Rockies update
Published on August 8, 2007 under Pioneer League (PL)
Casper Ghosts News Release
The recent Baseball America ranks the players with the best tools in the minor leagues. Some former Casper Rockies made their lists.
It should come as no surprise the Rockies have guys littered throughout the minors who top the tools list at things such as "best fastball, fastest runner or best outfield arm," but what is impressive is the fact some of our former Casper Rockies made the BA "Star Power" list. This list contains players who are pegged not only become major leaguers in the near future, but who are pegged to become bona fide stars in the league.
BA ranked the top ten players at each position. Former Casper Rockies players came up on five of the ten lists.
Corey Wimberly is rated as the 6th best "star power" prospect at 2nd base. In 2005, the former Alcorn State product led the Pioneer league with a .381 average.
At third base, the 2002 Casper veteran Ian Stewart sits at no. 5 on the list. Stewart, who is now in his 5th minor league season, already knocked on Colorado's door this spring. Stewart hit .310 in his rookie season with the Rockies.
For me a surprise in the short stop list was the inclusion of Hector Gomez. Gomez ranks 4th on the BA "Star Power" list despite the fact 2007 is just his first "full" season as a shortstop. I am torn between where I see Gomez now and where I see him in 5 years. Believe me when I say the kid can hit anything thrown his way, but defensively he's not there yet. I would have put him 10 if I was compiling the list. With the idea of moving Gomez to the outfield eventually. After seeing him last season in Casper, I understand why BA had him higher. Should he continue to grow physically and mentally, there really is now limit for this kid. He is the best player in the organization right now.
Dexter Fowler ranks 8th among center fielders. Fowler hit .273 for the Casper Rockies in 2005. He is currently playing for Modesto.
Franklin Morales is the number 3 "Star Power" player amongst left-handed starters. If he can take command of all his pitches, look out! It's not fair to have a 97-MPH fast ball from the left side. Not fair! Morales went 6-4 for the Casper Rockies as a starter in 2004.
At first base, Joe Koshansky ranked 4th. Koshansky is not a former Casper Rockies player having started with Tri City. But I felt a mention here was worth the space.
Best Weekend Ever?
With Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn being inducted into the hall of fame, Alex Rodriguez hitting his 500th home run, Tom Glavine notching career win #300 and Barry Bonds tying Hank Aaron for no.1 on the all-time HR list and then eventually breaking the record, is there a chance this was the greatest week in baseball history?
Rockies Director of Tickets Matti Tahja says, "It's pretty good. That's got to be up there." I couldn't agree more. Now I could go through every "this date in baseball" and see if this was indeed the greatest week in baseball history, but I am no Tim Kurkjian (ESPN).
www.nationalpasttime.com has a great website dedicated to the history of the game. On the same week in 1999, Tony Gwynn and Wade Boggs each notched their 3,000 hit. That was pretty good. (to borrow from Matti)
The 2001 World Series between Arizona and the New York Yankees was a good week of baseball.
Arguably, "The Shot Heard 'Round the World" could have been the most important moment in baseball history. Although it only lasted one day, the effects lated more than a week. If you don't know about the "Shot,"
1951 N.L. Playoff, Game 3
The Brooklyn Dodgers took a 4-1 lead into the bottom of the ninth against their rival New York Giants. The Giants scored a run before Bobby Thomson dug in for his at bat with two runners on base. Thomson sent the ball into the left field stands for the 5-4 win and sent the Giants to the World Series. The famous call "the Giants win the pennant" describes the scene to the first national radio audience in baseball history. The rest is, in itself, history.
Let me know what you think. Email me at frankmartinsports@yahoo.com.
P.S. the Casper Rockies also won Monday...Can that count for the week?
Best Ball Park food in the Pioneer League
While taking in a pre-game meal in Helena a few weeks back, I was thinking about the best foods in the Pioneer League... Here's my list:
Casper's hamburger/cheeseburger - They have that certain taste to them. That's a good thing. I don't know why, but it takes me back to my youth. I used to eat hamburgers from the Santa Anita Race Track like nobody's business. My mother works at the track and she would purchase some for me every few nights. Once they hit the table they were done. The Rockies hamburgers are that good.
Casper's brats - Same reason as the burgers at MLF. They are just tasty.
Tim Ray Dollar Dogs - Ate too many hot dogs last season and I have lost the taste for them. But, I have had a dog on every Tim Ray Day this season.
Idaho Falls' Ice Cream - There is a convenient store located just across the street from Melaleuca Field in Idaho Falls called the Shortstop. The SS has the best selection of Ice Cream in the Pioneer League.
Missoula Chicken Fingers - Imagine French Fries that taste like chicken... Voila! You have Osprey chicken fingers.
Idaho Falls' Pork Sandwich - Fresh cut pork in fresh bread. Rare combination at the yard. I also had a pork sandwich before the Rockies first Road win this season. Coincidence? I don't think so.
Helena First Base Grill - Want a Burger, Chicken Sandwich, Brat??? You can get it all here. Hot and Fresh too. Also the Grill originated the idea for this article.
Pioneer League Stories from August 8, 2007
- Rockies update - Casper Ghosts
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.
