April 13 Game Notes
April 13 Isotopes Game Notes (must have Adobe Acrobat reader)
Hu, That’s Who
While it’s still way too early to draw any sort of conclusions about the 2009 Albuquerque Isotopes, a couple of things are starting to become evident. The first is that offensively, this team is as good as advertised (last night’s 9-0 shutout notwithstanding). Jason Repko is knocking the cover off the ball right now, as is Xavier Paul, but the most exciting player out of the gate on this year’s team may be Chin-Lung Hu. Not only is he a spark at the plate, but his defense at shortstop so far this season has been superb. He’s also almost instantaneously become a favorite of ‘Topes fans, who chant “HUUUUUUUU” loudly at any and every opportunity. It always seems to take a few games for fans to get to know the players from year-to-year, but it’s great to see Isotopes fans take an immediate liking to this year’s group.
In addition to being Easter Sunday, today is also the first of 11 “Dodger Blue” Sundays, where the Isotopes will don their special Dodger Blue hats and jerseys. Having seen the jerseys hanging in the clubhouse, it’s safe to say the sight of the Isotopes in them on the field is going to be impressive.
We’ve gotten a few e-mails asking about Isotopes Game Notes and if they would be available on-line, as they were on the old site. After trying to figure out a good place to put them that would be easily found and accessed, it quickly became clear that probably the best place for them is right here on the Tattler. So from now on, daily game notes will be posted here. To get you caught up, here are the notes for the first four games:
Hu, That's Who
While it’s still way too early to draw any sort of conclusions about the 2009 Albuquerque Isotopes, a couple of things are starting to become evident. The first is that offensively, this team is as good as advertised (last night’s 9-0 shutout notwithstanding). Jason Repko is knocking the cover off the ball right now, as is Xavier Paul, but the most exciting player out of the gate on this year’s team may be Chin-Lung Hu. Not only is he a spark at the plate, but his defense at shortstop so far this season has been superb. He’s also almost instantaneously become a favorite of ‘Topes fans, who chant “HUUUUUUUU” loudly at any and every opportunity. It always seems to take a few games for fans to get to know the players from year-to-year, but it’s great to see Isotopes fans take an immediate liking to this year’s group.
In addition to being Easter Sunday, today is also the first of 11 “Dodger Blue” Sundays, where the Isotopes will don their special Dodger Blue hats and jerseys. Having seen the jerseys hanging in the clubhouse, it’s safe to say the sight of the Isotopes in them on the field is going to be impressive.
We’ve gotten a few e-mails asking about Isotopes Game Notes and if they would be available on-line, as they were on the old site. After trying to figure out a good place to put them that would be easily found and accessed, it quickly became clear that probably the best place for them is right here on the Tattler. So from now on, daily game notes will be posted here. To get you caught up, here are the notes for the first four games:
Hu, Thats Who
While it’s still way too early to draw any sort of conclusions about the 2009 Albuquerque Isotopes, a couple of things are starting to become evident. The first is that offensively, this team is as good as advertised (last night’s 9-0 shutout notwithstanding). Jason Repko is knocking the cover off the ball right now, as is Xavier Paul, but the most exciting player out of the gate on this year’s team may be Chin-Lung Hu. Not only is he a spark at the plate, but his defense at shortstop so far this season has been superb. He’s also almost instantaneously become a favorite of ‘Topes fans, who chant “HUUUUUUUU” loudly at any and every opportunity. It always seems to take a few games for fans to get to know the players from year-to-year, but it’s great to see Isotopes fans take an immediate liking to this year’s group.
In addition to being Easter Sunday, today is also the first of 11 “Dodger Blue” Sundays, where the Isotopes will don their special Dodger Blue hats and jerseys. Having seen the jerseys hanging in the clubhouse, it’s safe to say the sight of the Isotopes in them on the field is going to be impressive.
We’ve gotten a few e-mails asking about Isotopes Game Notes and if they would be available on-line, as they were on the old site. After trying to figure out a good place to put them that would be easily found and accessed, it quickly became clear that probably the best place for them is right here on the Tattler. So from now on, daily game notes will be posted here. To get you caught up, here are the notes for the first four games:
One Day To Go…
Just one day until the Isotopes’ 2009 season opener and the excitement is building around Isotopes Park like never before. Today, the ‘Topes presented Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez with a check for nearly $2 million, a payment that represents the basic rent plus surcharge amounts for city-owned Isotopes Park. The sum is also indicative of the team’s success, as the club has given more than $12 million to the city since the club’s arrival in 2003.
The photo linked below is of Mayor Chavez accepting the check from Isotopes President Ken Young.
As far as the team goes, the rotation is set and getting the ball for the Isotopes in the historic opener is right-hander Miguel Pinango, who will take on Omaha righty Brian Bannister. The entire rotation for the series is:
RHP Miguel Pinango vs. RHP Brian Bannister
LHP Eric Stults vs. RHP Luke Hochevar
LHP Eric Milton vs. LHP Heath Phillips
RHP Charlie Haeger vs. RHP Brandon Duckworth
Tommy Lasorda has also officially made it back to town and will have a big day tomorrow being a part of the Isotopes’ Opening Day festivities. Tommy will throw out the first pitch with Mayor Chavez before interacting with Isotopes fans throughout the game. Oh, and most importantly, Tommy has already guaranteed a ‘Topes win!!
Isotopes Meet the Media
Media Day is always a lot of fun because it’s not only the first opportunity for the media to interact with the team, it’s a great chance for the front office to get to know the guys as well. Until this point, the Isotopes have been names on a piece of paper but Media Day lets everyone put names and faces together.
Of course, Media Day consists of much more than interviews with the local writers, radio broadcasters, and TV reporters. The day starts with a team meeting to introduce them to Albuquerque and the Isotopes, followed by photos and video that you see on the video board during games.
After interacting with the media and a team photo, the day finishes off with batting practice and a short workout.
On Wednesday, the team will hit the field again for a workout under the lights beginning at 6:00 PM. Albuquerque’s Opening Day starter will also be unveiled sometime tomorrow.
‘Topes Roster Announced!
Sorry for the long delay between entries, but the preparations for the upcoming season interceded with the blogging. Now that the season is pretty much upon us, you can expect updates to appear with much more frequency (promise!). Plus, other than the media guide being finished, some new signage on the scorebaord, and a fresh coat of paint, there wasn’t too much to report… until now. The 2009 Isotopes Opening Day roster has been revealed and it’s safe to say that the ‘Topes’ first year as Triple-A partner of the Dodgers is going to be extremely entertaining. Manager Tim Wallach will also have the luxury of putting out what should be one of the most potent lineups in the Pacific Coast League. While things could still change between now and when Albuquerque meets Omaha at The Lab on April 9, this is the Isotopes’ possible rotation (in no particular order):
LHP Shawn Estes
RHP Charlie Haeger (a knuckleballer)
LHP Eric Milton
RHP Miguel Pinango
LHP Eric Stults
Out of the bullpen, the ‘Topes will throw:
RHP Giancardo Alvarado
RHP Henry Bonilla
RHP Nick DeBarr
RHP Dwayne Pollok
RHP Tanyon Sturtze
RHP Jeff Weaver
LHP Stephen Randolph
LHP Erick Threets
While the likes of Estes, Milton, Weaver, and Sturtze provide a ton of mega-watt former Major League experience, Stults was in heated competition with James McDonald for the Dodgers’ fifth starting slot until as recently as Saturday and Pinango is one of the organization’s bright young stars.
Behind the plate, the Isotopes will have:
A.J. Ellis
Danny Ardoin
On the infield, Albuquerque fans will see:
Juan Castro (who also played for the Dukes in 1995-97)
Chin-Lung Hu
Hector Luna
Luis Maza
Valentino Pascucci (the Italian Bazooka returns!!)
Finally, the ‘Topes will have one of the deepest outfields in the PCL with:
Dee Brown
Xavier Paul
Mitch Jones
Jason Repko
It’s safe to say this offense is going to be able put some runs on the board!
On Tuesday, the Isotopes will hold their annual Media Day, which will be followed by a team workout under the lights on Wednesday night. Finally, Thursday will feature one of the most memorable Opening Day celebrations in team history, with special guest Tommy Lasorda scheduled to be on hand to help ring in a new era of ‘Topes baseball!
'Topes Roster Announced!
Sorry for the long delay between entries, but the preparations for the upcoming season interceded with the blogging. Now that the season is pretty much upon us, you can expect updates to appear with much more frequency (promise!). Plus, other than the media guide being finished, some new signage on the scorebaord, and a fresh coat of paint, there wasn’t too much to report… until now. The 2009 Isotopes Opening Day roster has been revealed and it’s safe to say that the ‘Topes’ first year as Triple-A partner of the Dodgers is going to be extremely entertaining. Manager Tim Wallach will also have the luxury of putting out what should be one of the most potent lineups in the Pacific Coast League. While things could still change between now and when Albuquerque meets Omaha at The Lab on April 9, this is the Isotopes’ possible rotation (in no particular order):
LHP Shawn Estes
RHP Charlie Haeger (a knuckleballer)
LHP Eric Milton
RHP Miguel Pinango
LHP Eric Stults
Out of the bullpen, the ‘Topes will throw:
RHP Giancardo Alvarado
RHP Henry Bonilla
RHP Nick DeBarr
RHP Dwayne Pollok
RHP Tanyon Sturtze
RHP Jeff Weaver
LHP Stephen Randolph
LHP Erick Threets
While the likes of Estes, Milton, Weaver, and Sturtze provide a ton of mega-watt former Major League experience, Stults was in heated competition with James McDonald for the Dodgers’ fifth starting slot until as recently as Saturday and Pinango is one of the organization’s bright young stars.
Behind the plate, the Isotopes will have:
A.J. Ellis
Danny Ardoin
On the infield, Albuquerque fans will see:
Juan Castro (who also played for the Dukes in 1995-97)
Chin-Lung Hu
Hector Luna
Luis Maza
Valentino Pascucci (the Italian Bazooka returns!!)
Finally, the ‘Topes will have one of the deepest outfields in the PCL with:
Dee Brown
Xavier Paul
Mitch Jones
Jason Repko
It’s safe to say this offense is going to be able put some runs on the board!
On Tuesday, the Isotopes will hold their annual Media Day, which will be followed by a team workout under the lights on Wednesday night. Finally, Thursday will feature one of the most memorable Opening Day celebrations in team history, with special guest Tommy Lasorda scheduled to be on hand to help ring in a new era of ‘Topes baseball!
Topes Roster Announced!
Sorry for the long delay between entries, but the preparations for the upcoming season interceded with the blogging. Now that the season is pretty much upon us, you can expect updates to appear with much more frequency (promise!). Plus, other than the media guide being finished, some new signage on the scorebaord, and a fresh coat of paint, there wasn’t too much to report… until now. The 2009 Isotopes Opening Day roster has been revealed and it’s safe to say that the ‘Topes’ first year as Triple-A partner of the Dodgers is going to be extremely entertaining. Manager Tim Wallach will also have the luxury of putting out what should be one of the most potent lineups in the Pacific Coast League. While things could still change between now and when Albuquerque meets Omaha at The Lab on April 9, this is the Isotopes’ possible rotation (in no particular order):
LHP Shawn Estes
RHP Charlie Haeger (a knuckleballer)
LHP Eric Milton
RHP Miguel Pinango
LHP Eric Stults
Out of the bullpen, the ‘Topes will throw:
RHP Giancardo Alvarado
RHP Henry Bonilla
RHP Nick DeBarr
RHP Dwayne Pollok
RHP Tanyon Sturtze
RHP Jeff Weaver
LHP Stephen Randolph
LHP Erick Threets
While the likes of Estes, Milton, Weaver, and Sturtze provide a ton of mega-watt former Major League experience, Stults was in heated competition with James McDonald for the Dodgers’ fifth starting slot until as recently as Saturday and Pinango is one of the organization’s bright young stars.
Behind the plate, the Isotopes will have:
A.J. Ellis
Danny Ardoin
On the infield, Albuquerque fans will see:
Juan Castro (who also played for the Dukes in 1995-97)
Chin-Lung Hu
Hector Luna
Luis Maza
Valentino Pascucci (the Italian Bazooka returns!!)
Finally, the ‘Topes will have one of the deepest outfields in the PCL with:
Dee Brown
Xavier Paul
Mitch Jones
Jason Repko
It’s safe to say this offense is going to be able put some runs on the board!
On Tuesday, the Isotopes will hold their annual Media Day, which will be followed by a team workout under the lights on Wednesday night. Finally, Thursday will feature one of the most memorable Opening Day celebrations in team history, with special guest Tommy Lasorda scheduled to be on hand to help ring in a new era of ‘Topes baseball!
Full Speed Ahead
The last few weeks leading up to the season always seems to feel like the Star Wars movies whenever anybody makes the jump to hyperspace. Everything starts coming at you very fast. In just two weeks the Isotopes will begin their seventh season and first as Triple-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. As you’d imagine, the excitement for the new year has been ratcheted up quite a bit. If you haven’t already, make plans to join us for Opening Day on April 9, for the beginning of a new era of Albuquerque baseball.
With two weeks to go, the ‘Topes’ roster is also starting to take shape at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona. This week six players who could very well be Isotopes on April 9 were reassigned to Minor League camp, including ‘Topes’ fan-favorite Valentino Pascucci. While the prospect of seeing the “Italian Bazooka” deposit baseballs over the scoreboard at Isotopes Park is great, Pascucci was having a terrific spring in big league camp and the fact he won’t be starting the season in L.A. is a little bit bittersweet. In 12 games with the Dodgers this spring, Pascucci batted .429 (9×21) with three doubles, three homers (tied for second most on the team) and 10 RBI. Hopefully after another stellar season with the Isotopes, Pascucci will get another chance at cracking the big league roster.
Other players to be reassigned were INF Hector Luna, OF Mitch Jones, RHPs Nick DeBarr and Charlie Haeger and LHP Stephen Randolph. Jones led the Dodgers with four home runs when he was in big league camp, so there’s a good chance the Isotopes’ lineup will have plenty of pop.
There is still much to be determined, so be sure to check back here as the 2009 ‘Topes roster takes shape!
'Topes Tattler 
