Flintoff & Dunn's NEWS ARCHIVE
JUNE 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 From time to time we will archive old or outdated news on our "WHAT'S NEW" & "AUSSIES IN THE US LEAGUES" pages.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 JUNE 2007 BEGINS BELOW:

ARCHIVE
JUNE 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 JUNE 2007 - LANGERHANS LAUNCHES HR No.4!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Ryan Langerhans

 

RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) may not be enjoying the poor batting consistency that has seen him traded twice already this season, but he did have another moment to savour today with his fourth home run of the season coming during his Washington Nationals' 2-3 dedeat by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Ryan batted 1-3 (.171).

Often used Tampa Bay Devil Rays' reliever GARY GLOVER (Sydney Storm 1999) pitched 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 2k (5.13ERA) in their 1-2 loss to the Cleveland Indians.

Back in action to help the Los Angeles Angels overcome the Baltimore Orioles 9-7 today was GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) who batted a handy 2-4 (.288).

PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) batted 1-4 (.281) to help the New York Mets to win the nightcap double-header 5-2 over the Philadelphia Phillies.


Gary Matthews
  29 JUNE 2007 - ABL IMPORT PITCHERS STRUGGLE!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Kevin Millwood

 

KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) was saddled with his seventh loss of the season today, even though he provided a quality start for the Texas Rangers in their 2-5 defeat by the powerful Detroit Tigers. Millwood pitched 6.0ip 5h 3er 6bb 6k in a decent performance that takes his season record to 4-7, 7.06ERA.

Not able to do enough to prevent his Toronto Blue Jays slumping to a 5-8 loss to the Minnesota Twins was VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) who batted 1-3 (.251) and he scored two of their runs. In yesterday’s game Wells batted 1-4 with a RBI in their 5-4 win over the ‘Twinkies’.

… and also from yesterday:

It was a tough day at the office for former ABL import pitchers with GARY GLOVER (Sydney Storm 1999) having a nasty day with 0.2ip 4h 3er 0bb 1k, suffering his first blown save and his third loss when his Tampa Bay Devil Rays were overrun 3-5 by the Chicago White Sox. His record fell to 3-3, 5.26ERA.

Also taking a hammering after some recent good form was MICAH BOWIE (Melbourne Monarchs 1998) who started for the Washington Nationals, but he didn’t last long with a tragic 3.1ip 9h 6er 2bb 2k to set the ‘Nats’ on the path to a 0-13 whitewash by the Atlanta Braves. Bowie ’s record slumped to 4-3, 4.39ERA, while his team mate RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted a miserable 0-4 (.168) while striking out three times. On the flip side, CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) closed the blowout win for Atlanta with 1.0ip 2h 0er 0bb 0k (4.71ERA).

PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) batted 1-3 (.281) to help the New York Mets to secure a 2-0 win over the St.Louis Cardinals in a rain-shortened affair.


Michah Bowie

 


Gary Glover
  27 JUNE 2007 - MOYLAN STRUGGLES AGAINST NATS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan

 

Australian star PETER MOYLAN had a very rare rugged outing today after being asked to pitch the final inning for the Atlanta Braves who were coasting to a 6-2 victory over the Washington Nationals. Perhaps Pete was unfamiliar with pitching in the "non pressure" situation after thriving in so many tough situations, but he managed only one out today at the expense of three hits and a run. He was a little unfortunate when powerful leadoff man Dmitri Young slapped a way-outside pitch for a double to left field to open the inning. Next batter Austin Kearns was called out on strikes before he again made a decent 'low and in' pitch to Ryan Church who ripped it for a RBI double to right field. His day was concluded when he was lifted following Ronnie Belliard's soft 'floater' to centrefield. We will not try to put any 'sugar coating' on a modest outcome but, once again, he didn't make too many bad pitches... sometimes you just have to give credit to the batters. Pete had to eat a 0.1ip 3h 1er 0bb 1k (2.48ERA) result today. Enjoying a start with the Nationals today was RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) who batted 1-4 (.173) with a RBI.

PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) has seen his average eroded lately, but he chimed in with his fourth home run of the season today while batting 1-5 (.280) for the New York Mets during their 3-5 loss to the St.Louis Cardinals. 


Paul LoDuca

 
  26 JUNE 2007 - ROWLAND-SMITH REINS RED SOX!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Ryan
Rowland-Smith

 

Australia’s latest major leaguer RYAN ROWLAND-SMITH made his second appearance for the Seattle Mariners today, closing the ninth inning of a secure 9-4 win over the league dominating Boston Red Sox. Ryan had the comfort of a 9-2 lead when he started the top of the ninth, but he didn’t have things all his own way against the top of the daunting ‘Bosox’ batting lineup. He began shakily, walking J.D Drew before Dustin Pedroia hammered a ground rule double that bounced over the fence at deep left centrefield. Rowland-Smith responded to get within one out of a scoreless frame by striking out powerhouse David Ortiz looking and Eric Hinske swinging. One of the toughest outs in baseball Kevin Youkilis next nailed him for two runs with a deep double to left field before he closed the game with his third strike out when Mike Lowell was called out on strikes. Young Ryan added some more HUGE scalps to his baseball scrapbook with David ‘Big Papi’ Ortiz added to his list of strikeout victims that already includes Ken Griffey Junior from his memorable debut. Ryan pitched 1.0ip 2h 2er 1bb 3k (7.71ERA) today.  

Former All-Star and No.1 overall draft selection VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999)  continues to improve from a sluggish start to the 2007 season with a dramatic recent power surge. Wells smacked his ninth home run of the season today while batting 3-5 (.251) with three RBI’s helping his Toronto Blue Jays to top the Minnesota Twins 8-5.


Vernon Wells

 

 
  25 JUNE 2007 - MOYLAN PUNISHED BY PUDGE!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan

 

Aussie reliever PETER MOYLAN saw his very first pitch driven into left field for a game-breaking two RBI single today that put the Detroit Tigers 4-0 ahead, on their way to a 5-0 shutout victory over his sputtering Atlanta Braves. It must have been a bad day for Pete, right?... wrong! I know that we run the risk of being accused of bias towards one of our own major league players, but I can assure you that Moylan did little wrong and, in fact, he was most impressive once again. For anyone who watched the ESPN telecast of the game, Moylan was summoned from the bullpen in the sixth inning after Braves’ starter Chuck James had begun to implode, with two runs on the board after pitching five solid scoreless frames in a tight 0-0 game. Moylan was asked to pick up the pieces with runners on second and third and still nobody out in the sixth inning. Moylan’s very first pitch to Detroit ’s superstar catcher Ivan ‘Pudge’ Rodriguez was a low sinking fastball right at the bottom edge of the strike zone. It was a well executed and well located first pitch under the circumstances, seeking a ground ball into the drawn-in infield. The fact that ‘Pudge’ was able to slap a “seeing eye” single between the short stop and the third baseman for two runs was not the fault of the pitcher… that’s baseball! Rodriguez had scampered to second base on the play leaving first base open, so Pete was then asked to intentionally walk slugger Sean Casey. He then set about ensuring no further damage with Brandon Inge flying out to right field before he overmatched pitcher Andrew Miller and Curtis Granderson who both struck out swinging. Once again Peter Moylan was most effective with 11 of his 19 pitchers thrown for strikes (including an intentional walk) and he did not allow an earned run. His 1.0ip 1h 0er 1bb 2k (2.27) was another quality job for his team under tough conditions. Following Moylan to the mound again was CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) who pitched 1.0ip 1h 0er 2bb 0k (4.88ERA)

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) continued his recent power surge with his eighth 'jack' of the season accounting for his 1-4 (.245) with three big RBI's that certainly helped his Toronto Blue Jays to blank the Colorado Rockies 5-0.

Enjoying his rare start at second base today was GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) who batted 2-4 (.194) for the San Diego Padres during their 2-4 loss to the Boston Red Sox.

GARY GLOVER (Sydney Storm 1999) added another scoreless inning of relief with 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (4.66ERA) for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in their 9-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. This follows his fifth hold of season from yesterday when he pitched 1.0ip 2h 0er 0bb 1k in the Rays' 4-3 victory over the Dodgers.

... and also from yesterday:

Helping the Los Angeles Angels to crush the Pittsburgh Pirates 10-1 were GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) who batted 2-2 (.286) and team mate SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) who batted 1-5 (.254) with two RBI's.


Vernon Wells

 
  23 JUNE 2007 - RYAN ROWLAND-SMITH OUR 24th MAJOR!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Ryan
Rowland-Smith

 

 

 


Peter Moylan

 24yo NSW left-hander RYAN ROWLAND-SMITH became Australia's 24th player to reach baseball's pinnacle of the US major leagues when he pitched for the Seattle Mariners against the Cincinnati Reds on 23 June 2007 (AUS date) at SAFECO Field, in Seattle. A crowd of 46,340 were on hand to witness the latest Aussie big leaguer make his first out, and one that will be written into folklore, when he had future Hall-Of-Fame great Ken Griffey Junior struck out swinging to end the 6th inning. It could not take the gloss from Ryan's impressive big league debut that his team was already trailing by the ugly final score of 1-16 when he returned to polish off the top of the seventh inning. He had Jeff Conine ground out to the third baseman, before finding himself under a little pressure when Adam Dunn singled to left field and Edwin Encarnacion reached by the unusual route of catcher's interference. He escaped the jam by having Alex Gonzalez fly out to left field and then Josh Hamilton struck out swinging. In all Rowland-Smith threw a high-quality 15 of 20 pitches for strikes for a memorable debut of 1.1ip 1h 0er 0bb 2k (0.00ERA). In this game our Ryan may have been glad that he did not face the white-hot bat of Cincinnati's unpredictable catcher DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) who had his second two-homer game in recent days when he 'jacked' numbers 10 and 11 during the Reds' rout of the M's. Ross batted a gaudy 2-4 (.205) with five RBI's and three runs scored.

Australia's more 'seasoned' big leaguer PETER MOYLAN was also on the mound for the Atlanta Braves today, doing his level best to make sure that their 0-5 shutout loss to the Detroit Tigers did not get any worse. Pete added yet another scoreless frame to his already impressive season with 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (2.33ERA). He started the top of the seventh inning with Marcus Thames popped up to the second baseman, then Curtis Granderson grounded out softly back to himself for a force out at first and the tough Placido Polanco flied out to centrefield. Pete's bullpen mate CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) followed him to the mound with an identical 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (5.06ERA).

Toronto Blue Jays All-Star slugger VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) also 'went yard' today for his seventh round-tripper of the year while batting 2-4 (.248) and scoring three times to help his team to sneak past the in-form Colorado Rockies 9-8.

KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) made sure that rumours of his untimely fall from grace were premature when he backed up for his second successive win after having a torrid time with injuries this season. 'Big Kev' pitched a strong 6.0ip 9h 3er 0bb 2k to anchor the Rangers to a 11-3 bashing of fellow Texans the Houston Astros. Millwood improved his record to 4-6, 7.31ERA... still a long way short of his career standard.

MICAH BOWIE (Melbourne Monarchs 1998) also made another start for the Washington Nationals today, pitching a very good 4.1ip 5h 1er 4bb 7k (3.63ERA). However, he was consigned to a no-decision when his team scored later to beat the Cleveland Indians 4-1.

Not having his best of days this season was GARY GLOVER (Sydney Storm 1999) who pitched 1.0ip 4h 2er 0bb 0k (4.91ERA) in relief for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays during their 3-6 defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) batted 2-4 (.281) and team mate SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) batted 1-4 (.255) to help the Los Angeles Angels to edge past the luckless Pittsburgh Pirates 5-4.


David Ross

 

 

 


Vernon Wells

 

 


Kevin Millwood
  21 JUNE 2007 - MOYLAN MASHED BY MANNY!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan

 

 

 

Australia's current major leaguer flag bearer PETER MOYLAN had another very good day pitching for the Atlanta Braves during their 0-11 shutout hammering by the high-rolling Boston Red Sox. The only blemish on this occasion was his very first pitch of the game when he came in to relieve opening the top of the seventh inning. 'Pete' made the quite serious mistake of trying to throw a first pitch "get me over strike" to one of the most feared hitters of all time, future Hall-Of-Fame slugger Manny Ramirez. Unfortunately for Moylan the pitch crossed the plate right in Manny's 'wheelhouse' and it didn't hit the ground again until it landed in the right field bleachers... HOME RUN! That pitch aside, Pete did a great job once again against some red-hot hitters, having Kevin Youkilis fly out to right field, followed by Jason Varitek and Coco Crisp who were both called out on strikes. You could hardly blame Pete for the fact that his team were already trailing in the game 0-7 when he entered and he did pretty much all you would ask, throwing 10 of his 15 pitches for strikes. He is not the first or the last pitcher who will regret throwing one pitch too fat to Manny Ramirez... it is just another great tale that he will take from his days in baseball's major leagues! He pitched 1.0ip 1h 1er 0bb 2k (2.39ERA) today.

PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) was once again an offensive contributor for the New York Mets, batting 1-4 (.295) and scoring twice during their 2-6 defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Twins. 


Paul LoDuca

  20 JUNE 2007 - MOYLAN RESTRICTS RED SOX!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan

 

 

 

... from yesterday:

Aussie 'gun slinger' PETER MOYLAN was once again the man for the occasion, making sure that the power-laden Boston Red Sox were unable to mount a rally against his Atlanta Braves. Pete replaced starter Chuck James with one out in the top of the sixth inning just after 'Bosox' centrefielder Coco Crisp had cracked his second home run of the game to give the visitors a sniff of a comeback in what turned out to be a 9-4 win for Atlanta. Moylan did his job with his customary efficiency, having an overmatched Julio Lugo called out on strikes and pinch hitter Eric Hinske tapping a harmless "squibber" back to himself on the mound. He pitched another effective 0.2ip 0h 0er 0bb 1k (2.21ERA) to end the inning. It was GREAT to see an extremely fit and confident looking Peter Moylan on the ESPN broadcast of the game yesterday... looking very comfortable with his life as a major league baseballer. Bullpen team mate CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) pitched later in the game for the Braves with 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 0k (5.47ERA)

SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) was a hero for the Los Angeles Angels yesterday with his 3-5 (.255) and two RBI's a key component of the 'Halos' amazing comeback in their epic 10-9 win over the Houston Astros. GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) also did his bit for the Angels with 1-4 (.282). 

PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) continues his recent hot hitting form for the New York Mets, batting 2-5 (.301) during their 8-1 massacre of the Minnesota Twins. 

... and today:

RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) showed some admirable durability today, closing the last three innings of the Texas Rangers narrow 4-5 loss to the Chicago Cubs. Ron gave his team every chance of rallying late with 3.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 4k (3.05ERA) 


Shea Hillenbrand

 

 

 



Ron Mahay

  18 JUNE 2007 - MOYLAN CLOSES OUT CLEVELAND!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan

 

 

 

... from yesterday:

Australia's PETER MOYLAN continues to enjoy considerable success as a right-handed reliever for the Atlanta Braves in the US major leagues, most recently closing the Braves' 6-2 win over the Cleveland Indians. While the gap was one run too wide for him to be in line for a save, Pete was still most impressive in closing down the heart of the 'Tribe's' batting lineup with a minimum of fuss. Just as his manager would have requested, Pete faced the minimum number of hitters and threw 10 of his 15 pitches for strikes with the efficient line of 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 2k (2.25ERA). Pitching the bottom of the ninth, he had Victor Martinez struck out swinging on five pitches, powerhouse Travis Hafner grounded out to second base on four pitches and Jhonny (no misspell!) Peralta struck out swinging. 

Like 'lightning in a bottle' Cincinnati Reds' catcher DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) does not hit for average, but he remains very much a long ball threat with home runs numbers eight and nine coming in a pair today after his seventh 'jack' two days ago! Ross had the huge day of 3-4 (.196) with four RBI's to help the Reds to double the Texas Rangers 8-4. Converted ABL import outfielder RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) was back on the mound for the Rangers with 1.1ip 0h 0er 1bb 2k (3.57ERA). 

Also going deep for the sixth time this season was Toronto Blue Jays slugger VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) who batted 2-3 (.258) with his four RBI's enough to beat the Washington Nationals 7-3 off his own bat. RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted 1-3 (.169) for the capital city.

PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) did his best to lift the New York Mets, but his mighty 3-5 (.300) was not enough to prevent their 8-11 loss to the New York Yankees. 


David Ross

 


Vernon Wells


Micah Bowie

... and from today's MLB games:

Four former AMLB players were in the thick of the action during the Washington Nationals 4-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. Headliner was the 'surprise packet' starter MICAH BOWIE (Melbourne Monarchs 1998) who collected his fourth win with a quite fantastic 6.0ip 4h 2er 3bb 6k to take his record to  4-2, 3.78ERA. His Nationals team mate RYAN LANGERHANS batted 0-2 (.167). For the vanquished Blue Jays VERNON WELLS batted 1-4 (.258) and JASON PHILLIPS (Hunter Eagles 1998) batted 0-2 (.222).

Another former Melbourne Monarchs import KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) cast aside some doubts that we may have seen his best behind him after recent injuries and poor form with a more typical winning performance today. 'Big Kev' spiced his welcome third win of the season with double-digit strikeouts with 6.0ip 6h 4er 2bb 10k anchoring the Texas Rangers 11-4 win over the Cincinnati Reds. He improved his record to 3-6, 7.62ERA. DAVID ROSS batted 0-3 (.193) for 'Cincy'.

GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) launched his tenth home run of the season with 1-1 (.282) and he scored twice for the Los Angeles Angels to help then to thrash the Los Anegeles Dodgers 10-4. Matthews did everything you could ask of a pinch runner when he came into the game to replace SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) who had batted 1-4 (.246).

Back in a relief role for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays during their 7-4 win over the Colorado Rockies was GARY GLOVER (Sydney Storm 1999) who pitched 1.0ip 1h 1er 0bb 2k (4.86ERA).

CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) could not be blamed for his part pitching a very solid 1.2ip 0h 0er 0bb 2k (5.70ERA) for the Atlanta Braves who fell 2-5 to Cleveland's Indians.


Kevin Millwood

 


Gary Matthews

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


David Ross

 

 

Washington Nationals' journeyman RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) is suddenly enjoying a rich vein of form in an otherwise bleak season lately with his third home run coming in a 2-7 defeat by the Toronto Blue Jays. Langerhans batted 1-2 (.265), but even more influential on the result was BJ's slugger VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) who batted a terrific 3-5 (.253) as a high spot in a rare inconsistent season.

Cincinnati Reds' catcher DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) also left the yard today with his seventh 'big fly' of the campaign in a 1-3 (.182) performance that was not quite enough to help the C's in a narrow 6-7 loss to the Texas Rangers.

... and among yesterday's MLB action:

San Diego Padres backup infielder GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) batted 1-3 (.190) with a RBI to help the Padres to squash the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 7-1. For the 'D-Rays' GARY GLOVER (Sydney Storm 1999) pitched 0.2ip 4h 3er 1bb 1k (4.73ERA) to put a big dampener on his recent strong outings as a starter and in relief.


Ryan Langerhans

 

  14 JUNE 2007 - PETER MOYLAN TIES UP TWINS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan  

Aussie ace PETER MOYLAN yet again demonstrated his poise and effectiveness for the Atlanta Braves as a middle relief man during their 0-6 shutout loss to the Minnesota Twins. As he has done so regularly this season, 'Pete' did a sterling job to steady the ship in a game that was already looking bleak, replacing starter Chuck James with one out in the bottom of the fifth inning and the final score of 0-6 already inked in the scorebook after four innings. Moylan completed the bottom of the fifth by "jamming" star Tori Hunter who grounded out softly to the first baseman, then he had an overmatched Jeff Cirillo struck out swinging. Back for the bottom of the sixth, he had Lew Ford struck out swinging and Nick Punto fly out to left field before Jason Bartlett battled him out for a nine-pitch walk. His job was finished when Louis Castillo grounded out meekly to the second baseman. Pete posted another effective 1.2ip 0h 0er 1bb 2k to lower his ERA to an excellent 2.31. His bullpen ally CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) pitched later in the losing cause with 1.0ip 0h 0er 1bb 0k (6.14ERA). 

RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) burst out of a miserable season with his second home run of the year for the Washington Nationals, batting 1-3 (.155) with the RBI, two walks and two runs scored, helping them to topple the Baltimore Orioles 9-6.


Ryan Langerhans

 

 

  13 JUNE 2007 - BOWIE WINS, MATTHEWS HR#9!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Micah Bowie

 

 

Washington Nationals "re-born" starter MICAH BOWIE (Melbourne Monarchs 1998) had one of his finest days in the major leagues today with his third win of the season anchoring a 7-4 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Micah pitched 6.0ip 3h 3er 2bb 2k to improve his pretty decent season record to 3-2, 3.89ERA. His team mate RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted 1-4 (.150).

GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) punctuated what was an otherwise disappointing day for his Los Angles Angels with his 9th home run of the season as his sole reward in their 3-5 defeat by the Cincinnati Reds; Gary batted 1-5 (.285) today. Reds' catcher DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) batted 0-2 (.184) with a RBI.

Still continuing to "scuttle" after an injury hindered start to the season is Texas Rangers' veteran pitcher KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) who copped his sixth loss of the campaign while pitching another miserable 4.1ip 8h 5er 2bb 1k in their 5-7 defeat by the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates. 'Big Kev' may take some solace from the fact that he is lasting a little longer with each start, but his ERA has nudged past his cap size! His declining season record stands at 2-6, 7.82ERA... by far the worst of his excellent career!

Another former ABL import who would not have enjoyed his game today was utility infielder GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) who might have found it hard to adjust to the designated hitter role after spending most of his major league career in the National League. It is the best we can offer to pardon Blum for striking out ALL FOUR TIMES while batting 0-4 (.190) for the San Diego Padres during their 4-11 loss to the unpredictable Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Another versatile bullpen guy GARY GLOVER (Sydney Storm 1999) was back in the bullpen today, collecting his third hold of the season after pitching 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (3.98ERA) for his 'D-Rays'.


Gary Matthews

 

  11 JUNE 2007 - PETER MOYLAN'S WONDERFUL WIN!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan  

Yes folks, Australian flag bearer PETER MOYLAN has enjoyed some terrific times pitching for the Atlanta Braves in the baseball big leagues, but surely none finer than yesterday when he was THE HERO of the Braves' comeback 9-5 win over the Chicago Cubs. In fact, it probably doesn't ever get much better for a relief pitcher than Pete's mighty performance.
Moylan entered the game in the top of the third inning after quality starter Tim Hudson was shelled from the mound, trailing 2-5, with two more runners aboard and without getting an out in the inning... yep, he was asked to climb out of a mighty deep hole! Pete simply went about his business having Mark DeRosa fly out to right field, then extinguishing the third inning fire when Mike Fontenot grounded into a double play to the second baseman. Moylan returned for the top of the fourth having Cesar Izturis called out on strikes before hitting Sean Gallagher with a pitch. He snuffed out this three-strikeout inning by whiffing star Alfonso Soriano and having Felix Pie called out on strikes. Not content with two scoreless frames after the early exit of Hudson, Moylan was back for the top of the fifth with Derrek Lee grounding out to the third baseman, the red-hot Michael Barrett semi-intentionally walked on four pitches then, made to order, Jacque Jones grounding into another inning ending double play. As we said, it doesn't get much better than his pitching line of 3.0ip 0h 0er 1bb 3k... and the big WIN improved his record to 3-1, 2.43ERA! As we know about Peter Moylan he would be enjoying the fact that his team rallied back to win the game more than his own achievement, but you were THE HERO mate!!

PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) once again batted above his weight in a rare spell from catching when he played as the designated hitter in the American League ballpark for the New York Mets during their 7-8 defeat by the Detroit Tigers. He batted 2-4 (.314).

Tampa Bay Devil Rays' all-purpose bullpen starter / reliever GARY GLOVER (Sydney Storm 1999) did another workmanlike job for his team with 2.0ip 2h 0er 1bb 1k (4.11ERA) to help them to power past the Florida Marlins 7-2.

... and in today's MLB games:

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 2-4 (.254) with a RBI to help his Toronto Blue Jays to steamroll the Los Angeles Dodgers 11-5.

The former ABL duo of GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) and SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) were solid contributors again for the Los Angeles Angels in their 6-9 loss to the World Champion St.Louis Cardinals. Matthews batted 2-4 (.286) and Hillenbrand 1-3 (.246) with two runs scored.


Vernon Wells
  9 JUNE 2007 - PETER MOYLAN CURBS CUBBIES!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan  

Aussie "sidewinder" PETER MOYLAN continues to cement his status as a key component of the Atlanta Braves bullpen with yet another effective set-up relief job during their fruitless 1-9 hammering by the Chicago Cubs. Unlike most of his Braves' bullpen mates, our Pete did manage to put the brakes on a rampant Cubs offence when he was called upon to pitch the top half of the sixth inning. Moylan was hardly phased when catcher Michael Barrett singled to left field from a decent inside pitch. And, he didn't flinch when Barrett stole second base at the same time that he struck out Mark DeRosa swinging. He left Barret stranded on second by having Jacques Jones "whiffed" and Ryan Theriot line out quietly to the short stop. He posted another creditable 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 2k (2.67ERA). Also not the worst of the Braves pitchers today was CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) who pitched late in the losing cause with 2.0ip 3h 0er 0bb 0k (6.86ERA). 

New York Mets catcher PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) was hot with the stick again today, batting 2-4 (.310) to help his team to shut out the Detroit Tigers 3-0.

... and yesterday:

GARY GLOVER (Sydney Storm 1999) collected his third win of the season when he pitched at just the right time for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in their 5-3 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. Glover pitched 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 0k (4.40ERA). On the losing side for the 'BJ's' were VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) who batted 0-4 (.259) and JASON PHILLIPS (Hunter Eagles 1998) who also suffered with 0-2 (.241). 


Gary Glover

  7 JUNE 2007 - BOWIE PLUNDERS PIRATES!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Micah Bowie

 

 

Better known as a reliever in the big leagues, MICAH BOWIE (Melbourne Monarchs 1998) rolled the clock back to his ABL days again today with another start for the Washington Nationals, taking a no decision in their 6-5 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Bowie worked around five walks with 5.0ip 2h 1er 5bb 5k (3.79ERA).

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted a healthy 2-4 (.264) and JASON PHILLIPS (Hunter Eagles 1998) batted 0-3 (.245) for the Toronto Blue Jays in their 2-6 defeat by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. GARY GLOVER (Sydney Storm 1999) pitched 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 0k (4.55ERA) in relief for Tampa Bay. 

Continuing to find the going tough this season after an injury plagued start to the season is Texas Rangers pitching ace KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) who was hit hard again to bring another early exit from the game. 'Big Kev' struck out five in just 3.2 innings but it was not enough to help the Rangers who were smacked in a 0-10 shutout by the Detroit Tigers. His ugly pitching line was 3.2ip 9h 7er 1bb 5k (7.57ERA).

CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) was another former ABL pitcher in action today, pitching a shaky 1.0ip 3h 2er 0bb 0k (7.64ERA) for the Atlanta Braves who were beaten 4-7 by the Florida Marlins.


Kevin Millwood

 

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


Peter Moylan  

Australian pitcher PETER MOYLAN didn't have it all his own way today, allowing one earned run on two hits to the Florida Marlins who topped his Atlanta Braves 5-1. Pete replaced superstar starter John Smoltz to pitch the top of the seventh and he received a rude welcome with mighty Miguel Cabrera crunching a single to centrefield and Josh Willingham thumping a double to centrefield. He then had Aaron Boone ground back to himself, but it allowed a RBI to cross the plate on the play. He then issued an intentional walk to Joe Borchard before closing the inning with Matt Treanor flying out to centrefield and Rick Vanden Hurk grounding out to the third baseman. Once again Pete didn't do too much wrong under the circumstances with 1.0ip 2h 1er 1bb 0k (2.76ERA).

GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) may not have done anything too special in his rare start at short stop for the San Diego Padres with his 1-3 (.182), but his hit was only one of two in total for the Padres in their low-scoring 1-0 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Catcher PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) produced all of the scoring for his New York Mets today, batting 2-5 (.310) with two RBI's, but it was not quite enough to prevent their 2-4 defeat by the in-form Philadelphia Phillies.

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) and JASON PHILLIPS (Hunter Eagles 1998) were both solid contributors for the Toronto Blue Jays, helping them to narrowly outlast the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 12-11. Wells batted 2-5 (.259) with two RBI's while backup catcher Phillips chimed in with 1-1 (.252) with a RBI of his own. On the flip side, GARY GLOVER (Sydney Storm 1999) did very little wrong pitching 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 2k (4.72ERA) of efficient relief for the 'D-Rays'. 

Proving once again that you don't necessarily have to hit to contribute offensively was RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) who batted 0-2 (.158) but he walked twice and scored on both occasions for the Washington Nationals during their tight 6-7 loss to the battling Pittsburgh Pirates.


Paul LoDuca

 


Geoff Blum

 

  5 JUNE 2007 - PETER MOYLAN MOWS DOWN MARLINS!
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 was back to his efficient best today after a couple of challenging outings recently, providing extremely valuable middle-relief for the Atlanta Braves during their 4-6 loss to the Florida Marlins. Our Pete almost literally "blew away" the heart of the Marlins batting, requiring just 17 pitches, eleven of those thrown for strikes, to post two scoreless innings while facing the minimum six batters. In the top of the seventh he had Dan Uggla pop up to the third baseman in foul territory on two pitches, Hanley Ramirez ground out to the short stop on his first pitch and superstar Miguel Cabrera struck out swinging on just three pitches... PHEW! He didn't ease up too much in the top of the eighth when Jeremy Hermida grounded out to short stop, Aaron Boone struck out on a foul tip and Miguel Olivo grounded out to third. Pete's tremendous pitching line today was 2.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 2k (2.54ERA). Moylan was relieved by CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) who pitched another tidy 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (7.02ERA).

Returning to the bullpen after making a decent fist of starting recently was GARY GLOVER (Sydney Storm 1999) who recorded his second hold of the season by pitching a brief 0.1ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (4.91ERA) for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays during their 4-2 win over the Kansas City Royals.

GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) had a huge day at the diamond today, enjoying the low-pressure environment of his Los Angeles Angels 16-3 drubbing of the Minnesota Twins. Gary knocked out his eighth big fly of the season while batting 4-5 (.296) with five RBI's.


Gary Matthews

 


Gary Glover

  4 JUNE 2007 - PETER MOYLAN WORKS HARD AT WRIGLEY!
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 continues to live out every baseballer's dreams, pitching at another of the most famous and fabled baseball stadiums, the Chicago Cubs' legendary Wrigley Field. Unfortunately for Pete the experience was a little tarnished by his entrance into the game with his Atlanta Braves already consigned what would be a 1-10 whipping by the home-standing 'Cubbies'. Moylan was asked to pitch the bottom of the eighth inning, tip-toeing along the tightrope for a while before finishing with a flourish. He started by having former Brave Mark DeRosa ground out to the first baseman before nibbling the inside of the plate for a four pitch walk to Ryan Theriot. Moylan continued to pitch inside to Koyie Hill who he eventually "pinged" with a hit by pitch. The Cubs then replaced Carlos Marmol with pinch hitter Angel Pagan who reached first on a botched force out attempt with a throwing error by the first baseman. The damage looked likely to compound when Alfonso Soriano singled to left field but our Pete responded by mowing down Felix Pie who was called out on strikes and dangerous Derrek Lee who he fanned! Peter pitched 1.0ip 1h 1er 1bb 2k (2.73ERA) today, while his bullpen team mate CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) pitched a tidy 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (7.47ERA) today.

Each doing their bit to help the Toronto Blue Jays to edge out the Chicago White Sox 4-3 today were JASON PHILLIPS (Hunter Eagles 1998) who batted 1-2 (.245) with two walks and VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) who batted 0-3 (.256) with a RBI. In yesterday's 9-3 by the Blue Jays over the 'Chisox' Wells pinch hit with 2-2 and two RBI's.


Chad Paronto


Vernon Wells

  2 JUNE 2007 - PETER MOYLAN COOLS CUBBIES!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan

 

 

Aussie flamethrower PETER MOYLAN gave up a couple of hits, including a home run, today but the runs he allowed were all unearned after a team mate's fielding error enabled the inning to be extended. Pete was asked to pitch the bottom of the eighth frame for the Atlanta Braves who were seemingly cruising to a 8-5 win over the big spending Chicago Cubs. He started by having Cesar Izturis fly out to centrefield but the Cubs new "mega-dollar man" Alfonso Soriano then slapped a single to the first baseman. Next batter Ryan Theriot then reached on an error by the second baseman who bungled a force attempt. This allowed the big bat of Carlos Lee to lift a sacrifice fly to left field. Theriot then stole second base but it was to have little effect when power hitting third baseman Aramis Ramirez crunched a pitch that caught too much of the plate deep over left field for a round tripper. Pete extinguished the inning by having Matt Murton ground out to the first baseman. In all Moylan pitched 1.0ip 2h 0er 0bb 0k (2.49ERA) today.

GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) batted 1-3 (.286) and SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) batted 1-3 (.238) for the Los Angeles Angels to help them to squeeze past the Baltimore Orioles 3-2. 

One of the biggest stars to flourish in the US major leagues after having played in the Australian Baseball League is pitcher KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997), but he is facing perhaps the biggest struggle of his career at the moment. Millwood has battled persistent injuries lately and his most recent return to the mound today produced another shaky performance. 'Big Kev' lasted five innings with double-digit hits among his "no decision" pitching line of 5.0ip 10h 4er 0bb 2k (6.69ERA). Fortunately for him his Texas Rangers supplied enough runs to beat the Seattle Mariners 9-8.

... and from yesterday's MLB action:

Another former ABL Monarch MICAH BOWIE (Melbourne Monarchs 1998) fared much better with his second win of the season coming from a rare start for the Washington Nationals who pummelled the Los Angeles Dodgers 11-4. Bowie pitched a pretty solid 5.1ip 3h 3er 2bb 2k for his improving 2-2, 4.11ERA. In the same game RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) pinch hit for 0-1 (.148).


Kevin Millwood

 


Micah Bowie

 

 

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