL STATE LEAGUE a couple of years back when Vero Beach had the Rays.
Peace
Talked with C.C.'s Gilly three times this week. Your boy Tyler is doing really well. Maybe I will get to see him in the FL STATE league this upcoming season in Charlotte, or a at an opponents park, anyway. Is he ticketed for SS or 2nd base? Sounds like he could play anywhere on the infield. Showing a little power, and average doesn't hurt either. Great pics from the Winter League. Sorry I missed his debut with the Stone Crabs this past season. My best to Wade Davis, Jeremy Helickson, and Jake McGee. I videotaped all three here in the FL STATE LEAGUE a couple of years back when Vero Beach had the Rays.
Peace
quote:Is he ticketed for SS or 2nd base?
He is both. He'll play batboy if that gets him to the big leagues
WOW CD!!! I also just noticed his 39 swipes and offensive player of the year in LOW A ball this past season!!!
KUDOS BROTHERS!!!
He is now officially on my follow list; bookmarked, and all. At the very least, A Craig Counsell type of utility player in the show is a definitely possibility with all Tyler has to offer
That is an honor in this case. Tyler has come a long way since his freshman year at Coastal Carolina in 2006. Tyler made some significant contributions there as well!
Forget about batboy, he's on his way, and must be head and shoulders above what I've witnessed first hand out of Beckham. TB didn't impress me at all here in the FL STATE LEAGUE. Delete that statement if you want to, but many other scouts I travel with agreed in our evaluations, collectively.
KUDOS BROTHERS!!!
He is now officially on my follow list; bookmarked, and all. At the very least, A Craig Counsell type of utility player in the show is a definitely possibility with all Tyler has to offer
That is an honor in this case. Tyler has come a long way since his freshman year at Coastal Carolina in 2006. Tyler made some significant contributions there as well!
Forget about batboy, he's on his way, and must be head and shoulders above what I've witnessed first hand out of Beckham. TB didn't impress me at all here in the FL STATE LEAGUE. Delete that statement if you want to, but many other scouts I travel with agreed in our evaluations, collectively.
.
Hey Hey! Congrats! Greatly enjoyed Nolan's work last year and love seeing those former Rebels on the move up!
44
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quote:Originally posted by playfair: Update, just now Nolan accepted an offer to play for University of Virginia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!We are so excited we cant stand it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(seriously, 5 min ago!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Hey Hey! Congrats! Greatly enjoyed Nolan's work last year and love seeing those former Rebels on the move up!
.
Around here TB is CD's player but I think you meant the 2008 first pick of TB, Tim Beckham.
Beckham did pretty well (IMO) considering he was a HS draft pick and much younger than most of the players in the FSL.
Beckham did pretty well (IMO) considering he was a HS draft pick and much younger than most of the players in the FSL.
Whoops!!! Didn't mean Tyler Bortnick, but the other TB is the one as to who I am referring.
When it comes right down to it, it could very well be CD'S TB or the other TB.
I have seen Tim Beckham play, many times.
I haven't seen Tyler Bortnick play yet, but I will.
Everyone's entitled to their own opinion. My opinion comes from the vast majority of the professional scouts who cover the FL STATE LEAGUE who I have known for quite some time. I sit with them at all games I attend, even though I am merely a free-lance independent scout.
Peace Out; Giants in six!
When it comes right down to it, it could very well be CD'S TB or the other TB.
I have seen Tim Beckham play, many times.
I haven't seen Tyler Bortnick play yet, but I will.
Everyone's entitled to their own opinion. My opinion comes from the vast majority of the professional scouts who cover the FL STATE LEAGUE who I have known for quite some time. I sit with them at all games I attend, even though I am merely a free-lance independent scout.
Peace Out; Giants in six!
Chaim Bloom, the #2 guy in Tampa's farm system management (just below Mitch Lukevics), visited the guys in Columbia the other day and took them out to dinner after a game. I thought it was nice that he showed the interest.
My son's team is 5-0 thus far and he has been in the lineup everyday for which we are thankful. He loves the baseball and the fans but has admitted that he has trouble filling out a day when there are no games. No complaints just the reality of coping in a new country with few language skills. He took years of German in high school and college and I wish he had studied Espanol. He does now too but he is making the best of it.
My son's team is 5-0 thus far and he has been in the lineup everyday for which we are thankful. He loves the baseball and the fans but has admitted that he has trouble filling out a day when there are no games. No complaints just the reality of coping in a new country with few language skills. He took years of German in high school and college and I wish he had studied Espanol. He does now too but he is making the best of it.
What is the mix of teammates? Are there several other U. S. players or are most from countries south of the border?
quote:Originally posted by Three Bagger:
What is the mix of teammates? Are there several other U. S. players or are most from countries south of the border?
There are approximately 2 to 4 American players on each team. My son has two other Tampa teammates and I think there is one other American (non-Columbian) on his team.
Hey CD, Congrats to Tyler and being in the line up each day...and winning!
What a crazy experience it must be for him, Columbia! I hear Emeralds are a good buy down there, lol!
What a crazy experience it must be for him, Columbia! I hear Emeralds are a good buy down there, lol!
quote:Originally posted by ClevelandDad:quote:Originally posted by Three Bagger:
What is the mix of teammates? Are there several other U. S. players or are most from countries south of the border?
There are approximately 2 to 4 American players on each team. My son has two other Tampa teammates and I think there is one other American (non-Columbian) on his team.
International players are not allowed to play in the AFL, so there are only a few spots available for american players. Interestingly enough even international ML players go back to play, most say it's just great baseball.
Tyler Bortnick Update:
In Colombia, Tyler Bortnick had a good day for Tigres de Cartagena with two hits and a walk while driving in one run and scoring another. Marquis Fleming also chipped in for Cartagena with a scoreless inning, allowing a hit with a strikeout.
Earlier this week. Nice work Tybee!
quote:In Colombia, Tyler Bortnick had a good day for Tigres de Cartagena with two hits and a walk while driving in one run and scoring another.
Yay, Yay, Yay!!! Good looking boy too!
Thanks playfair!
Shep - I appreciate what you have done but as I said when starting the thread, I wasn't looking for atta boys for my player (or any other player).
I was hoping people would post personal accounts of the winter ball or offseason training experience. Also, hoping that the personal accounts are related to our members here. Thanks...
Shep - I appreciate what you have done but as I said when starting the thread, I wasn't looking for atta boys for my player (or any other player).
I was hoping people would post personal accounts of the winter ball or offseason training experience. Also, hoping that the personal accounts are related to our members here. Thanks...
hey cd how's it going?not much to report about mitch, he working on conditioning and working out the catchers at the high school for free. he's also giving hitting and catching instructions to a few youngsters that do pay for his time. he's putting together a catching bootcamp as well. trying to make a little money before he starts training hard for the spring, he started taking tai chi for flexability and power. that martial arts training is a good work out and an exercise of the mind as well.it sure was alot of fun watching our texas rangers even though they lost,we have always been ranger fans,at least they beat those **** yankees.lol
rabe62 - thanks for the update on Mitch!
Mine has run into bad weather. Have not been able to play for days due to rain and rain is forecast for days into the future. Oh well... time to brush up on his Spanish skills
Mine has run into bad weather. Have not been able to play for days due to rain and rain is forecast for days into the future. Oh well... time to brush up on his Spanish skills
Hello
Just thought I would put contribute. This winter is an important time for my son as he had TJ surgery in January. He spent all spring and summer in training camp working out. He came home and did nothing for 2 weeks, then began to hit it hard. Works out twice a day 6 days a week. He and 2 other players meet at the gym and do their thing. I am looking forward to the spring.
Just thought I would put contribute. This winter is an important time for my son as he had TJ surgery in January. He spent all spring and summer in training camp working out. He came home and did nothing for 2 weeks, then began to hit it hard. Works out twice a day 6 days a week. He and 2 other players meet at the gym and do their thing. I am looking forward to the spring.