Lake Monsters update
Published on June 25, 2007 under New York-Penn League (NYPL)
Lowell Spinners News Release
Hello, and welcome to another edition of the Up From the Depths newsletter. If you haven't noticed, the Lake Monsters are off to a 4-2 start. The homestand went better than expected with the Lake Monsters sweeping the Tri-City Valley Cats. Led by their starting pitching, the Monsters were in the game every inning before allowing the hitting to take over. Hassan Pena, Glenn Gibson, and former 1st round pick, Colton Willems pitched very strong but more on this later.
The Lake Monsters then went on the road to play the Lowell Spinners. The team lost a heartbreaking 5-4 game on Friday night to dash the hopes of staying undefeated. The Monsters came back Saturday however clubbing the Spinners 9-3. The Lake Monsters are currently tied for 1st place in the Stedler division, and hold a tie for the highest winning percentage in the league. The team is off to its best start since 2001 when Vermont began the season 8-0.
This weeks spotlight has to be on the pitching staff in general as starting pitchers Pena, Gibson and Willems had a combined four runs allowed and 14 strikeouts, while only walking seven, and leading the Lake Monsters to a successful first week, However the pitcher whom fans will probably get to know a lot about in the next week is RHP Jordan Zimmermann, a 2nd round pick by the Nationals this year out of U-Wisconsin Stevens Point. He has a very high upside and should form a tandem with Colton Willems this season that would be tough to match.
This week has a 6 game homestand!
Monday June 25th 7:05 vs. Oneonta Tigers US Army Baseball Giveaway to first 1,000 fans
Tuesday June 26th 7:05 vs. Oneonta Tigers Tribute to the Dominican Republic Night brought to you by Edward Jones Investment
Wednesday June 27th 7:05 vs. Oneonta Tigers McDonald's Coupon Giveaway
Thursday June 28th 7:05 vs. Lowell Spinners Superhero Costume Night/American Red Cross Blood Drive and T-Shirt Giveaway
Friday June 29th 7:05 vs. Lowell Spinners St. Patricks Day sponsored by Codys Bar & Grille
Saturday June 30th 7:05 vs. Lowell Spinners TD Banknorth Night, first 2,000 recieves autograph books from TD Banknorth
Interview with Lake Monster's Pitcher Colton Willems
By Justin Kopacz
It is not often that Burlington has the chance to see top prospects come to town. Notable players such as Ken Griffey Jr, Omar Vizquel, Barry Larkin, and Paul O'Neill have all called Vermont home and more recently Jason Bay, Orlando Cabrera, and Michael Barrett have played for the Expos. Although a number of successful players have played in Vermont, not many of them were top prospects or truly coveted at the time and no Lake Monsters have cracked into the big leagues, yet.
The times have changed and it appears that the Lake Monsters will see their fare share of talent start their careers with one of the most loyal crowds behind them. Just one of the top prospects the Nationals will show off is pitcher Colton Willems, drafted last year in the first round, 22nd overall, out of high school.
So far, what has it been like to be in Vermont after growing up in Florida?
It's nice. I like the weather here a lot more than in Florida right now. In Florida it is pretty hot. It's nice and cool up here.
After being drafted in the first round, you have been labeled as the third best prospect in the Nationals organization, how much pressure comes with the role?
It's definitely more pressure to be in the first round. There's definitely more on the line. I'm just going to go out there and do the best that I can.
What is it like to be just a coveted player?
I really don't think a lot about the rankings, the rankings don't mean a lot to me, I just consider myself like any other guy. I just want to go out and win some games.
Shoulder problems were an issue towards the end of last season, how is it doing right now?
Last year was just a little bit of soreness. I was only going to take a day off from throwing, but they had me take the last five days off. So it's nothing major.
Being part of the Nationals organization, what do you feel about stepping into the batters box?
I used to hit a lot in high school. Right now we are not going to worry about that. I have hit once in BP (batting practice). We will see.
Going into the draft last year, you had one of the top rated fastballs. How comfortable do you feel with it right now?
I feel pretty comfortable with it, it's coming along.
What do you feel about your others pitches at this point?
I think my fastball's my main out pitch, but I've been working on my curveball this year. Last year I was throwing a slider, but my curveball's coming along, so I have been using that pitch more.
What would you say is your career highlight to this point?
Being drafted this high and having the potential to make it to the major leagues.
What are some individual goals you have set for yourself over the course of the season?
To win as many games as possible is my goal for this year.
New York-Penn League Stories from June 25, 2007
- Renegades Fall to Yankees, 7-3 - Hudson Valley Renegades
- Cyclones Rally Past IronBirds, 5-4 - Brooklyn Cyclones
- Spikes Fall in Batavia, 6-2 - State College Spikes
- Spikes Game Notes - State College Spikes
- Cutters Fan Mail - Williamsport Crosscutters
- Spikes Get The 2007 Season Off With A Bang - State College Spikes
- Lake Monsters update - Lowell Spinners
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
