Major League Weekend Returns!

Through its seven years, Isotopes Park has seen its fair share of big events; an exhibition between the Isotopes and defending World Champion Florida Marlins in 2004; a pair of exhibition games between the Texas Rangers, Colorado Rockies, and Arizona Diamondbacks in 2005, the 2007 Triple-A All-Star Game, and of course, who can forget about the arrival of a certain dreadlocked slugger last June. 

Next season, the ‘Topes will open up their eighth year of existence with another event sure to garner national attention as the Rockies and Seattle Mariners will play back-to-back exhibition games on April 2-3, 2010 at Isotopes Park. 

Both teams will have just broken Spring Training in Arizona and will be heading north to start the season (Rox will start in Milwaukee, Seattle at Oakland) meaning there is a very good chance Albuquerque will get to see the two Major League squads in an almost completed form.

If you look at both rosters, big names abound.  Ken Griffey, Jr., Ichiro, Todd Helton, and Troy Tulowitzki all could possibly be taking the field at Isotopes Park next April.  Tickets are on sale now for ‘Topes season ticket and mini-plan holders and ducats will go on sale to the general public on Feburary 20. For more information, click here.

 

Turnabout…

The Dodgers’ sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals not only sends LA to its second National League Championship Series in as many years, it exacts a small measure of revenge for the Isotopes.  Almost exactly one month ago in the first round of the PCL playoffs, the ‘Topes were swept in three straight games to the Memphis Redbirds, Triple-A affiliate of the the Cards and now Albuquerque’s Major League affiliate has returned the favor in a dominating performance.

It’s also gratifying for Isotopes fans that two of the three wins were secured by pitchers who played in Albuquerque this season.  Jeff Weaver won game one in a relief appearance and Vicente Padilla, who made one start for the ‘Topes before joining the Dodgers, helped Los Angeles clinch with seven shutout innings. 

The Dodgers will now get some well-deserved time off before facing the Phillies or the Rockies in the NLCS.      

Playoff Fever

The Major League Baseball playoffs have just gotten underway and already a pair of former Isotopes have made an impact.   On Tuesday, ‘Topes alum Bobby Keppel, who pitched for Albuquerque in 2008, going 9-11 with a 5.99 ERA, earned the win for Minnesota as the Twins edged the Detroit Tigers in 12-innings to claim the American League Central Division and berth in the post-season. 

Last night, Jeff Weaver, the only player on the Dodgers’ post-season roster to have logged significant time with Albuquerque last year, earned a HUGE victory in the first game of the National League Division Series in LA.  Weaver entered the game in relief of starter Randy Wolf in fourth with two outs and the bases loaded and promptly coaxed Ryan Ludwick into an inning-ending groundout.  Weaver kept the potent Cards at bay again in a scoreless fifth before handing the ball to Ronald Belsario, one of five Dodgers relievers to stymie St. Louis in the 5-3 win.  

In five appearances for the Isotopes last year (one start), Weaver went 1-0 with a 3.55 ERA. 

While watching the Dodgers’ playoff run, we here at Isotopes Park have settled into off-season mode.  While the pace is obviously different than during the season, there certainly is still a lot to do.  If you are a season ticket holder, you will receive notification on renewing shortly (if you haven’t already).  If you’re not a season ticket holder and would like to become one, give us a shout at info@albuquerquebaseball.com or (505) 924-2255.  It’s never too early to get your seat for the 2010 campaign!   

'Topes To Tangle With Redbirds

This weekend it became official, the Isotopes’ playoff opponent will be the Memphis Redbirds, who wrapped up a PCL American Northern Division crown on Saturday with a double-header sweep of the Oklahoma City RedHawks.  

Just last week, the ‘Topes and ‘Birds tussled at Isotopes Park, with Albuquerque taking three of five games.  This season, the Isotopes are 10-6 against Memphis, with a mark of 6-2 at home.  

Every playoff series is predicated on pitching, however, and the Isotopes have had a week to align their starters and rest their bullpen.  The probable pitchers for the series will be: 

Games to be played at Isotopes Park
Game 1:  LHP Eric Stults (5-4, 5.20 ERA) vs. LHP Jaime Garcia (2-0, 3.86)
Game 2:  RHP Giancarlo Alvarado (13-10, 3.49) vs. RHP P.J. Walters (8-10, 4.54) 

Games to be played in Memphis
Game 3: RHP Tim Corcoran (2-0, 4.71) vs. LHP Evan MacLane (8-11, 4.02)
Game 4*:  TBA vs. RHP Adam Ottavino (7-12, 4.74)
Game 5*: TBA vs. RHP Oneli Perez (4-3, 2.82)

* If Necessary 

Needless to say the park is abuzz with playoff fever.  Be sure to get your tickets today so that you don’t miss all the fun!

‘Topes To Tangle With Redbirds

This weekend it became official, the Isotopes’ playoff opponent will be the Memphis Redbirds, who wrapped up a PCL American Northern Division crown on Saturday with a double-header sweep of the Oklahoma City RedHawks.  

Just last week, the ‘Topes and ‘Birds tussled at Isotopes Park, with Albuquerque taking three of five games.  This season, the Isotopes are 10-6 against Memphis, with a mark of 6-2 at home.  

Every playoff series is predicated on pitching, however, and the Isotopes have had a week to align their starters and rest their bullpen.  The probable pitchers for the series will be: 

Games to be played at Isotopes Park
Game 1:  LHP Eric Stults (5-4, 5.20 ERA) vs. LHP Jaime Garcia (2-0, 3.86)
Game 2:  RHP Giancarlo Alvarado (13-10, 3.49) vs. RHP P.J. Walters (8-10, 4.54) 

Games to be played in Memphis
Game 3: RHP Tim Corcoran (2-0, 4.71) vs. LHP Evan MacLane (8-11, 4.02)
Game 4*:  TBA vs. RHP Adam Ottavino (7-12, 4.74)
Game 5*: TBA vs. RHP Oneli Perez (4-3, 2.82)

* If Necessary 

Needless to say the park is abuzz with playoff fever.  Be sure to get your tickets today so that you don’t miss all the fun!