Flintoff & Dunn's NEWS ARCHIVE
JUNE 2009

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 From time to time we will archive old or outdated news on our "WHAT'S NEW" & "AUSSIES IN THE US LEAGUES" pages.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 2009 BEGINS BELOW:

ARCHIVE
JUNE 2009

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.

 

  29 JUNE 2009 - MOYLAN BURIES BOSOX!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan

 

Aussie "down under" reliever PETER MOYLAN may have secured only two outs yesterday, but they could not have been at a more important time when he collected his 11th hold of the season for the Atlanta Braves in their tight 2-1 victory over the visiting Boston Red Sox. Moylan tidied up a potential disaster in the seventh inning after an error had just allowed Boston runners at the corners with just one out. Pete needed just two pitches to induce the ground ball from Nick Green for an inning ending double play to the second baseman. He had done his job splendidly again with 0.2ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (4.25ERA).

The inconsistent GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) enjoyed one of his more memorable games in what has been a quite long and successful big league career. Not only did he bat a handy 1-4 (.224) with a walk and three big RBIs in his Los Angeles Angels high-scoring 12-8 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, but he also scored a run via the unusual feat of a straight steal of home plate!

GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) returned to major league action, batting 1-3 (.271) and scoring a run for the Houston Astros in their 3-4 loss to the Detroit Tigers.

  28 JUNE 2009 - BALFOUR HELPS MUFFLE MARLINS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Grant Balfour

 

 


 


David Ross

 

 On the bump again today for the Tampa Bay Rays was Australian flame thrower GRANT BALFOUR who pitched an important 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 1k (4.58ERA) during their narrow 3-2 win over local state rivals the Florida Marlins. Grant pitched the vital seventh inning of what was a tied ballgame and he started strongly by getting Ronny Paulino to ground out to the second baseman, before fanning Brett Carroll on just three pitches. He allowed his one and only base runner when Chris Coghlan singled up the middle before he induced Emilio Bonifacio to ground out to the first baseman. His efforts allowed the Rays to snatch the win over the 'Fish' in the bottom of the ninth.

Yesterday BALFOUR was needed to secure just one out for the Rays in a 7-3 win over Florida. His pitching line of 0.1ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k came when he nailed down the third out in the seventh inning with two on and two out. He needed only three canny sliders to get dangerous Dan Uggla to fly out to centre field. It was smart pitching to a powerful guy who is renowned as a dead fastball hitter.

MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) continues to enjoy a strong bounce-back season with 1.2ip 1h 0er 0bb 1k (3.70ERA) for the Cleveland Indians in their 3-7 loss to the Cincinnati Reds.

... and from yesterday:

Backup catcher DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) smacked a ninth inning home run off Boston Red Sox ace closer Jonathon Papelbon to score the only run of the game for the Atlanta Braves in what was a 1-4 defeat by the 'Bosox'. Ross batted 1-4 (.293) in what is a productive season for him. Boston short stop NICK GREEN (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted 0-2, but he walked and scored a run.

Evergreen starter KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) notched his eighth win of the season with another typically workmanlike 6.0ip 4h 2er 3bb 5k for the Texas Rangers, helping them to pulverise the San Diego Padres 12-2. He improved his record to a very good 8-5, 2.64ERA.

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 1-4 (.255) for the Toronto Blue Jays in their 6-1 win over the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies.
  27 JUNE 2009 - BALFOUR HOLDS; MOYLAN TRIES!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Grant Balfour


Peter Moylan

 

 Pacing countryman Peter Moylan as one of the most reliable setup relievers in the big leagues is GRANT BALFOUR, as both men have progressively lowered ERAs that were inflated at the start of this season. In his latest outing Grant collected his tenth hold of the season with the Tampa Bay Rays after their 10-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies with an impressive 1.2ip 1h 0er 0bb 2k (4.76ERA). In this game Balfour was summoned in the sixth inning with one on and one out and things quickly became sticky for him when Pedro Felix singled on a ground ball to the short stop and the lead runner advanced to third base on a subsequent throwing error. He worked out of that jam when Eric Bruntlett flied into a double play to centre field and Feliz was doubled off at first base in a poor running decision. Back to bank the seventh he fanned both Carlos Ruiz and Shane Victorino before Greg Dobbs grounded out to the short stop.

In yesterday's 7-11 loss to the New York Yankees PETER MOYLAN was the fifth of six pitchers used by the Atlanta Braves after starter Dereck Lowe was knocked from the mound after three innings. Pete inherited a bases loaded and one out situation after Mark Teixeira had just been intentionally walked. Unfortunately, he was unable to handle an awakening Alex 'A-ROD' Rodriguez on this occasion when he lashed a two RBI single into right field. His next action was to intentionally walk Jorge Posada before he earned a vital pair of outs with Nick Swisher grounding out to the first baseman and Teixeira out at home plate on the play. Pete then struck out Brett Gardner on a foul tip to end the inning and his line at 0.2ip 1h 0er 1bb 1k (4.34ERA).

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) may not be enjoying his finest season of his illustrious big league career, but he issued a reminder of his prowess with 2-4 (.255) and two RBIs in a 5-7 defeat for his Toronto Blue Jays by the Cincinnati Reds. Yesterday he batted 2-4 with two RBIs coming via his seventh home run of the season for the Blue Jays in their 8-2 win over the Reds.

Infield revelation NICK GREEN (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted 1-4 and scored a run to help the Boston Red Sox to hold off the Washington Nationals 6-4.
  24 JUNE 2009 - MOYLAN MUTES MIGHTY YANKEES!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan

 

 It might be nearing the point where we can say that Aussie PETER MOYLAN is all the way back to his 2007 brilliant best after another most effective 1.2ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (4.45ERA) relief effort for the Atlanta Braves as a vital part of their combined shutout 4-0 win over the New York Yankees. Pete was one of the Braves pitchers who subdued the might of the 'Bronx Bombers' hitting, entering the game with two on and one out in the sixth inning. His first most valuable job was to get Yanks' captain Derek Jeter to ground out to the short stop for an inning ending double-play. Pitching to the power of the Yankees' lineup he banked a scoreless seventh when Nick Swisher grounded out to the second baseman, Mark Teixeira flied out to centre field and Alex 'A-ROD' Rodriguez grounded out to the second baseman. He had his nasty stuff working for him today when it counted most for his team! Moylan pocketed his tenth hold for 2009.

Seemingly established as Boston's preferred short stop at the moment, NICK GREEN (IBLA Internationals 2001) contributed another solid 1-4 (.292) with a walk and a RBI, but on this occasion it was a relatively minor proportion of the 17-hit Red Sox explosion in an 11-3 win over the Washington Nationals. 
  23 JUNE 2009 - MOYLAN HOLDS 9th IN SHUTOUT!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan


Ron Mahay

 Australia's established big league reliever PETER MOYLAN was back on the hill today, requiring just one out to collect his ninth hold of the season when he was part of a combined shutout for the Atlanta Braves in their 2-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs. Pete did his job as usual with 0.1ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (4.72ERA) after being asked to get the third out of the seventh inning with runners aboard on first and second. His victim would be dangerous and experienced 'Cubbies' slugger Derrek Lee who flied out to right field off Moylan's second pitch sinker. That was all folks!

KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) was on the losing end of another pretty good performance for the Texas Rangers as their No.1 starter and "horse" this season. He took his fifth loss of the season but there was little wrong with his quality start of 7.0ip 8h 2er 3bb 10k in a 2-3 loss to the San Francisco Giants. While his skinny 2.62ERA is indicative of his efforts this year while pitching in a hitter-friendly ballpark, his 7-5 record does not quite do him adequate justice.

A Boston Red Sox minor league outfielder during his ABL days, converted pitcher RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) was perhaps the best of the Kansas City Royals hurlers in a lop-sided 5-12 loss to the St.Louis Cardinals. He pitched 2.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 1k (4.56ERA) of most effective relief.

GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) did all he could with a pinch hit walk late in the game, but it was not quite enough to prevent his Los Angeles Angels from going down 3-5 to their local rival Los Angeles Dodgers in Interleague play. The 'Son of Sarge' batted 0-0 (.226).

Helping the Toronto Blue Jays to beat the Washington Nationals 9-4 was former No.1 overall draft pick VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) who batted 1-4 (.248) with a RBI and a run scored.
  22 JUNE 2009 - BALFOUR HOLDS; MOYLAN GOOD!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Grant Balfour
Peter Moylan

 Aussie ace GRANT BALFOUR earned his ninth hold of the 2009 season with another extremely effective 1.2ip 1h 0er 0bb 3k (5.01ERA) performance for the Tampa Bay Rays in their 10-6 win over the New York Mets today. 'Balf' came into the game with the result still in the balance with two on and one out in the bottom of the seventh. He did the fireman's job after star batter David Wright loaded the bases with a single into left field. There would be no advance on the scoring after veteran Gary Sheffield grounded into a force out to the second baseman, followed by a blazing strike out of Ryan Church. Grant also took good care of the eighth inning with Brian Schneider flying out to centre field, Wilson Valdez struck out fanning and Jeremy Reed struck out on a foul tip. He played a most important role in the eventual victory today.

Australia's PETER MOYLAN certainly could not be blamed for his Atlanta Braves suffering a 5-6 loss on a walk-off home run at the hands of the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Pete did his job with 0.2ip 0h 0er 0bb 1k (4.78ERA) after coming in during the seventh inning with one on and one out, with one run already scored in the frame. He was asked to pitch after an explosion of emotion by the Braves who questioned balls and strikes called by the plate umpire and had three players ejected from the game. Moylan erased two of the Bosox most dangerous hitters with Kevin Youkilis grounding out to the short stop and then Jason Bay called out looking at a nasty slide piece. His battery team mate DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) batted 1-4 (.295). But, the man to deliver the walk-off blow for the Red Sox was non-roster invitee NICK GREEN (IBLA Internationals 2001) who wrapped one around the famous Pesky Pole in right field for the game winning home run. It was his fourth home run of the season in a 1-3 (.293) effort.
  21 JUNE 2009 - THOMPSON TAKES ON DODGERS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Rich Thompson

 


 Vernon Wells

 Unsung Aussie pitcher RICHARD THOMPSON made another solid spot appearance for the Los Angeles Angels today with 2.1ip 1h 0er 1bb 1k (4.66ERA) in what was, at the time of writing, heading for a 2-6 defeat by the LA Dodgers. Thompson took over to start the top of the seventh inning, making short work of Orlando Hudson who flied out to centre field, James Loney who grounded out to the short stop and Casey Blake who struck out fanning at a curveball on three pitches. It was impressive enough for him to take the ball again in the eighth when he had Andre Ethier ground out to the second baseman, Mark Loretta fly out to centre field and Russell Martin pop out to the short stop. Those two innings saw the Aussie throw 11 of just 16 total pitches for strikes... nice work Rich! Returning for the top of the ninth he gave up his first base runner when Matt Kemp singled into right field. Kemp stole second base just before the pesky Juan Pierre lined out to the right fielder, followed by a six pitch walk to Rafael Furcal to fill the vacant first base. This was to signal the end of the action for Thompson that started much better than it ended.

At the risk of repeating ourselves far too often, highly undervalued utility infielder NICK GREEN (IBLA Internationals 2001) simply continues to be a major offensive factor for the 2009 Boston Red Sox. He broke open a tight pitcher's duel today by driving in the first run for the Bosox in what would be a 3-0 shutout victory over the Atlanta Braves. Nick batted 2-3 with the RBI to maintain his lofty .292 batting average.
VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) finally broke a 161 at bat long ball drought today when he connected for his sixth home run of the year in the Toronto Blue Jays' 3-5 defeat at the hands of the Washington Nationals who are suddenly streaking. Wells batted 1-5 (.248) with the sole RBI.

MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) is doing some overtime lately for the Cleveland Indians with another most effective 2.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 0k (2.42ERA) in what turned out to be a crushing 5-6 loss to the Chicago Cubs who rallied in the 13th inning of an epic contest.
  20 JUNE 2009 - MOYLAN BLANKS IN BOSTON!
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 made sure that there was no way back into a lop-sided contest today for the Boston Red Sox when he provided yet another scoreless inning of relief for the Atlanta Braves in an 8-2 victory at Fenway. Once again he was to be the seventh inning man, pitching in relief of starter Kenshin Kawakami with a conclusive 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 2k (4.91ERA). Pitching to the back end of the Bosox lineup he had former World Series MVP Mike Lowell struck out swinging at a nasty slider. He next induced the hot-hitting Jacoby Ellsbury to fly out to right field before closing the deal with Jason Varitek struck out swinging through a slider. NICK GREEN (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted 0-3 (.285) for Boston.
Not even 2-5 (.249) from former All-Star slugger VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) could save the Toronto Blue Jays from slumping to a 1-2 defeat at the hands of the lowly Washington Nationals.

MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) was straight back on the horse today with his first hold of the season for the Cleveland Indians, even though they would eventually lose 8-9 to the Chicago Cubs in a heartbreaker. Herges wasn't required to spend much energy with his 0.1ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (2.66ERA).
  19 JUNE 2009 - MOYLAN & BALFOUR RELIEVE WITH ZEROS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan


Grant Balfour
Kevin Millwood

 Aussie "sidewinder" PETER MOYLAN supplied another solid inning of relief for the Atlanta Braves today with his 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 1k (5.11ERA) contributing to a combined shutout 7-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds. Pete banked a scoreless seventh inning after first allowing Chris Dickerson to float a line drive single over the middle. He followed by getting Willy Taveras to line out to centre field, then he had Alex Gonzalez struck out looking before Brandon Phillips grounded out to the short stop.

Compatriot GRANT BALFOUR also pitched solidly with 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 1k (5.28ERA) but his was part of a losing cause when his Tampa Bay Rays fell short 3-4 against the Colorado Rockies. Grant was also asked to take care of the seventh inning and he did so in clinical fashion by getting Paul Phillips to pop out to the first baseman in foul territory, then he had Dexter Fowler struck out looking at a 95mph fire ball. He finished his job by getting Seth Smith to ground out to the second baseman.

... and from yesterday's MLB games:

MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) endured a torrid time yesterday with a very shaky 1.1ip 5h 2er 0bb 1k (2.70ERA) as his Cleveland Indians bullpen was once again unable to hold the fort in another most disappointing 8-9 home defeat by the Milwaukee Brewers.

Earning another start in the platoon short stop situation for the Boston Red Sox was NICK GREEN (IBLA Internationals 2001) who batted 1-3 (.293) plus a walk during their 6-1 win over the Florida Marlins.

RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) was another reliever who could not escape punishment with 0.2ip 2h 1er 0bb 1k (4.35ERA) for the Kansas City Royals who were walloped 5-12 by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Helping the Toronto Blue Jays to overwhelm the Philadelphia Phillies 7-1 was VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) who batted 1-4 (.241) with a walk and a run scored. Wells also batted 2-6 (.241) and scored twice to help the Blue Jays to overrun the world champion Philadelphia Phillies 8-3 in the same series.

... and from other recent MLB games:

 Texas Rangers' "horse" KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) racked up his seventh win of what is becoming another sterling season for the veteran starter, anchoring his team to a 6-1 win over the Houston Astros in Interleague play. 'Big Kev' pitched brilliantly again with 7.0ip 4h 1er 3bb 6k to take his record to a most impressive 7-4, 2.62ERA.
  17 JUNE 2009 - BALFOUR REINS IN ROCKIES!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Grant Balfour
 


 David Ross

 Aussie fireman GRANT BALFOUR wasn't facing his usual stress test today when he pitched towards the end of a game that his Tampa Bay Rays had well in control while heading for a 12-3 win over the Colorado Rockies. Grant came into the game with one on and one out in the seventh inning and it didn't start in too promising fashion for him when he walked Garret Atkins after an eight pitch battle. But, any threat was quickly de-fused when he then got Dexter Fowler to ground into an inning ending double play to the second baseman for a 4-6-3 twin killing. Back for the eighth to face the meat of the 'Rox' lineup, he had Clint Barmes struck out swinging and missing a 94mph heater before getting veteran star Todd Helton to ground out to the second baseman. Brad Hawpe doubled on a fly ball to left field but Troy Tulowitzki could not drive him in when he grounded out to the first baseman. His line concluded with 1.2ip 1h 0er 1bb 1k (5.46ERA).

NICK GREEN (IBLA Internationals 2001) also provided yet another valuable backup role for the Boston Red Sox with his consistent 2-4 (.292) plus two RBIs in today's 8-2 win over the Florida Marlins. In his previous game Green batted 3-5 including a RBI coming via his third home run of the 2009 season during a 6-11 defeat by the Philadelphia Phillies.

Journeyman backup catcher DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) had one of his somewhat typical surprise starring performances with the stick after replacing the Atlanta Braves starting catcher Brian McCann during a 2-11 hammering by the Baltimore Orioles. Far from settling for some defensive relief behind the dish, Ross grasped the opportunity to mash two home runs from his two at bats to produce all of the Braves' scoring for the game and two of their paltry five hits. His 2-2 (.296) with the two RBIs included his fourth and fifth home runs of the season.
  14 JUNE 2009 - MOYLAN HOLDS 8th, THEN STRUGGLES!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan

 Australian ace PETER MOYLAN took some rare lumps while pitching in relief for the Atlanta Braves during their 4-8 defeat at the hands of the unpredictable Baltimore Orioles. 'Big Pete' was knocked around just after his team had blown the lead in the game during the seventh inning with an ugly looking 0.1ip 2h 1er 1bb 0k (5.32ERA), while two more unearned runs scored during his tenure. With one on and only one out, Nolan Reimond singled to left field before Matt Wieters walked to load the bases. Things turned really sour for Pete when a wild pitch allowed a run to score, before his own fielding error allowed Robert Andino to reach on a force attempt. When Brian Roberts doubled into the left field alley two more 'O-Birds' crossed the plate, then another when Adam Jones lifted a sacrifice fly to centre field. That was the end of Moylan's day which will not be remembered as a red letter one for him.

This comes just a day after MOYLAN had collected an important one-out hold in the Braves 7-2 victory over the Orioles with 0.1ip 0h 0er 0bb 1k (5.01ERA). On this occasion he did a big job for the team to put the lid on a bases loaded and two out potential calamity in the sixth inning. Pete handled the high pressure situation perfectly when he struck out Adam Jones on three pitches, swinging at a nifty "Uncle Charlie" (curveball). That was enough for him to record his eighth hold of the season.

MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) mopped up the last inning for the Cleveland Indians in a 1-3 loss to the St.Louis Cardinals with a convincing 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 1k (0.96ERA).
  13 JUNE 2009 - BALFOUR BEATS THOMPSON'S ANGELS
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Grant Balfour


Rich Thompson



Kevin Millwood

 It was a pretty rare occasion for Australian professional baseball yesterday when Aussie relievers GRANT BALFOUR and RICHARD THOMPSON found themselves squaring off in opposing bullpens and finally participating in the same game. Unfortunately for Rich Thompson, their results would be polar opposites when he was hit hard while Balfour collected the win as his Tampa Bay Rays crushed the Los Angeles Angels 11-1. Balfour was worthy of the victory that took his record to 3-1, 5.79ERA after pitching a very solid 1.2ip 2h 0er 1bb 2k in early relief of starter David Price who could navigate only 4.1 innings. 'Balf' inherited a two on and one out situation in the fifth and he immediately allowed the 'Halos' only run to score when Torii Hunter singled into left field. He averted further damage when super-slugger Vladimir Guerrero lined into a double play to the short stop. Back for the sixth, he had Juan Rivera struck out fanning
before issuing a seven pitch walk to the patient Robb Quinlan. Balfour worked himself into a bit of trouble when Erick Aybar singled to left field but another potential rally was extinguished when Jeff Mathis struck out swinging and Howie Kendrick lined out softly to the second baseman.
The game already pretty much dead when Thompson was summoned to soak up the eighth inning and it started poorly for him when Rays' catcher Dioner Navarro went yard to right field, followed by Reid Brignac's line drive double to right field. He earned a few deep breaths when B.J Upton whiffed, followed by Carl Crawford who did likewise for two out. Things did not get easier for him when Tampa's big boppers arrived with Evan Longoria, who walked, followed by Carlos Pena who homered to right centre field off a low-middle fastball. Sadly, this signalled a further melt-down for Richard with a walk to Ben Zobrist and a Willy Aybar single dumped into left field before he was replaced by Jason Bulger. His season record took a bit of a bashing with 0.2ip 4h 4er 2bb 2k (5.87ERA) after this game.

Evergreen starter KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) earned his sixth win of the season with another outstanding performance in a combined shutout when his Texas Rangers squeaked past the Toronto Blue Jays in a tight 1-0 pitcher's duel. 'Big Kev' produced a typically workmanlike 7.2ip 5h 0er 0bb 1k for his very handy season record of 6-4, 2.72ERA. VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 0-4 (.250) for the Blue Jays in this one.

GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) was to the fore once again yesterday with a team best 3-6 (.273) plus a RBI for the Houston Astros who prevailed 2-1 over the Chicago Cubs in a 13-inning epic.

... and from yesterday's MLB games:

NICK GREEN (IBLA Internationals 2001) seems to have become the preferred short stop for the Boston Red Sox, that is at least until Jed Lowrie returns from rehab. He contributed well again today with 1-5 (.276) with a vital RBI in the Bosox 5-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies in a 13-inning epic.
  12 JUNE 2009 - THOMPSON & MOYLAN STRONG!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Rich Thompson


Peter Moylan


Geoff Blum

 Australian reliever RICHARD THOMPSON certainly could not be blamed for his Los Angeles Angels' 5-9 defeat at the hands of the Tampa Bay Rays yesterday. 'Rich' was very good in middle relief after starter John Lackey had endured a rare horror start for the 'Halos' with eleven hits and nine runs from his awful five innings. Thompson stopped the bleeding after taking over in the sixth inning starting with a nice strike out of dangerous B.J Upton with a curveball. He killed off the inning with Carl Crawford grounding out to the second baseman and Evan Longoria flying out to right field. Back for the seventh, he polished off the rest of the Rays' power hitters with Carlos Pena struck out swinging, Ben Zobrist struck out looking and Willy Aybar popping out to the third baseman in foul territory. His 2.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 3k (1.29ERA) was perhaps his best outing in the big leagues, even though it came during a losing cause. Thompson's team mate GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) batted 1-4 (.246) with a RBI in this game.

Fellow Aussie righty PETER MOYLAN was also solid enough for the Atlanta Braves with 1.1ip 0h 0er 1bb 0k (5.09ERA) in their narrow 2-3 defeat by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Pete entered the fray with two on and two out just after the 'Buccos' had scored their third run and his first task was to "pitch around" Andy LaRoche with a five pitch walk to load the bags. He then did his job by getting Brandon Moss to ground out to the first baseman to end the inning. Moylan also blanked the eighth inning with Jason Jaramillo lining out to the first baseman, Jack Wilson grounding back to the mound and Craig Monroe popping out to the short stop. As often, our man had kept his team in the game with a gallant effort.

NICK GREEN (IBLA Internationals 2001) was again an offensive hero for the Boston Red Sox today when his leadoff single in the bottom of the eighth inning allowed the Bosox to rally from a 1-3 deficit against Ace New Yankees' starter CC Sabathia. Nick batted another useful 1-3 (.279) as a vital contributor. Green also batted 1-4 for Boston in yesterday's 6-5 victory over the Yankees.

... and from yesterday's MLB games:

RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) pitched an uneventful 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (4.05ERA) for the Kansas City Royals who rolled over the Cleveland Indians 9-0.

Scoring all the runs for the Houston Astros was the underrated GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) who batted 1-4 (.264) with two RBIs in their 2-1 win over the Chicago Cubs.

  10 JUNE 2009 - BALFOUR OK - MOYLAN BLOWS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Grant Balfour


Nick Green


Peter Moylan

 

 Australian hot-shot GRANT BALFOUR again found himself doing little wrong in a losing cause, with 0.2ip 1h 0er 0bb 0k (6.15ERA) for the Tampa Bay rays during their 3-4 defeat by the Los Angeles Angels. He replaced starter James Shields with one on, one out and the go-ahead run already scored in the seventh inning. Pitching to the heart of the Angels' lineup, Grant secured the second out when Torii Hunter grounded out to the short stop, before he allowed a single into right field by Vladimir Guerrero. 'Balf' finished his job when Juan Rivera flied out to the right fielder to end the inning with runners stranded on the corners.

NICK GREEN (IBLA Internationals 2001) still appears to be the best offensive option at short stop for the Boston Red Sox, at least while youngster Jed Lowrie remains injured and Julio Lugo continues to scuffle after his injury issues. Green hasn't been rock-solid on defence, but he continues to be a major bonus offensively for the Bosox, as evident again today. In the big game against the visiting New York Yankees, Green added his second long ball of the season to a double with 2-4 (.279) two RBIs and two runs scored. He added some icing to the Red Sox huge 7-0 shutout win over the 'Evil Empire'.

... and from yesterday's MLB games:

Popular Australian reliever PETER MOYLAN would have endured a HORRIBLE game yesterday when he was the villain of a blown save and some, rather exaggerated, miserable numbers for the Atlanta Braves. However, his pain would have been much greater if not for the fact that the Braves battled on to finally overcome the plucky Pittsburgh Pirates 7-6 after 15 gruelling innings! Pete's 0.1ip 4h 3er 0bb 0k (5.40ERA) certainly looks ugly on paper, but having watched a few highlights of the game, it reminds me that things are not always so clear cut in baseball. For instance, the most damaging hit against him was a ball that wasn't hit perfectly... it tailed away from the right fielder towards the right field corner and he missed catching it by a matter of inches... this game of ours can be brutal. The drama unfolded in the seventh inning when Moylan was the first pitcher to relieve Kenshin Kawakami to start the inning. He first got Brandon Moss to ground out to the first baseman before Jason Jaramillo chopped an infield single to the third baseman and Jack Wilson doubled to right field. Veteran pinch hitter Eric Hinske then slapped a two RBI single up the middle, followed by the aforementioned RBI triple by Andrew McCutchen that concluded his fateful day on the hill. Still, as we say, winning is the best tonic for a personal performance like this!
In this game, that virtually emptied both benches, Atlanta's backup catcher DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) was to be the dramatic hero with his one-out, bases loaded, game winning RBI single in the bottom of the 15th. He batted an important 1-2 (.284) with the MONSTER run batted in.

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 0-3 (.251) but he walked twice and scored twice to help the Toronto Blue Jays to double-up the Texas Rangers 6-3.

  7 JUNE 2009 - BALFOUR HOLDS & MOYLAN STRONG!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan


Grant Balfour

 


 Kevin Millwood

 Australia's "down under" righty PETER MOYLAN was summoned for some extended duty today during his Atlanta Braves 0-3 shutout defeat at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers. Pete did his very best to keep the Braves in the game with a stout 1.2ip 1h 0er 1bb 1k at the business end of the contest after joining the battle with one out and a runner in scoring position at second base in the seventh inning. Pete snuffed out that bonfire by getting Corey Hart to fly out to centre field, followed by feisty catcher Jason Kendall who grounded out to the third baseman. He also tucked away the eighth after issuing a five pitch free pass to pinch hitter Jody Gerut. 'Big Pete' first picked off an obviously stealing Gerut to somewhat cancel the effect of veteran Craig Counsell's single into left field. He delivered the finishing touches with J.J Hardy grounding out to the second baseman and dangerous Ryan Braun struck out looking at at an evil slider.

Aussie ace GRANT BALFOUR wasn't at his most effective best today, but I don't think that would bother him too much after he collected his seventh hold of the season when his Tampa Bay Rays snatched a 9-7 win over the New York Yankees in the ninth inning of a wild game. Balfour entered the fray with one on and one out in the bottom of the seventh inning with his Rays holding a 5-3 advantage. Pitching to the top of the Yankees' lineup, he had captain Derek Jeter fly out to right field, then Johnny Damon fly out to left field to end the inning. Back to start the eighth inning, Grant must have missed the scouting report on the newest 'Bronx Bomber' when he fed Mark Teixeira two fastballs up in the zone, the second of which 'Tex' jacked over the short porch in right field for his 17th home run of the season. He then re-grouped the get Alex 'A-ROD' Rodriguez to fly out to right field, but a six pitch walk to Jorge Posada saw him relieved by J.P Howell who later cashed in the walk. Grant's 1.0ip 1h 2er 1bb 0k (5.68ERA) will not rate among his most spectacular performances, but spare a moment to think about the players he has pitched to on this day...
Not only do Jeter, Damon, Teixeira, A-ROD and Posada represent a mega-million dollar batch of baseball beef stock, but don't be surprised if three or four of them wind up in the Cooperstown Hall-Of-Fame!

... and from yesterday's MLB games:

The "feast or famine" season continued for Texas Rangers' warhorse starter KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) when he stymied the Boston Red Sox in a strong 5-1 win today. 'Big Kev' pitched a masterly 7.0ip 7h 0er 4bb 5k to take his record to 5-4, 2.96ERA. NICK GREEN (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted 0-0 after coming is a late game defensive replacement for the Bosox.

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) returned from a day off to bat 1-4 (.257) with two RBIs to help his Toronto Blue Jays to smack the Kansas City Royals 9-3.
  4 JUNE 2009 - THOMPSON & MOYLAN SOLID!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Rich Thompson


Peter Moylan

 Australia's World Baseball Classic hurler RICHARD THOMPSON found himself back with the LA Angels' big league club yesterday, pitching a steady 1.2ip 0h 0er 1bb 1k (1.80ERA) in middle relief during a 4-6 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Richard joined the game with one on and one out just as the Blue Jays were threatening to blow the game wide open in the sixth inning. After walking Jose Bautista, he responded well to get Marco Scutaro to fly out to right field before striking out Aaron Hill who couldn't catch up with a 95mph fastball. Thompson then added a scoreless seventh with just ten pitches required to get Alex Rios to fly out to left field, Vernon Wells to pop out to the short stop and Adam Lind to fly out to centre field. It was a performance to suggest that he might be ready to stay up in the majors for a while. Thompson's team mate GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) batted 0-3 (.262) while striking out three times, while VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 0-4 (.261) for the BJ's.

Recent Aussie "workhorse" PETER MOYLAN was called to arms again today to pitch the eighth inning of another extra-frame game that was eventually lost by his Atlanta Braves 2-3 to the Chicago Cubs after 11 innings. As usual, Pete did his job in terrific fashion with 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 2k (4.58ERA) when it really mattered for his team. Pitching to a tough part of the 'Cubbies' lineup, he had Alfonso Soriano struck out swinging at a nasty curveball, before Ryan Theriot singled into right field. He ensured another zero when Kosuke Fukudome struck out on a fastball and Theriot was caught stealing on an effective "strike 'em out, throw 'em out" play.

RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) continued his recent struggles today with a shaky relief outing consisting of 1.1ip 2h 1er 2bb 2k (4.26ERA) as his Kansas City Royals were shut out in a lop-sided 0-9 defeat by the Tampa Bay Rays.

Utility infielder NICK GREEN (IBLA Internationals 2001) once again contributed nicely for the Boston Red Sox with his 1-4 (.282) plus two RBIs in their 10-5 victory over the hosting Detroit Tigers. Unfortunately he suffered a couple of bad miscues defensively as the 'Bosox' continue to look for a short stop option.
  3 JUNE 2009 - BALFOUR & MOYLAN BOTH HEROES!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Grant Balfour


Peter Moylan

 

 

 

 


 Kevin Millwood

 Aussie strong arm GRANT BALFOUR was red hot today while collecting his sixth hold of the season after helping his Tampa Bay Rays to overpower the Kansas City Royals 6-2 with 1.1ip 0h 0er 0bb 3k (5.18ERA). Grant entered the game in the seventh inning in relief of Rays' starter Andy Sonnanstine with two out and nobody aboard. What could have been a near-perfect outing for 'Balf' started unfortunately when Miguel Olivo reached on a dropped third strike that was ruled a wild pitch. He bounced back immediately to overmatch Tony Pena Jnr. with a 94mph fireball. Back to put away the eighth inning, Balfour struck out Mitch Maier on a foul tip, got Alberto Callaspo to fly out to centre field and Billy Butler to ground out to the third baseman. He threw 15 of his 21 pitches for strikes in this game.

For the second time in three days, Australia's PETER MOYLAN was entrusted with the ninth inning for the Atlanta Braves, but in very different circumstances. Unlike his last no-pressure close out in a 9-3 win, Peter was in the thick of this game that resulted in a thrilling 6-5 comeback win for the Braves over the Chicago Cubs after 12 long innings. In the end he needed exactly the same nine pitches and eight strikes to put up a vital zero in the top of the ninth, thereby allowing Atlanta to score the two runs required to tie the game in the bottom half of the ninth. Moylan started his work today by striking out Geovany Soto with a slider before inducing Andres Blanco to ground out to the third baseman. Pete then needed just one more pitch to get pinch hitter Micah Hoffpauir to ground out to the short stop. He was one of the Braves' heroes with his convincing 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 1k (4.82ERA).

Australian reliever PETER MOYLAN enjoyed the opportunity to close out the Atlanta Braves relatively comfortable 9-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday. 'Big Pete' was not mucking around when he pitched a very tidy ninth inning with 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 1k (5.09ERA). It started well for Moylan when he struck out Chris Young on just three pitches, fanning at a nasty slide-piece. He then needed only three more pitches before inducing pinch hitter Josh Whitesell to ground back to the mound for his own assist. The only blemish came when Ryan Roberts punched a two out single up the middle, just before he ended the game with Miguel Montero grounding out to the short stop. In all Pete needed just nine pitches, comprising eight strikes, to get the job done most efficiently.

... and from Monday's other games:

KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) was strong again for the Texas Rangers, but he was consigned to another no decision when his team was edged 4-5 by the visiting Oakland Athletics. 'Big Kev' could not be blamed after producing another quality start with his 6.0ip 5h 2er 2bb 5k (3.23ERA)

Utility infielder NICK GREEN (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted 1-4 (.298) for the Boston Red Sox to help them beat the Toronto Blue Jays 8-2, even though he did leave six team mates on base. VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 0-3 (.266) but he did produce a RBI for the Blue Jays.

MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) was saddled with a blown save with 0.2ip 1h 0er 0bb 0k (1.13ERA) in a game where his Cleveland Indians rallied late to beat the New York Yankees 5-4.

If anyone takes the trouble to contact us with any reasonably substantiated news of interest to AMLB supporters, we will publish this news on this site! Click these to contact Adrian Dunn or Peter Flintoff.