Bisons notes
Published on April 7, 2005 under International League (IL1)
Buffalo Bisons News Release
TODAY'S GAME: Today, the Bisons begin their 120th season of professional baseball in Buffalo and start the defense of their 2004 International League Championship as they open the 2005 season against the Richmond Braves (4:05 p.m.) at Dunn Tire Park. Bisons Manager Marty Brown will give the ball to LHP Brian Tallet, who went 1-1 with a 4.50ERA in four-levels in 2004. Tallet will be opposed by Richmond's RHP Kyle Davies, who went a 13-3 with a 2.73ERA at three levels in 2004.
202 DAYS LATER: Brian Tallet is still on the mound. The lefty gets the start today after retiring the Braves in the 9th inning of Herd's Governor's Cup-clinching win in Game 4 on September 17. In 2003, he also had the unique privilege of starting the Bisons first 2 games of the season. Tallet took a no-decision in the opener on 4/3 vs. Pawtucket (5.0IP, 5H, 3R/3ER, 3BB, 6K), and then after six postponements, he earned the victory in the Herd's second game of the year on 4/10 at Ottawa (5.2IP, 3H, 3R/3ER, 4BB, 5K).
BROWN'S BACK: Today, Marty Brown will begin his third season as the skipper of the Bisons. By leading the Herd to the Championship in 2004, Brown was named IL Manager of the Year and Baseball America's Minor League Manager of the Year. In 2005, Brown will be joined by pitching coach Ken Rowe and new hitting coach, former Bison Felix Fermin.
CHAMPIONS RETURN: The 2005 Bisons will look very similar to the team that won it all a season ago. The Herd's Opening Day roster has 13 players who took part in Buffalo's championship season. Among those, nine were on the Bisons roster when they won the Governors' Cup: Fernando Cabrera, Francisco Cruceta, Ryan Garko, Brandon Phillips, Kenny Rayborn, Jake Robbins, Brian Tallet, Dusty Wathan, Ernie Young.
SOLID SPRINGS: While several Bisons had good springs, the list is topped by Joe Inglett. The 26-year old infielder hit .480 (12-25) with a double, a triples and two RBI. Inglett also put together an eight-game hitting streak this spring. Outfielder Darnell McDonald (.333, 1HR, 4RBI) and infielders Mike Kinkade (.421, 1HR, 5RBI) and Danny Garcia (3HR) also had solid springs for Buffalo.
PRE GAME CEREMONIES: The Bisons will hold pre game ceremonies to pay tribute to their 2004 Governors' Cup Championship. Manager Marty Brown will speak and Bisons owners Bob and Mindy Rich Jr. will present championship rings to the 2004 Bisons returning to this year's team. The players will then help Buster T. Bison raise the 2004 IL Championship Flag in left centerfield. The Bisons will also hold a military tribute and Bills quarterback J.P. Losman will throw out a ceremonial first pitch.
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