Flintoff & Dunn's NEWS ARCHIVE
MAY 2007

It is intended that this page will maintain a historical record of previous news published on this site. From time to time we will archive old or outdated news on our "WHAT'S NEW" & "AUSSIES IN THE US LEAGUES" pages. It may interest some people to read the developments in chronological order right here.

ARCHIVED NEWS FROM MAY 2007 BEGINS BELOW:

ARCHIVE
MAY 2007

To make things easier for our loyal suscribers we will adopt a new format of
providing news involving AUSTRALIAN Players in yellow text, while 
news about former AMLB IMPORT Players will be in white text.

 

  30 MAY 2007 - PETER MOYLAN MUGGED BY MILWAUKEE!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan

 

 

OK, we may be accused of being a bit biased about one of our favourite Aussie guys, but it is no less true that our PETER MOYLAN has not been blessed with the greatest luck in his past few relief appearances for the Atlanta Braves. Pete did enjoy a great sequence of success in tough situations, but just lately things have not gone his way. It all culminated in Moylan taking his first loss for the season today when Atlanta was nipped 4-5 by the surprise packet Milwaukee Brewers. Pete was asked to start the bottom of the sixth inning of a ballgame tied at 3-3 but, as often happens, his problems started with a slice of misfortune when Tony Gwynn Jnr. "squibbed" an infield dribbler that was fielded by the catcher. Next up Rickie Weeks dropped down a sacrifice bunt that Moylan fielded himself for his only out today. J. Hardy then slapped a RBI single to right field before Ryan Braun singled to the second baseman on a low first pitch. Pete's numbers will look worse than the reality when he was lifted after 0.1ip 3h 1er 0bb 0k while his record slipped to 1-1, 2.59ERA. He was replaced in the sixth by Macay McBride who allowed another unearned run in the inning as the 'Brew Crew' grabbed the decisive lead in the contest. 

Former ABL import team mates GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) and SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) each added to their home run totals in the past two games, each helping their Los Angeles Angels to beat the Seattle Mariners. In yesterday's 8-6 win Matthews whacked his seventh of the season for three RBI's while batting 1-3 and Shea batted 1-4. In today's 4-1 victory Hillenbrand launched his third big fly of the year for two RBI's in a 1-3 (.239) game while Gary batted 1-4 (.291) with a RBI. 

PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) batted 2-4 (.237) for the New York Mets who fell in a 0-3 shutout to the San Francisco Giants.


Gary Matthews

 


Shea Hillenbrand

 
  29 MAY 2007 - GLOVER WINS, ROSS HOMERS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Gary Glover

 

 

GARY GLOVER (Sydney Storm 1999) nailed down his second win of the season today with a couple of strong innings in relief for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, helping them to hold out the reigning American League Champions Detroit Tigers 6-5. Glover pitched a workmanlike 2.0ip 1h 0er 1bb 1k to improve his record to 2-2, 5.18ERA. 

The unpredictable Cincinnati Reds catcher DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) "went yard" for the sixth time this year, batting 1-3 (.218) with two RBI's to provide half the scoring for the Reds in their 4-0 shutout win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) did not have a major impact in the Toronto Blue Jays 7-2 win over the scuttling New York Yankees, batting 1-3 (.267) and nor did catcher JASON PHILLIPS (Hunter Eagles 1998) who batted 0-4 (.245). 

Not able to muster enough offence to save their Los Angeles Angels from a 5-12 defeat at the hands of the Seattle Mariners were GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) who batted 2-4 (.291) with a RBI or SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) who batted 1-4 (.237) today. 


David Ross

 

  28 MAY 2007 - PETER MOYLAN FOILED BY THE PHILLIES!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan

 

 

After a few quiet days for fomer AMLB players on the US major league scene, Aussie PETER MOYLAN has been back in action for the Atlanta Braves, finding it just as tough as most of his team mates against a suddenly red-hot Philadelphia Phillies. After a string of great scoreless relief outings, Pete ran into a bit of a "speed hump" over the weekend with his first earned runs for many weeks, even though he did not pitch too badly. 
On Saturday Pete was nailed for a solo home run while pitching 1.0ip 1h 1er 0bb 1k in the Braves 3-8 loss to the 'Phils'. He pitched the top of the ninth with Aaron Rowand grounding out to the second baseman, before pinch hitter Jayson Werth homered to right field. He then had Carlos Ruiz fly out to centrefield and Wes Helms called out on strikes. 

In today's game, Moylan found himself battling in the middle of a Philadelphia onslaught, replacing Macay McBride with one out in the fifth inning, bases loaded and his team already trailing by the blowout margin of 1-10! His day started unluckily when Michael Bourn "squibbed" an infield RBI single that Pete had to field himself, then Cole Hamels lofted a sacrifice fly to centrefield. Next up was dangerous leadoff hitter Jimmy Rollins who doubled to left field to cost Pete an earned run. He finished the inning when Shane Victorino grounded out to second base. Moylan was back to pitch the top of the sixth with Chase Utley popping out to the second baseman before Ryan Howard singled to centre. There was no further damage when Aaron Rowand lined out to right field and Greg Dobbs flied out to centrefield. While Moylan could not be blamed for taking some small lumps in the face of a hot-hitting team, it is noted that he was generally unable to keep the ball on the ground this weekend and we would hope that this is just temporary. In this game team mate CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) pitched 2.0ip 3h 2er 0bb 1k (8.16ERA) for the Braves, as he too suffered in relief of Moylan against the Phillies.

RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) emerged from a disrupted season with his first home run of the season delivering a monster GRAND SLAM for the Washington Nationals, helping them to a 7-2 win over the World Champion St.Louis Cardinals. Ryan batted 1-4 (.153) with the FOUR fabulous RBI's.

In the Los Angeles Angels weekend sweep of the New York Yankees, GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) has been a steady contributor. He batted 1-4 (.287) in their 4-3 win today, and 1-4 with two RBI's in their 3-1 win yesterday.

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 2-7 to help his Toronto Blue Jays to sneak past the Minnesota Twins 9-8 in a 13-innings epic yesterday. Wells batted 1-4 (.266) and JASON PHILLIPS (Hunter Eagles 1998) batted 1-4 (.256) for Toronto in today's 2-4 loss to the 'Twinkies'.


Ryan Langerhans

 

  24 MAY 2007 - PETER MOYLAN MINIMISES THE METS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan

 

 

I don't think that we would be exaggerating by referring to "Australian pitching star" PETER MOYLAN given his recent performances, and he was at his clinical best again today as a middle reliever for the Atlanta Braves during their 0-3 loss to the New York Mets at famous Shea Stadium. Pete threw the top of the sixth and seventh innings of a tight game and he, yet again, could not have been asked for more than the two scoreless frames with another predominance of ground ball outs. In the sixth Pete had Carlos Gomez ground out to the first baseman, Oliver Perez ground out to short stop and Jose Reyes ground back to himself. In the seventh he had Shawn Green ground out to the second baseman, Carlos Beltran ground out to the first baseman and David Wright lined out to the first baseman. Not for the first time this season, Moylan faced some of the toughest hitters in the game and he emerged a hero. He threw ten of his 19 pitches for strikes while facing the minimum number of batters with 2.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (1.69ERA). CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) pitched 0.1ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (8.03ERA) for the Braves, while PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) batted 2-3 (.314) for the Mets.

SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) belted his second home run of the season today while batting 1-4 (.237) for the Los Angeles Angels in their narrow 7-8 loss to the Detroit Tigers. His team mate GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) could not be blamed either after batting 3-5 (.296) and scoring twice.

Unable to help the Toronto Blue Jays avoid a 2-5 defeat by the Baltimore Orioles were VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) who batted 1-4 (.277) or JASON PHILLIPS (Hunter Eagles 1998) who batted 1-2 (.256). 


Shea Hillenbrand

 

  23 MAY 2007 - ROSS & PHILLIPS LEAVE YARD!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Jason Phillips

He may not hit for average, but Cincinnati Reds catcher DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) can crush the occasional long ball, like his fifth for the season that he delivered today while batting 1-3 (.210) with two RBI's in his team's 4-8 loss to Washington. . RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted 1-3 (.139) for the Nationals.

Another former AMLB catcher to leave the yard today was JASON PHILLIPS (Hunter Eagles 1998) who clouted his first for the season with 2-3 (.250) for the Toronto Blue Jays, helping them to a 6-4 win over the Baltimore Orioles. His team mate VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 1-4 (.278) with a RBI. 

Yet another former AMLB catcher PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) found his great offensive work going to waste when his 3-4 (.306) could not help his New York Mets to get any closer than a 1-8 walloping by their division rival Atlanta Braves.

GARY GLOVER (Sydney Storm 1999)  pitched 1.0ip 1h 1er 0bb 0k (5.64ERA) for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays during their 2-5 defeat by the Seattle Mariners.


David Ross

  21 MAY 2007 - WELLS GOES DEEP FOR #5!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Vernon Wells

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) crunched his fifth home run of the season today for the Toronto Blue Jays, but it did not prevent them from going down 3-5 to the Philadelphia Phillies. Wells batted 1-4 (.278), while his versatile team mate JASON PHILLIPS (Hunter Eagles 1998) batted 0-2 (.233).

Making his first major league start today since the 1999 season was regular reliever MICAH BOWIE (Melbourne Monarchs 1998) who battled hard to anchor a threadbare Washington Nationals' bullpen with 3.1ip 4h 2er 1bb 1k (3.98ERA) and setting them on the way to a narrow 4-3 win over the Baltimore Orioles. Outfielder RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) came off the bench to bat 1-2 (.135) with a RBI for the 'Nats'. 

GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) batted 1-4 (.294) with a RBI for the Los Angeles Angels who topped their National League "local rivals" the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-1 in Interleague play today. 


Micah Bowie

  20 MAY 2007 - MOYLAN FIRES AT FENWAY!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan

From the humble baseball nation of Australia, PETER MOYLAN achieved the dream of many Americans and baseballers from all over the world when he played in the major leagues at one of the most famous and fabled baseball venues, Boston's Fenway Park. In fact, our Pete pitched TWICE on the same day, closing both games of the double header against the mighty Red Sox. And, not only did he pitch but, although his Atlanta Braves had mixed results, he pitched quite SUPERBLY once again in both games! In the opening game of the double-header Moylan pitched the bottom of the eighth in Boston's 13-3 win with a solid 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 0k effort at the end of a blowout loss. He started by having Coco Crisp ground out to the short stop, then he had an overmatched Dustin Pedroia pop up to the catcher in foul territory. The red-hot Alex Cora singled to right field, but Pete finished his work by having the even hotter Kevin Youkilis fly out to centrefield. 
In the nightcap, won by the Braves 14-0, Moylan was happy to close the lid again with another ERA-lowering 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (1.86ERA), while throwing eight of his eleven pitches for strikes. The fact that he was not under pressure for a change did not seem to matter much to Moylan who had Coco Crisp ground out to the third baseman, superstar David Ortiz fly out to centrefield and Dustin Pedroia likewise fly out to centre. 
You might accuse us of repeating ourselves, but we MUST mention again that Moylan has been OUTSTANDING in lowering that ERA below the "two dollar" mark this season!
Team mate CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) was harshly dealt with in the first game by the 'Bosox' when he pitched a miserable 1.1ip 5h 4er 1bb 0k (8.25ERA).

DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) batted 1-3 (.200) for the Cincinnati Reds with his three RBI's certainly helping them to punish the Cleveland Indians 10-5 today. His trio of "rib-eye stakes" came via his fourth "jack" of the season.

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) was, as usual, one of the offensive stars for the Toronto Blue Jays, helping them to power to a 13-2 thrashing of the Philadelphia Phillies. The former No.1 overall US draft selection batted 2-6 (.279) with three RBI's, while team mate JASON PHILLIPS (Hunter Eagles 1998) batted 1-4 (.239).

Tampa Bay Devil Rays' pitcher GARY GLOVER (Sydney Storm 1999) had a "Houdini-like" performance today to dance around two hits and three walks to keep a personal clean sheet during the 'D-Rays' 2-7 loss to the Florida Marlins. Glover pitched a fairly lengthy 3.2ip 2h 0er 0bb 3k to lower his previously inflating ERA to 5.48ERA.


David Ross

 

 

 

 

 


Vernon Wells

  18 MAY 2007 - MOYLAN NEUTRALISES NATIONALS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan

Australia's PETER MOYLAN was once again most effective today for the Atlanta Braves, pitching in the clutch during their 3-4 loss to the Washington Nationals. Our Pete entered the game to pitch the bottom of the eighth, replacing Tyler Yates, with his team trailing by the narrow final score of 3-4. He kept them in with a real chance of snatching a win with yet another scoreless inning of relief. Pete started by having Jesus Flores ground out to the second baseman, then Nook Logan grounded out to the first baseman before Cristian Guzman rather fortunately singled to the third baseman. Next man up was leadoff hitter Felipe Lopez who was 3-4 on the day with a double and a triple so, after Guzman stole second to open first base, Pete was smart enough to "pitch around" Lopez with a fairly obvious four-pitch walk that was semi-intentional. Pete then completed his task by inducing the dangerous Robert Fick to ground out to the second baseman. Moylan has become a tremendously reliable late innings man with such a high percentage of strikes and ground ball outs. He threw 11 of his 19 pitches today for strikes, including that "designed" four  ball walk to Lopez! His 1.0ip 1h 0er 1bb 0k has lowered his season ERA to a VERY good 2.08, which is a remarkable recovery from the 81.00ERA he owned after giving up three runs in his first major league appearance this year. He has allowed only ONE more earned run in 11 appearances since, via a solo homer. WAY TO GO PETE! 
The villain today for the Braves was CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) who suffered his first blown save of the season, while also taking the loss with 0.0ip 2h 1er 0bb 0k for his updated season record of 2-1, 5.91ERA.

Emerging from a rough patch in his season was Tampa Bay Devil Rays' pitcher GARY GLOVER (Sydney Storm 1999) who closed their tenth inning 8-6 victory over the Texas Rangers today. Glover collected the win with 1.0ip 1h 0er 1bb 0k to improve his season record to 1-2, 6.62ERA.

SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) was an offensive star today for the Los Angeles Angels, batting 2-4 (.226) with two RBI's a major contribution to their 7-3 win over the Seattle Mariners. His team mate GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) batted 0-3 (.297) on a rare quiet day for him this season. 


Gary Glover

 


S.Hillenbrand

  17 MAY 2007 - OXSPRING WORTH MORE THAN $100M
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Chris Oxspring

While there is little action for us to report about AMLB players in the US major leagues, this gives us an opportunity to reminisce about one of Australian baseball's most glorious moments. Who could forget the baseball semi-finals at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games when Australia out duelled the mighty Japan 1-0 to set up our Silver Medal. What gives this extra significance now is when we are reminded who was Japan's gallant losing pitcher on that fateful day... none other than Daisuke 'Dice-K' Matsuzaka. Few in baseball would not be aware that 'Dice-K' is the man who has made his move the US major leagues in 2007 after the Boston Red Sox pledged $135M for his services, including that extraordinary $100M bid for the exclusive rights to deal with him in the first place! 
On this basis, surely Australia's pitching hero in that game CHRIS OXSPRING must be thinking that he is worth at least a healthy ratio of that $100-plus Million? Such is life!!
PS: Adrian Dunn reminded me that it was Australia's manager and former ABL great JON DEEBLE who had a fair bit to do with recruiting Matsuzaka in his role with the 'Bosox'!

RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) may be just starting to find some batting form as he is settling in with the Washington Nationals. He managed to nail a couple of hits during the Nat's recent series against his original club the Atlanta Braves. Yesterday he batted 1-2 in Washington's 2-6 loss, while team mate MICAH BOWIE (Melbourne Monarchs 1998) pitched 2.0ip 3h 0er 0bb 3k (3.71ERA). In today's game Langerhans hit 1-3 (.129) to help the Nats' to a 6-4 win, while CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) pitched 0.1ip 0h 0er 1bb 0k (5.06ERA) for 'Hot Lanta'.

PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) batted 1-4 (.284) for the New York Mets who were hammered 1-10 by the Chicago Cubs.


Ryan Langerhans

  15 MAY 2007 - FINGERS CROSSED FOR ROWLAND-SMITH!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Ryan
Rowland-Smith

Without a lot of fanfare, it took us a couple of days to realise that promising Australian pitcher RYAN ROWLAND-SMITH has been promoted to the active big league roster of the Seattle Mariners after Jeff Weaver was placed on the 15-day disabled list. We are hoping like hell that Ryan is given an opportunity to become our 24th major leaguer! 
In 11 relief appearances with 'AAA' Tacoma this season, Rowland-Smith was 2-2, 5.68 with 19 strikeouts and 14 walks. He limited opponents to a .232 batting average. The Mariners originally signed him as a non-drafted free agent on 19 November, 2000. He was selected by Minnesota in the Major League portion of the 2004 Rule 5 draft, but returned to Seattle prior to the end of 2005 spring training. 

KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) made a shaky return to his customary starting role in the Texas Rangers rotation today with one of his shortest outings in memory. 'Big Kev' pitched 1.2ip 3h 4er 3bb 0k to take the loss as the Rangers were swamped 2-7 by the Los Angeles Angels, lowering his record to 2-4, 6.62ERA. In the same game GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) batted 1-4 (.302) and scored twice, while his inconsistent Angles team mate SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) batted 0-1 (.223).

Helping the Toronto Blue Jays to edge the Baltimore Orioles 5-3 today were VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) who batted 1-4 (.287) and JASON PHILLIPS (Hunter Eagles 1998) who contributed 1-3 (.258) with a RBI.

PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) batted 1-4 (.286) to help his New York Mets to grab a last inning 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs.


Kevin Millwood

 


Jason Phillips

  14 MAY 2007 - MOYLAN DOES HIS JOB AGAIN!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan

Aussie pitcher PETER MOYLAN continues to rise to every challenge thrown to him by Atlanta Braves' venerable manager Bobby Cox this season. Once again our Pete was handed the rugged assignment of putting a plug in a flooding offence during the fourth inning of the Braves 2-13 massacre by the Pittsburgh Pirates today. Moylan was asked to replace rookie starter Anthony Lerew after he had allowed five runs and three of those with two out in the fourth, with more threatening. In his typical fashion Pete wasn't mucking around when he snuffed the inning by having the dangerous Jason Bay struck out swinging for 0.1ip 0h 0er 0bb 1k (2.20ERA). All he was asked to do was to get the one out today after dismissing four yesterday and he did so with great efficiency, delivering three strikes among his four pitches for the day.

It was a big day for former ABL imports with the Los Angeles Angels today, even though their long ball heroics were not quite enough to prevent the 'Halos' from being edged out 6-7 by the unpredictable Texas Rangers. GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) added his own personal home runs No's. 5 and 6 when he left the yard twice for a marvellous 3-4 (.303) with four RBI's. Team mate SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) chimed in with his first 'dinger' of the season headlining his 1-5 (.225).

DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) batted 1-4 (.200) for the Cincinnati Reds in their 5-10 defeat at the hands of the in-form Los Angeles Dodgers.


Gary Matthews


S.Hillenbrand

  13 MAY 2007 - MOYLAN PILLAGES PIRATES!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan

 

 

 

 


Vernon Wells

Australia's PETER MOYLAN was once again an important contributor for the Atlanta Braves today when he played the "fireman" role in their 9-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Now, before you start wondering how he could be under pressure in a 9-2 victory, you need to know that our 'Pete' replaced former ABL import Chad Paronto who had just allowed four hits and two runs for one out (on a sacrifice fly) in the eighth. As he has done so often this season, Moylan made the ground ball double-play his friend when he had former Atlanta team mate Adam LaRoche ground into the "twin-killing" to the second baseman. Not content with this he put a swift end to the ninth inning with a couple of very efficient K's. He started by striking out 'X-Man' Xavier Nady looking at his fourth pitch, then catcher Ryan Doumit grounded out to the first baseman. His job was completed when he had Brad Eldred struck out swinging at a NASTY pitch. In all Peter threw 10 of 13 pitches for strikes with a masterly 1.2ip 0h 0er 0bb 2k (2.25ERA). CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) pitched 0.1ip 4h 2er 0bb 0k (5.23ERA).

RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) showed signs of turning around a very disrupted season when he batted 2-3 (.117) for the Washington Nationals during their 2-3 loss to the Florida Marlins.

All-Star slugger VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) has enjoyed a couple of most productive games for the Toronto Blue Jays over their weekend series against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He batted 2-3 (.295) in their 5-4 win today, following his 2-4 in their 5-1 triumph yesterday. Team mate JASON PHILLIPS (Hunter Eagles 1998) batted 0-0 today after contributing a very useful 1-4 (.263) with two RBI's yesterday.

... and from other MLB action yesterday:

GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) batted 1-3 (.299) with two RBI's to help the Los Angeles Angels to double the Texas Rangers 6-3. On the receiving end for Texas was RON MAHAY (G. Coast Cougars 1996) who pitched 1.0ip 2h 2er 1bb 0k (3.86ERA).

Helping the New York Mets to slide past the Milwaukee Brewers 5-4 was feisty catcher PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) who batted 1-3 (.295) with an important RBI.


Ryan Langerhans


 



Paul LoDuca

  11 MAY 2007 - CHRIS SNELLING INJURES KNEE!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Chris Snelling

 


Chad Paronto

CHRIS SNELLING would have sent shivers down the spine of Australian baseball fans today when he was forced to leave the game with a knee injury. Anyone who has followed Chis' career would be well aware that our talented outfielder has had a WRETCHED run with injuries that have always seemed to turn out worse than expected. However, the good news on this occasion is that his injury has been reported as a left knee "contusion" and he is expected to be available for this weekend's games... PHEW! 
Snelling started at centrefield and batted in the #2 slot today for the Oakland Athletics who mauled the Kansas City Royals 17-3. In the top of the first he grounded out to the first baseman after working a full count off KC starter Luke Hudson. During a long second inning he reached first base after hustling to force a throwing error by the first baseman in a play that scored a run for his team, also facing Hudson. In the top of the fourth he left the game with the knee injury to be replaced by Danny Putnam who promptly singled.

GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) "went yard" for the fourth time this season while batting 2-4 (.299) with three RBI's for the Los Angeles Angels in their 8-0 shutout win over the Cleveland Indians.

One guy who has always enjoyed the knuckleball offerings of Boston Red Sox veteran Tim Wakefield is VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) who batted 2-4 (.279) for the Toronto Blue Jays, but his efforts did not prevent Wakefield and the 'Bosox' from delivering a 8-0 shutout win and a series sweep. JASON PHILLIPS (Hunter Eagles 1998) batted 0-1 (.264) as a pinch hitter for the Blue Jays.

Cincinnati Reds catcher DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) nailed his third home run of the season while batting 1-4 (.207) with two RI's in the Reds 9-5 win over Houston.

CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) recorded his first hold of the season today to help the Atlanta Braves to hold off the San Diego Padres 5-3. He pitched 1.0ip 2h 1er 0bb 0k (3.60ERA), while GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) pinch hit with 1-1 (.163) for SD.  


Gary Matthews

 


David Ross

 
  10 MAY 2007 - SNELLING 1-4, BLUM HOMERS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Chris Snelling

Australia's CHRIS SNELLING continues to hold down the starting centrefielder's position and he batted in the #9 slot again today for the Oakland A's during their 2-3 loss to the Kansas City Royals. His day began with a ground out to the third baseman in the top of the third inning off starter Gil Meche, then he drew a two-out walk off Meche in the fourth. In the top of the seventh he slapped a line drive single to right field off David Riske, before making the last out of the game with a fly ball out to centrefield facing closer Joakim Soria in the top of the ninth. Chris batted 1-3 (.254) today.

GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) smacked his first home run of the season today, but his terrific personal contribution of 2-3 (.143) was not quite enough for the San Diego Padres to overcome the Atlanta Braves who prevailed 3-2. It is not unusual for a regular bench player like Blum to respond when given the rare opportunity to start at short stop. 

Rolling back into his customary strong hitting form is New York Mets catcher PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) who batted 2-4 (.294) today to help his team to sneak past the San Francisco Giants 5-3.

MICAH BOWIE (Melbourne Monarchs 1998) pitched at just the wrong time to collect his second loss today when he failed to get an out for the Washington Nationals in their 1-3 defeat by the Milwaukee Brewers. Bowie pitched 0.0ip 1h 1er 0bb 0k to drop his record to 0-2, 4.20ERA). His Nationals' team mate RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted 0-2 (.088) as he continues to struggle offensively this season.

Unable to do enough to save the Cincinnati Reds from a narrow 2-3 loss to the Houston Astros was DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) who batted 1-3 (.205).


Geoff Blum


Paul LoDuca

 
  9 MAY 2007 - MOYLAN & SNELLING BOTH STRONG!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan

 

 

 

 

 

 


Paul LoDuca

Firstly, from yesterday's MLB action:
Australian pitcher PETER MOYLAN added a couple more scoreless innings to further shrink his ERA, pitching 2.0ip 2h 0er 1bb 0k (2.51ERA) for the Atlanta Braves during their 2-4 loss to the solid San Diego Padres. Once more our Pete proved his value as more than just a single-inning or single-batter man with two innings of effective big league pitching. He took over from former ABL import Chad Paronto to pitch the top of the seventh inning. After issuing a full count walk to Josh Bard, Moylan cleared the bases when he had Khalil Greene ground to the first baseman for a double-play. The dangerous Mike Cameron then sigled to centrefield and stole second before Kevin Kouzmanoff grounded out to the short stop. Pete was back for the top of the eighth with Terrmel Sledge fouling out to the third baseman and former team mate Marcus Giles grounding out to the same third baseman. Brian Giles then singled to left field and stole second base, but he too was stranded when he had Jose Cruz Junior fly out to left field. After allowing three earned runs in his first major league outing this season Peter Moylan has allowed only one more run (on a solo homer) in eight appearances and 14.0 innings!
CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) pitched 1.0ip 1h 1er 2bb 1k (3.00ERA).

CHRIS SNELLING started at centrefield again for the Oakland Athletics today and he batted in the #9 slot during their 6-1 win over the Kansas City Royals. Chris batted a very useful 2-4 (.250) with a walk and a run scored in today's game to continue his good form. He singled off KC's starter Jorge De La Rosa in his first two plate appearances, to left field in the third inning and to centrefield in the fourth inning. In the top of the fifth he popped out to the third baseman to make the third out facing Jimmy Gobble. In the top of the seventh he worked a full-count walk on seven pitches from Neal Musser. In his final opportunity Chris was called out on strikes to make the A's last out of the game.

DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) batted 1-3 (.200) for the Cincinnati Reds in their 6-7 loss to the Houston Astros.

Not able to mount much offence during their 2-9 loss to the Boston Red Sox and their ace starter Josh Beckett were Toronto Blue Jays VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) who batted 1-3 (.281) or JASON PHILLIPS (Hunter Eagles 1998) who batted 0-4 (.269).

MICAH BOWIE (Melbourne Monarchs 1998) pitched 1.0ip 1h 1er 0bb 2k (3.60ERA) and RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted 0-3 (.091) for the Washington Nationals during their 4-6 defeat at the hands of the emerging Milwaukee Brewers.

Able to sneak his way through the minefield of the New York Yankees batting lineup was RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) who pitched 3.0ip 2h 0er 2bb 2k (2.93ERA) but it was not enough for his Texas Rangers to prevent a 2-8 loss to the 'Bronx Bombers'.

PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) batted a MVP award winning 3-4 (.286) for the New York Mets to help them to dominate the San Francisco Giants 4-1.


Chris Snelling

 

 

 

 

 

 


Ron Mahay

  7 MAY 2007 - SNELLING LEADS OFF FOR A's!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Chris Snelling

Aussie CHRIS SNELLING has earned a swift "promotion" since joining the Oakland A's with his shift to centrefield today and his elevation to the leadoff batting position in the lienup. Snelling responded with 1-4 (.233) with a walk to help Oakland to squeeze past the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 5-3. He set the tone promptly by leading off the game with a single to centrefield off Edwin Jackson then he induced a two-out walk from Jackson in the top of the second. Although there is never any guarantee that a leadoff batter will actually lead off any inning other than the first, coincidence would dictate that Snelling did get to lead off the top half of the fourth, seventh and ninth innings. In sequence, he flied out to left field, was called out on strikes (both facing Jackson), then he was struck out swinging by Ruddy Lugo. Chris did not face GARY GLOVER (Sydney Storm 1999) who pitched 1.2ip 2h 1er 0bb 1k (7.47ERA) for the 'D-Rays'.

CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) pitched at just the right time to collect his second win of the season for the Atlanta Braves who prevailed 6-4 over the Los Angeles Dodgers today. Chad pitched a brief 0.1ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k for his 2-0, 2.25ERA record.

Finally striking some batting form with his third different club this season was RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) who batted 2-3 (.093) for the Washington Nationals in their tight 3-4 defeat at the hands of the Chicago Cubs. 

DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) contributed a very useful 2-4 (.195) to help the Cincinnati Reds to overpower the Colorado Rockies 9-3.


Chad Paronto


Ryan Langerhans

 
  6 MAY 2007 - SNELLING 2-4 IN OAKLAND LOSS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Chris Snelling

Australian outfielder CHRIS SNELLING continues his upswing since joining the Oakland A's with a solid 2-4 (.232) effort in the #9 slot, even though the A's went down 2-3 to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 12th inning today. Chris began his day with a neat single to the second baseman off star starter Scott Kazmir in the top of the third before Kazmir had him struck out swinging to lead off the fifth. In the top of the seventh he worked a four pitch walk from former ABL pitcher Gary Glover. He then slapped another single that was deflected from the stretching first baseman to the second baseman off Jae Kuk Ryu in the top of the ninth. His final plate appearance saw him bunt into a fielder's choice in the top of the 11th off Brian Stokes. GARY GLOVER (Sydney Storm 1999) pitched briefly for his 0.1ip 0h 0er 2bb 0k (7.71ERA).

Not able to do quite enough to lift the Los Angeles Angels in their 3-6 loss to the Chicago White Sox were GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) who batted 1-4 (.295) or SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) who batted 1-4 (.232).

PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) once again helped the New York Mets to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-2 today, batting 1-3 (.267) with a walk, a RBI and a run scored.

Three former AMLB imports were minor contributors during the Texas Rangers big 11-4 win over the Toronto Blue Jays today. For Toronto VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 0-4 (.290), while JASON PHILLIPS (Hunter Eagles 1998) batted 0-3 (.289). RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) pitched 1.0ip 2h 2er 1bb 1k (3.65ERA) for Texas.

Sharing the last innings pitching duties for the Atlanta Braves in their 3-6 defeat by the Los Angeles Dodgers were STEVE COLYER (IBLA MLB All-Stars 2001) with 0.0ip 2h 0er 0bb 0k (4.91ERA) and CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) with 0.2ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (2.35ERA).


Gary Glover

 
  5 MAY 2007 - SNELLING A HIT FOR ATHLETICS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Chris Snelling

Outfielder CHRIS SNELLING might well have enjoyed pulling on the "Australian colours" of green and gold when he spiced his debut with the Oakland Athletics by delivering a hit and a walk during their 5-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. In fact his first plate appearance for the A's was a neat single to centrefield off 'D-Rays' starter Casey Fossum to lead off the top of the third inning. In the top of the fifth he flied out to centre off Fossum, before earning a one out walk from Jae Kuk Ryu in the top half of the seventh. Snelling's day ended with another fly ball out to centrefield while facing former ABL import Gary Glover. GARY GLOVER (Sydney Storm 1999) was to be saddled with his second loss of the year while pitching 1.1ip 1h 2er 1bb 0k for his 0-2, 7.90ERA record. 

PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) crushed his second home run of the season to help the New York Mets to top the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-3 today, batting 2-4 (.264).

Another former AMLB catcher DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) also went deep for the second time this season while batting 1-5 (.186) with two RBI's for the Cincinnati Reds in their narrow 5-6 defeat at the hands of the Colorado Rockies.

PRESTON WILSON (Hunter Eagles 1997) grabbed the opportunity to bat in the leadoff slot today, batting 1-3 (.222) to help the St.Louis Cardinals to squeak past Houston 3-2.

Both playing minor roles for the Washington Nationals in their 4-6 loss to the streaking Chicago Cubs were recent signing RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) who batted 0-1 (.061) and reliever MICAH BOWIE (Melbourne Monarchs 1998) pitched a very shaky 0.1ip 2h 1er 1bb 0k (3.21ERA).


Paul LoDuca


David Ross

  4 MAY 2007 - SNELLING TRADED TO OAKLAND!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Chris Snelling

This ends a week that saw a couple of former AMLB players involved in the same trade moves. The first move came when RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) was shipped from the Atlanta Braves to the Oakland A's for a "player to be named". After a couple of games with Oakland, Langerhans was on-traded to the Washington Nationals in exchange for Aussie CHRIS SNELLING who has always been coveted by the Athletics. 

Journeyman catcher JASON PHILLIPS (Hunter Eagles 1998) did his best with 2-4 (.310) with two RBI doubles, but it was not enough to prevent a 5-6 loss to Cleveland Indians. 

Another journeyman catcher DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) contributed 1-4 (.185) with a RBI double for the Cincinnati Reds in their 5-7 loss to the Houston Astros.

To stick with the catchers' theme, New York Mets star PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) emerged from a rare career slump with 1-3 (.253) including a RBI and a walk to help his team to overpower the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-4.


Jason Phillips

  3 MAY 2007 - VERNON WELLS BATS 3-5!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Vernon Wells

 

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) was back to his destructive best today for the Toronto Blue Jays in their 6-7 loss to the Cleveland Indians. Vernon did everything he could batting 3-5 with two doubles and two runs scored. Team mate JASON PHILLIPS (Hunter Eagles 1998) came in as a defensive replacement as catcher. 

Contributing to the San Diego Padres 7-3 win over the Washington Nationals was pinch hitter GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) who did his job with 1-1 (.118) with a RBI.

Helping the Atlanta Braves to close the lid on their 4-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies was reliever CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) who pitched 1.0ip 0h 0er 1bb 0k (2.75ERA) at Turner Field today.

PRESTON WILSON (Hunter Eagles 1997) emerged from a bit of a lean spell to bat 1-1 (.217) as a pinch hitter for the St.Louis Cardinals in their 0-4 shutout loss to the fesity Milwaukee Brewers.


Geoff Blum

 


  2 MAY 2007 - MOYLAN BIG FOR BRAVES AGAIN!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Gary Matthews

After a quiet day for AMLB players in major leagues yesterday:
Aussie pitcher PETER MOYLAN continues to cement himself as an integral part of the Atlanta Braves bullpen with another tremendous performance for the ballclub during their tight 4-6 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies today. Moylan replaced Oscar Villarreal on the mound after the Braves had surrendered a 3-0 lead in the first inning to trail 3-5 in the game when he arrived for the top of the fifth. In that inning he had Jayson Werth ground out to the second baseman before Rod Barajas singled to left field. He got out of the frame when both Cole Hamels and Jimmy Rollins flied out to centrefield. In the top of the sixth Moylan had Aaron Rowand ground out to the second baseman before rising star Chase Utley doubled to right field. He was then instructed to issue an intentional walk to 2006 Home Run Derby Champion Ryan Howard before repeating his recent brilliance by having dangerous Pat Burrell ground into an inning ending double-play. Pete was back for the top of the seventh when he had Wes Helms ground out to the short stop and Jayson Werth line out to the same position at short. His only blemish for several games came when Rod Barajas, who was obviously having a hot day, took him deep for a home run to left field. His day concluded with Cole Hamels struck out on a foul tip. In all Moylan can be proud of another man-sized effort with 3.0ip 3h 1er 1bb 1k (2.92ERA). He not only soaked up some very valuable innings for his team but he kept them in the ballgame! It may the fisrt time that THREE former ABL players pitched for the same team in the same game when team mates STEVE COLYER (IBLA MLB All-Stars 2001) pitched 1.0ip 3h 0er 1bb 0k and CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) pitched 1.0ip 0h 0er 1bb 1k.

Once again used as a defensive substitution at left field was Aussie outfielder CHRIS SNELLING who came into the game in the seventh inning for the Washington Nationals in their 0-3 shutout loss to the San Diego Padres. Snelling was later struck out swinging on a full count when facing 6'11" former Texas giant Chris Young. Snelling's team mate MICAH BOWIE (Melbourne Monarchs 1998) pitched 1.2ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (2.63ERA).

GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) starred for the Los Angeles Angels today with 4-5 (.318) and three runs scored in their 7-5 win over the Kansas City Royals.  Team mate SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) batted 1-5 (.238).

Doing a solid job for the Texas Rangers in their 1-10 defeat at the hands of the mighty New York Yankees was RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) who pitched an almost unscathed 3.0ip 2h 0er 4bb 3k (2.38ERA).

PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) batted 2-4 (.250) as a fine contribution for the New York Mets in their 2-5 defeat by the New York Mets.


Chris Snelling

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Ron Mahay

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