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 From time to time we will archive old or outdated news on our "WHAT'S NEW" & "AUSSIES IN THE US LEAGUES" pages.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

ARCHIVE
AUGUST 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.

 

  31 AUG 2009 - ROWLAND-SMITH STIFF v ROYALS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Ryan R-Smith


Grant Balfour


Peter Moylan

 

 

 

 

 

 


Ryan Langerhans

 

 Australia's RYAN ROWLAND-SMITH is entitled to feel "snake bitten" again today after his tremendous effort of 8.0ip 5h 3er 1bb 7k saw him saddled with his second big league loss of the season when his Seattle Mariners were shut out 0-3 by Kansas City Royals All-Star starter Zac Greinke. Unless my ears deceived me during a recent broadcast, our Ryan is the only player with a "hyphenated" name ever to appear in the US major leagues, which probably tells us that the introduction of hyphens into surnames is more prevalent in Australia than the USA? We digress... Only a two out single blemished his first inning which was followed by a 1-2-3 second inning. A one out single was erased by an inning ending double-play in the third, then another concise three up - three down in the fourth. All of the scoring damage was done for the Royals in a three run fifth, starting with a leadoff double by Alberto Callaspo that was cashed in via a one out RBI single from Miguel Olivo. Then, after Mitch Maier walked, David DeJesus punched a RBI single to left field and Maier scored on a Rowland-Smith wild pitch. Ryan proved his mental toughness to re-group with another 1-2-3 sixth, then he struck out the side in an impressive seventh, all swinging. He also finished strongly with ten successive outs via another 1-2-3 eighth. Sadly, his record fell to 2-2, 3.95ERA.

Aussie fireman GRANT BALFOUR has enjoyed some great success since he established himself in the major leagues with the Tampa Bay Rays, but today he felt the worst side of a relief pitcher's life when he blew a lead late in the game to suffer his third loss and his third blown save in a 3-4 defeat by the Detroit Tigers. 'Balf' pitched 1.0ip 1h 2er 1bb 1k and saw his season record slide marginally to 5-3, 4.45ERA. It was not all Balfour's mess when he inherited a leadoff double before taking over from Rays' starter Jeff Niemann with none out in the bottom of the eighth. For a while it looked like Grant may be the saviour again when had experienced pinch hitter Magglio Ordonez fly out to right field, then Ramon Santiago struck out swinging. He may not have been too concerned when the dangerous Curtis Granderson walked to occupy the empty first base, but the damage was magnified when veteran Placido Polanco clocked the three-run bomb over left field to surrender the lead. It was a fraction late for Balfour when he ended the inning with Carlos Guillen popping out to the third baseman. It happens!

... and yesterday:

GRANT BALFOUR needed only one routine out to record his 16th hold of the 2009 season with 0.1ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (4.21ERA) for the Tampa Bays in their 3-1 win over the Detroit Tigers. Grant snuffed the final out in the eighth inning when he got the Tigers' most dangerous slugger Miguel Cabrera to fly out to right field with one runner aboard.

Fellow Australian right-hander PETER MOYLAN also recorded just one out yesterday, but his was a much bigger "adventure" when he somehow tip-toed around the mine field of three hits to escape without damage to his ERA. Pete began well enough when he was asked to get the third out in the sixth inning, in relief of Atlanta starter Derek Lowe who had already staked the Braves to a 9-1 lead over the Philadelphia Phillies. With runners on the corners and two out, Moylan promptly induced pinch hitter Miguel Cairo to ground out to the short stop. Returning to face the top of the World Champions' lineup in the seventh inning, 'Big Pete' was tagged for three successive singles when Jimmy Rollins hit into right field, Shane Victorino punched one up the middle and Chase Utley hit into right field. Fortunately, he was bailed out by his bullpen mate Mike Gonzalez who retired the side to leave all of Moylan's runners stranded on base. His line was concluded at 0.1ip 3h 0er 0bb 0k (3.18ERA). There was no further addition to the 9-1 scoreline.

RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) pitched 0.2ip 1h 0er 0bb 1k (4.71ERA) for his new team the Minnesota Twins who were shut out 0-3 by the in-form Texas Rangers.

 With 1-4 (.246) left fielder GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) could not do enough to make a major difference for the Los Angeles Angels who fell 3-4 to the local rival Oakland Athletics.

RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted 1-3 (.215) and scored a run for the Seattle Mariners in their 8-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals.

Closing out a losing cause for the Colorado Rockies was veteran reliever MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) who pitched a solid 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 1k (2.08ERA) in their 3-5 loss to the San Francisco Giants.
  29 AUG 2009 - MOYLAN & OELTJEN IN MLB ACTION!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan
Trent Oeltjen

Reliable Aussie reliever PETER MOYLAN gave up a rare run lately while pitching in a tight game for the Atlanta Braves who lost 2-4 to the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies on the road. In this game Pete took over to start the seventh inning and he was immediately feeling the heat when dangerous Raul Ibanez sliced a leadoff triple into right field. This was followed by light-hitting Pedro Feliz who lived up to his reputation with a soft floater into left field for a RBI single. The first out was secured when Carlos Ruiz dropped down a successful sacrifice bunt, but a couple of ground balls later our guy was out of the innings having kept his team well and truly in the contest, as he most often does. He induced Matt Stairs to ground out to the third baseman and Jimmy Rollins grounded to the first baseman. It left Moylan with the pitching line of 1.0ip 2h 1er 0bb 0k (3.20ERA).

Australian outfielder TRENT OELTJEN came off the bench again today to take over at left field for the Arizona Diamondbacks who doubled-up the Houston Astros 14-7. Trent entered the fray to start the top of the seventh inning and he saw a plate appearance in the bottom of the eighth. Facing Astros' reliever LaTroy Hawkins, Oeltjen lost a six pitch battle when he slapped a curveball to the first baseman.

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 1-4 (.257) plus a walk, but even his ninth inning hit couldn't prevent the Boston Red Sox from topping his Toronto Blue Jays 6-5 in a squeaker today. NICK GREEN (IBLA Internationals 2001) pinch ran for the Bosox in the eighth and took over at short stop in the ninth.

  28 AUG 2009 - TRENT OELTJEN BATTLES GIANTS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Trent Oeltjen


Nick Green

Aussie star TRENT OELTJEN was back in the starting lineup for the Arizona Diamondbacks today, playing at centre field and batting eighth during their convincing 11-0 flogging of the San Francisco Giants. Even though he struck out on three occasions, Oeltjen didn't miss out entirely with the stick, batting 1-5 (.254) and scoring a run for his team after also stealing a another base. He pounced early in this game with a leadoff single into right field off Joe Martinez in the second inning. Then, having stole second base, he was driven in for the run by Steven Drew's RBI triple. Martinez then fanned Oeltjen when he lead off the fourth, as did reliever Merkin Valdez in a long fifth inning. Trent struck out swinging for the third time when facing Bob Howry with one out in the seventh, before flying out to right field off Howry in the ninth.

Australia's newest major leaguer TRENT OELTJEN took his turn on the bench yesterday, but he found his way into the game for the Arizona Diamondbacks as a late defensive replacement at centre field during their narrow 3-4 defeat by the San Francisco Giants. Trent entered the game in the bottom of the eighth inning and then found himself with a plate appearance in the top of the ninth. On this occasion he learned how difficult it can be to come into a game late when he flied out to right field while facing Giants' reliever Brandon Medders as the penultimate out of the contest. He batted 0-1 (.258).

The word "utility" has often been applied to Boston Red Sox backup infielder NICK GREEN (IBLA Internationals 2001) but we doubt that even he would have imagined how much the word would mean in today's 5-9 loss to the Chicago White Sox. With Boston's rookie starter Tazawa being shelled early, and an overtaxed bullpen behind him, it fell to Nick Green to "soak up" a couple of innings for the ballclub. Not only did he seem to enjoy the highly unusual experience, but Green also pitched quite effectively around three walks. His line of 2.0ip 0h 0er 3bb 0k (0.00ERA) is something he can dine out upon for quite a while!

GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) batted 1-3 (.246) with a walk and a run scored to assist the Los Angeles Angels in their 4-2 win over the Detroit Tigers.

Journey man reliever MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) bent a little but he refused to break while pitching a scoreless 2.0ip 4h 0er 0bb 2k (2.70ERA) for the Colorado Rockies to close out a game that they were already destined to lose 1-6 to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
  27 AUG 2009 - THREE AUSSIES PITCH IN MAJORS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan


Grant Balfour


Ryan R-Smith


Ryan Langerhans

 

 In today's action, Australia's PETER MOYLAN was asked to get just the single out for the Atlanta Braves who fell painfully 4-10 to the San Diego Padres. On this day Pete was the man to finally end the agony of a long six-run inning for the Padres when he had Chase Headley ground out to the first baseman with his third pitch to put a lid on the inning. Moylan's line was 0.1ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (3.09ERA).

Aussie flame thrower GRANT BALFOUR was also in action today, but not able to prevent the Tampa Bay Rays from losing 2-3 to the Toronto Blue Jays in the bottom of the ninth. Grant took over aiming to shut down the bottom of the eighth and he managed this in not-so convincing style while facing the meat of the Blue Jays' lineup. In the pressure situation, Balfour was immediately under the pump when veteran Vernon Wells punched a leadoff single up the middle. He quickly secured the first out when another veteran, Kevin Millar, popped out to the first baseman and then the second when Randy Ruiz was struck out swinging. However, when Jose Bautista singled to right field to place runners at the corners, it signalled the end for righty Balfour who was lifted in favour of lefty J.P Howell. The runners were stranded to lock Balfour's line at 0.2ip 2h 0er 0bb 1k (4.24ERA).

Australia's only current major league starting pitcher RYAN ROWLAND-SMITH was most unlucky not to record another win yesterday after pitching a masterly 6.1ip 9h 2er 0bb 1k (4.05ERA) for the Seattle Mariners who eventually prevailed 4-2 over the Oakland Athletics after ten innings. He didn't start to well in this game when a Kurt Suzuki double was followed by Scott Hairston's RBI single in the opening frame which allowed three hits. Ryan settled with a 1-2-3 second inning and another 1-2-3 third. In the fourth he worked around a leadoff single and another hit to put up another zero. Again in the fifth Rowland-Smith had to work around a leadoff bunt single which he achieved neatly via three ground ball outs. He duplicated this in the sixth with another three ground outs for a three up - three down inning. A leadoff double by Mark Ellis in the seventh followed by two singles saw a second Oakland run scored and this brought the end of Ryan's stint for the day. No doubt he had played a vital role in the ultimate success of his team. Helping his cause was journeyman outfielder RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) whose tenth inning home run was the decisive blow after coming into the game as a defensive replacement to notch the vital 1-1 (.221) with two RBIs.

KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) collected his tenth win of the season yesterday in spite of the fact that it was by no means one of his most effective performances for the Texas Rangers who hung on to beat the New York Yankees in a 10-9 epic. 'Big Kev' pitched a somewhat wayward 5.2ip 7h 5er 5bb 2k to take his season record to 10-8, 3.63ERA.

Not able to do quite enough to help the Toronto Blue Jays in their 3-7 defeat by the Tampa Bay Rays was former All-Star slugger VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) who batted 2-3 (.257) plus a walk.

NICK GREEN (IBLA Internationals 2001) entered the game as a pinch runner for the Boston Red Sox yesterday and he played his part in their 6-3 win over the Chicago White Sox by batting 1-1 and scoring twice after he took over at short stop.

Making another spot start for the Houston Astros in their 0-1 loss to the St.Louis Cardinals was utility infielder GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) who batted 1-3 (.259) as only one of three hits recorded by the 'Stros.
Evergreen reliever MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) collected his first win of the season yesterday by closing the Colorado Rockies narrow 5-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Herges pitched a very tidy 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 1k in the ninth inning to improve his season record to 1-0, 6.75ERA.
  26 AUG 2009 - MOYLAN STRONG v PADRES!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan

 Australia's "down under" righty PETER MOYLAN pitched a tense top of the ninth innings for the Atlanta Braves in their nail-biting 1-2 defeat by the visiting San Diego Padres after 12 innings. Our Pete did his job in fairly convincing style starting with a ground ball out to third base by Kevin Kouzmanoff before he had Nick Hundley called out on strikes. Even after Tony Gwynn Junior singled into left field, Moylan hit back by "whiffing" Padres' pinch hitter Oscar Salazar to end the frame. His effort enabled the Braves to tie the game at 1-1 in a dramatic bottom of the ninth.

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 0-3 (.254) but he did walk and score a run for the Toronto Blue Jays in their 7-12 defeat by the Tampa Bay Rays.
  24 AUG 2009 - MOYLAN & BALFOUR BOTH WIN!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan


Grant Balfour


Trent Oeltjen


Gary Matthews

 

Australia's PETER MOYLAN added another win for the Aussies today with his sixth for the season coming just at the right time to help his Atlanta Braves to roll 7-5 over the Florida Marlins. Pete's 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 1k took his 2009 record to 6-2, 3.17ERA. Entrusted with the top of the eighth inning, Moylan first saw the dangerous Hanley Ramirez reach base with a bunt single to the third baseman. But, as he has done so often in his major league career, he summoned the perfect solution when he induced Jorge Cantu to line into a double play to the short stop. He mopped up the inning when powerful Dan Uggla "whiffed".

Live arm Australian GRANT BALFOUR was a major factor for the Tampa Bay Rays yesterday, earning his fifth win of the season with a commanding 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 2k in their narrow 5-4 win over the Texas Rangers after ten innings.  Balfour was the man to put up the all important "goose egg" in the top of the tenth inning which he did in fine style with the heart of the Rangers' lineup sat down in straight sets. He had Ian Kinsler struck out watching before Hank Blalock flied out to right field and Taylor Teagarden went down swinging. It improved Grant's season record to 5-2, 4.29ERA.

Aussie outfielder TRENT OELTJEN was allowed only a couple of plate appearances after taking over as a defensive replacement at left field for the Arizona Diamondbacks in the sixth of their 2-4 defeat by the Houston Astros. Offensively, Trent made the first out in the seventh when he was struck out looking by Tim Byrdak, then he made the final out of the game when he was fanned by LaTroy Hawkins. It left him with a fruitless 0-2 (.268) for the game. Meanwhile, Astros utility GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) enjoyed his 2-4 (.263) performance that included a vital RBI and a run scored.
OELTJEN was back starting at centre field and batting leadoff for the 'D-Backs' today, hitting 1-5 (.262) in their 7-5 win over the 'Stros. In his initial, game opening at bat he grounded out to the second baseman facing Houston starter Bud Norris. After a wild five-run inning the Aussie found himself grounding out to the second baseman again when he made the final out of the first inning. Next he made the third out in the third inning when Felipe Paulino had him ground out back to the mound. Trent had better luck against Alberto Arias when he doubled to deep right field, even though he found himself stranded on third sack when the sixth inning concluded. Facing his fourth different pitcher in the game, Jeff Fulchino, Oeltjen grounded back to the pitcher for the second time in the top of the eighth.

... and also from yesterday:

RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) had a tough outing for the Kansas City Royals during their 7-8 loss to the Minnesota Twins. Mahay pitched an ineffective 0.1ip 3h 1er 0bb 0k (4.79ERA).

Two former ABL sluggers faced off yesterday in the Los Angeles Angels 7-3 win over the Toronto Blue Jays and both started at centre field for their respective teams. GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) batted 1-2 (.245) with two walks a RBI and a run scored for the 'Halos', while VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) could only manage 0-3 (.255) with a walk for the Blue Jays.

After starting the season with the Cleveland Indians, journeyman reliever MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) now finds himself back with one of his former employers, pitching with the Colorado Rockies. He was only one of the pitchers who did not enjoy a high-scoring 14-11 victory by the 'Rox'. Herges allowed a home run while hurling 0.1ip 1h 2r 1er 0bb 0k (27.00ERA).

  21 AUG 2009 - FOUR AUSSIES IN MLB ACTION!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Grant Balfour


Peter Moylan


Trent Oeltjen


Ryan R-Smith


Vernon Wells		 Australian relief star GRANT BALFOUR added his 14th hold of the 2009 season with 0.2ip 1h 0er 0bb 0k (4.37ERA) for the Tampa Bay Rays in their 5-3 win over the Texas Rangers. Grant replaced lefty starter Scott Kazmir with two on and one out in the eighth inning and the first action he saw was a double-steal that advanced the runners to second and third. He then cashed in another of Kazmir's runs when Marlon Byrd floated a soft line drive RBI into left field. Another run crossed the plate for Texas when Andruw Jones grounded out to to the third baseman, but the inning ended when pinch runner Julio Bourbon was out trying to steal second base at a time when everyone in the world knew he was going to attempt it!

Aussie "down under" righty PETER MOYLAN was asked to sit down just one hitter today and he did his job with 0.1ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (3.23ERA) for the Atlanta Braves who couldn't get over the Florida Marlins in a 3-5 defeat. Pete relieved starter Javier Vasquez with two out in the seventh inning and he required just one pitch to get dangerous Dan Uggla to ground out to the shortstop.
Moylan also made the ground ball his friend yesterday when he collected his 19th hold of the year after pitching 0.1ip 1h 0er 0bb 0k for the Braves to help them earn a narrow 3-2 win over the New York Mets. On this occasion he inherited a two on and two out sticky situation and the pressure mounted when Mets pinch hitter Omir Santos slapped a RBI single up the middle from his second pitch. The lead was preserved when Moylan got Anderson Hernandez to ground out to the second baseman.

Australia's own TRENT OELTJEN enjoyed another safe hit today when he produced one of only four "knocks" for the Arizona Diamondbacks who were shutout 0-1 in a pitching special by the Houston Astros' ace Roy Oswalt. Starting at left field and playing in the #7 slot, Trent lead off the third inning with a punched ground ball into right field for a table-setting single. He then lead off the fifth with a ground out to the first baseman off a 93mph Oswalt fastball. Facing Oswalt again in the seventh he popped out to the second baseman, leaving him with 1-3 (.278) at the end of the day. GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1998) batted 0-4 (.260) for Houston in this game.
The previous day Trent batted 0-4 for the D-Backs in their heavy 3-12 defeat by the Philadelphia Phillies. This time starting at centre field and batting seventh he commenced by grounding into a force out to the second baseman off starter Joe Blanton in the second frame. Up again against Blanton in the fourth Oeltjen wasn't able to advance a runner with an attempted sacrifice bunt that was handled neatly by the catcher. He then made the third out in the top of the sixth when his sharp liner off Blanton was hit straight at the shortstop. His final out came when facing reliever Chad Durbin in the ninth when he flied out to left field for the second last out of the game.

Also yesterday, Australian left-hander RYAN ROWLAND-SMITH made his scheduled start for the Seattle Marniers and, although he labored somewhat, he still battled hard and he left the game with his team still leading a slug fest with the Detroit Tigers. In the end his 5.1ip 4h 5er 4bb 4k (4.24ERA) resulted in a no decision when his Mariners lost the game 6-7 in the bottom of the ninth. Only a Ryan Raburn single saw a base runner for the Tigers in the first inning, while a fielding error allowed just one base runner again in the second inning. Rowland-Smith looked strong with a 1-2-3 third, but a leadoff home run by Raburn in the fourth opened the seal for Brandon Inge to add another "dinger" with two out in the same inning. In the fifth Ryan was able to work around a couple of walks and a baulk, however, in the sixth a leadoff double by Miguel Cabrera and a couple more walks saw him handing the ball to Chris Jakubauskas. He proceeded to cash in all three of the runners he inherited from the Aussie. Baseball can be a cruel game at times!

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) went deep for his 13th home run of the season today while batting a vital 2-4 (.257) with two huge RBIs and two runs scored for the Toronto Blue Jays as a key contribution to their 5-4 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

Amid the relentless mayhem of the New York Yankees "football score" 20-11 win over the Boston Red Sox today, Boston utility NICK GREEN (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted 1-2, walked and scored twice.

  20 AUG 2009 - BALFOUR HOLDS 13th; OELTJEN 0-3!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Trent Oeltjen


Grant Balfour

 After a day off yesterday, Aussie TRENT OELTJEN was back in the Arizona Diamondbacks lineup today, this time starting at centre field and batting in the No.6 position in the order. It was a tough assignment for Trent and the other 'Snakes' taking on the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies and their new Cy Young Award winning acquisition Cliff Lee in what was to be a decisive 1-8 defeat at Citizens Bank Park. Facing Lee in the second inning Oeltjen made the third out with a fly ball into centre field, then he made the second out in the fifth with a sharp liner caught by the second baseman. His final plate appearance saw him struck out looking at another Lee fastball to finish the top of the seventh. He would have to settle for a fruitless 0-3 (.298) but there was no shame in that when facing a pitcher who TWO-HIT his entire team!

Australia's GRANT BALFOUR registered his 13th hold of the season yesterday with 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 2k (4.42ERA) to help secure the Tampa Bay Rays' 5-4 win over the Baltimore Orioles. Balfour threw 13 of 18 pitches for strikes after coming in following an eighth inning two-run home run with nobody out that got the Orioles back into the contest. He started by getting Ty Wiggington to ground out to the third baseman, before having Brian Roberts struck out watching the third strike. Pinch hitter Michael Aubrey floated a soft line drive into right field for a single but he was left in place when 'Balf' fanned Adam Jones with three straight four-seamers of 92mph-plus!

RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted 1-4 (.220) for the Seattle Mariners who were beaten 3-5 by the Detroit Tigers.

Once again chiming in usefully for the Boston Red Sox was NICK GREEN (IBLA Internationals 2001) who batted 1-5 (.232) and scored two runs to help the 'Bosox' to sneak 10-9 past the Toronto Blue Jays. In the same game VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 1-5 (.254) and scored a run for the Blue Jays.
  19 AUG 2009 - OELTJEN BATS 1-5 v BRAVES!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Trent Oeltjen

 

 Australia's latest big league player TRENT OELTJEN added another hit to his impressive early resume at the major league level with 1-5 (.318) plus a run scored for the Arizona Diamondbacks in their 4-9 loss to the Atlanta Braves. Back at left field and batting in the No.2 slot, Trent was aboard in the first inning when his grounder off Tommy Hanson resulted in an error by the second baseman. Hanson then had our man struck out swinging in the third inning while attempting to protect a runner on the move stealing second. Hanson got the better of Trent again in the top of the fifth when he struck out swinging again while facing the youngster with "filthy" stuff. Oeltjen obviously appreciated the pitching change in the seventh when he crushed a one out double to deep centre field off Boone Logan and later scored on Mark Reynolds home run. His final act for the day was to "fan" for the third time in the game to make the first out of the ninth facing Mike Gonzalez. In the same game Atlanta's backup catcher DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) batted 1-3 (.275) and scored a run after making a spot start behind the dish.
  18 AUG 2009 - BALFOUR BLASTS OUT BLUE JAYS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Grant Balfour


Trent Oeltjen

 

 Aussie rocket launcher GRANT BALFOUR did his job in effective fashion again yesterday to help ensure that his Tampa Bay Rays prevailed 5-2 over the Toronto Blue Jays. Balfour wasn't mucking around when he threw ten of his 14 pitches for strikes to finish his sixth inning stint with 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 1k (4.50ERA). He tucked away the first two outs with Rod Barajas flying out to right field and Joe Inglett struck out looking. After Marco Scutaro singled up the middle Grant completed his job with Aaron Hill flying out to centre field. In this game VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 1-4 (.255) with a RBI for the Canadians.

Our 27th major league Aussie TRENT OELTJEN has been shuffled across the two corner outfield positions and in the batting lineup for the Arizona Diamondbacks since his elevation to the big leagues. In their most recent 3-9 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Trent batted 0-3 (.333) while starting at right field and hitting in the #6 slot. Facing wily LA starter Randy Wolf, his first plate appearance saw him pop out to the short stop in the second inning, then he struck out looking at Wolf with one out in the fifth. With Wolf still dealing in the eighth, Oeltjen made the first out of the inning when he grounded out to first base immediately following a home run for his team. It was to be a rare quiet day in the "bigs" for Trent Oeltjen.

 RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) walked and scored a run for the Seattle Mariners while batting 0-4 (.218) in their 10-3 belting of the New York Yankees.
Houston Astros journeyman GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1998) has enjoyed a most productive power surge lately and his 2-5 (.269) with four RBIs certainly helped the 'Stros to overrun the Milwaukee Brewers 8-5 at Miller Park yesterday. Blum's sixth inning three-run jack was his ninth of the season and the decisive blow in this game for Houston which put them ahead in the contest.
  17 AUG 2009 - MOYLAN WINS & OELTJEN RBI!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan


Trent Oeltjen

 

 Reliable Aussie side-winder PETER MOYLAN collected his fifth win of the season yesterday with a clinical 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 1k for the Atlanta Braves who struck with two runs in the ninth inning to snatch an exciting 4-3 victory over the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies. Our Pete pitched the critical top of the ninth in most efficient style with Pedro Feliz grounding out to the short stop, Carlos Ruiz grounding out to the second baseman and dangerous pinch hitter Matt Stairs struck out swinging. It improved his increasingly impressive 2009 season record to 5-2, 3.27ERA after a slow start to the year. Way to go big fella!

Australia's new major league star TRENT OELTJEN missed out on a safe hit today, but he still contributed valuable offence for the Arizona Diamondbacks, helping them to squeak past the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-3 after ten innings yesterday. Trent batted 0-3 (.361) but he also walked and delivered an important RBI via a sacrifice fly. Batting in the #2 hole and starting at left field, he began by grounding out to the first baseman in the opening frame off starter Hiroki Kuroda. He then led off the fourth inning with a fly out to centre field off Kuroda, before coming up again with a runner on third base in the sixth where he delivered the big sacrifice fly to deep centre field facing James McDonald. Oeltjen then made the last out in the eighth inning when he struck out swinging at a nasty George Sherrill pitch. His final plate appearance was another vital one when he drew a walk from Ramon Troncosco in the tenth that enabled the 'D-Backs' to win the game when the following batter singled in the winning run.
RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) pitched 2.0ip 2h 3er 1bb 0k (4.61ERA) at the end of a game that his Kansas City Royals were already destined to lose 3-10 to the Detroit Tigers.

Unable to do enough to prevent his Toronto Blue Jays from falling 3-8 to the Tampa Bay Rays was former All-Star outfielder VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) who batted 1-4 (.255).

RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted 1-3 (.230) plus a walk for the Seattle Mariners who lost 2-5 to the high-rolling New York Yankees.

Once again doing a solid job for the Houston Astros was GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1998) who batted a tidy 2-4 (.266) and scored a run in their 2-6 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.
  16 AUG 2009 - R-SMITH STARS & OELTJEN HITS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:

Ryan R-Smith


Trent Oeltjen


Kevin Millwood

 Aussie starter RYAN ROWLAND-SMITH was terrific yesterday with a most effective 7.0ip 3h 2er 2bb 5k (3.60ERA), but he was deprived of another "W" when the New York Yankees struck late to snatch a 4-2 win over his unfortunate Seattle Mariners. Against a hot-hitting team, Ryan started well with only a Mark Teixeira walk producing a base runner in the opening frame. A run was posted against him when Jorge Posada crunched a leadoff double and, after Nick Swisher walked, Posada was driven home by Jerry Hairston's ground out. In the top of the third he sat down the top of the Yankees lineup 1-2-3, then followed with another three up - three down fourth inning. Rowland-Smith cost himself a second run in the fifth when he compounded Melky Cabrera's single with a wild pitch to put him in scoring position for Derek Jeter's two out RBI single. He bounced back strongly with another 1-2-3 sixth before finishing in fine style with another 1-2-3 seventh. He handed a tied 2-2 game to Mark Lowe after a job very well done!

Our 27th major league Aussie TRENT OELTJEN added another big league hit to his exciting big league career so far while playing at both corner outfield positions and batting in the #7 slot for the Arizona Diamondbacks in their 4-1 victory over the LA Dodgers. His hit came off Dodger's starter Clayton Kershaw when he loaded the bases with a ground ball single into left field. Next Kershaw had him struck out swinging on three pitches to end the third before reliever Ramon Troncosco got him to ground out to the short stop to end the fifth frame. His last at bat saw a line out to centre field from the pitching of veteran Guillermo Mota. Oeltjen finished his day with a handy 1-4 (.394).

Not even a useful 1-3 (.250) with a RBI and a run scored by centre fielder GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) could save his Los Angeles Angels from a blowout 6-16 massacre by the up and down Baltimore Orioles.

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 1-4 (.255) for the Toronto Blue Jays in their 5-2 win over the home-standing Tampa bay Rays.

Even though he was a bit wayward on this occasion, evergreen starter KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) was unfortunate not to collect another win for the season when the visiting Boston Red Sox rallied with a six-run ninth inning to overrun his Texas Rangers 4-8. 'Big Kev' had to settle for a no decision after hurling a decent 5.2ip 3h 1er 5bb 4k (3.31ERA).

GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1998) batted 0-3 (.263) but he delivered a RBI for one of the Houston Astros two runs via a sacrifice fly in their heavy 2-11 defeat by the Milwaukee Brewers.
  14 AUG 2009 - MOYLAN HOLDS; BALFOUR TAKES LOSS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan


Trent Oeltjen


Grant Balfour

 Nothing to report from major league games today, but from yesterday:

Aussie side-arm reliever PETER MOYLAN snared his 18th hold of the year yesterday with a solid enough 1.0ip 1h 0er 1bb 1k (3.33ERA) to help his Atlanta Braves to secure a 6-2 win over the Washington Nationals. Coming on to commence the bottom of the eighth he got Carlos Guzman to fly out to left field before pitching carefully to Ryan Zimmerman who walked. An Adam Dunn single up the middle put the runner into scoring position but Pete responded to the pressure by getting Josh Willingham to fly out to right field, then he struck out Elijah Dukes swinging to end the threat... and the Nats chances in the game!

Australia's new Arizona Diamondbacks' big league star TRENT OELTJEN had to cool down eventually, otherwise he was in danger of suffering spontaneous human combustion! Back in the leadoff role and starting at right field, where he made a spectacular running catch the previous day, Trent batted 0-5 (.414)as he couldn't solve the New York Mets pitching in a 4-6 loss. Facing the unpredictable Oliver Perez, he led off the first with a ground out to the first baseman, then he made the last out in the second with a ground out to the second baseman. The bottom of the fourth saw Trent fly out to centre field and then fly out to right field to lead off the sixth as the last batter faced by Perez. He flied out to right field again to end the seventh in his last plate appearance against Sean Green. It was not his day with the bat yesterday.

 Clearly enjoying one of his hot hitting days was GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) who dined out with 1-3 (.249) with three RBI's coming via his third home run of the season... unfortunately it was served up by our Grant Balfour. Yes, Australian relief ace GRANT BALFOUR was consigned to his second loss of the season after pitching 0.2ip 1h 1er 0bb 0k (4.58ERA) for the Tampa Bay Rays who were overrun 5-10 by the Los Angeles Angels. Grant was asked to pick up the slack for starter Jeff Niemann with two on and one out in the sixth inning and he started well by getting Howie Kendrick to fly out to right field. Unfortunately, he would find the unpredictable Gary Matthews Junior striking lightning in a bottle with his three run jack over right field... OUCH! The damage was done by the time that he ended the inning with Reggie Willets grounding out to the second baseman. His record now stands at 4-2, 4.58ERA.

Also "going yard" for the eighth time this season was GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1998) who batted 1-4 (.266) with the RBI and two runs scored as part of the Houston Astros 14-6 rout of the Florida Marlins.

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 1-6 (.301) but it was not enough to prevent his Toronto Blue Jays from being trumped again 3-4 by the streaking New York Yankees.

Back again as the Boston Red Sox regular short stop due to ongoing injuries, NICK GREEN (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted 1-4 (.236) to help the 'Bosox' to roll over the Detroit Tigers 8-2.
  13 AUG 2009 - HOT OELTJEN BATS 4-4!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Trent Oeltjen


Ron Mahay

 Not even Australia's most talented ever baseball David Nilsson could boast about batting .500 and having hammered three home runs from his first five major league games. But, that is exactly the rarefied atmosphere that Aussie TRENT OELTJEN currently enjoys since joining the Arizona Diamondbacks in the big leagues. There was no home run today for Trent and this cost him hitting for the cycle as he compiled a quite brilliant 4-4 (.500) which included a double and a triple as a major contribution to the 'Snakes' 6-2 home victory over the New York Mets. Facing crafty veteran starter Livan Hernandez, Trent's first job was to advance a leadoff double in the bottom of the first, which he achieved with a neat sacrifice bunt. He followed this with a leadoff single up the middle in the third inning that resulted in a later run scored. Oeltjen then haunted Hernandez again in the fourth when he tripled to right field and scored another run. Mets' reliever Tim Redding was to fare no better when Trent crushed a one out double to deep left centre in the sixth. Nor did Brian Stokes who came on to pitch for New York in the eighth only to see our new Aussie star rope a single into centre field to complete his perfect game at the plate today. As the Arizona fans are quickly finding out... this guy can play!!

 GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) batted 1-5 (.266) with a RBI for the Houston Astros who still came up on the short end of a 8-9 defeat by the in-form Florida Marlins.

Kansas City Royals veteran lefty RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) pitched in middle relief yesterday with 2.0ip 3h 1er 0bb 0k (4.15ERA) to help them smack the Minnesota Twins 14-6.
  12 AUG 2009 - TRENT OELTJEN HITS THIRD HOME RUN!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Trent Oeltjen


Grant Balfour

 I'm not sure that it is too early to anoint TRENT OELTJEN as Australia's new major league STAR after he  pounded his third home run from four major league appearances yesterday. Oeltjen, who is fast capturing the imagination of the 'Snakes' batted another terrific 2-5 (.400) with the RBI and two runs scored to help his Arizona Diamondbacks to top the New York Mets 7-4. Starting again at left field, but this time batting in the #2 hole, his first plate appearance was a hard-hit line drive that was caught by the centre fiedler in the opening frame. He then ended the second inning when he grounded out to the third baseman. His third at bat against Mets' starter Mike Pelfrey brought a ringing fifth inning leadoff double into centre field that was later cashed in for a run on Chad Tracy's single. In the seventh inning Oeltjen greeted fresh reliever Elmer Dessens with a leadoff blast over the right field fence... "G'day from Australia Elmer!" His final at bat was the third out of the eighth inning when Dessens had our man fly out to left field. He's living the dream!!

Australia's live arm GRANT BALFOUR was called upon to extract only the final out of the game for the Tampa Bay Rays who were narrowly beaten 7-8 by the Los Angeles Angels. 'Balf' was summoned with one on and two out in the bottom of the eighth inning and he did his job with an exclamation mark by overmatching Maicer Izturis who was struck out waving at the air generated by the ball passing his bat. It left Grant with the tidy line of 0.1ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (4.47ERA) at the close of play. In this game GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) batted 0-2 (.248) but he walked twice to benefit his team. 

Once again playing a key role for the Boston Red Sox was short stop NICK GREEN (IBLA Internationals 2001) who cracked his sixth home run of the season high over Fenway's "Green Monster" while batting a useful 1-3 (.239) with two RBI's, one via the long ball and one via a valuable sacrifice fly. His efforts certainly helped Boston to end their skid with a 6-5 win over the Detroit Tigers.

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 1-4 and scored a run to help the Toronto Blue Jays to squeak past the New York Yankees 5-4.

  10 AUG 2009 - R-SMITH WINS & OELTJEN HOMERS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Ryan R-Smith


Trent Oeltjen


Peter Moylan

 Aussie starter RYAN ROWLAND-SMITH collected a terrific win today with a strong 6.2ip 6h 2er 4bb 6k for the Seattle Mariners when he anchored them to a 11-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. He worked around a double and a walk in the first inning by inducing an inning ending double play, but his only runs of the game came in the second when Rays' catcher Dionner Navarro launched a two-run homer to left field. In the third, only a walk to Ben Zobrist separated three hitters struck out looking, while in the fourth he fanned two more Rays in a slick 1-2-3 inning. Ryan pitched another three up - three down fifth before calling upon another inning ending double play to erase a walk in the sixth. He secured two more outs in the seventh before back-to-back singles saw him relieved by Shawn Kelley. Rowland-Smith improved his major league season record to 2-1, 3.86ERA.

Australia's freshest big league player TRENT OELTJEN launched the second home run of his fledgling career at baseball's summit while batting a brilliant 3-4 as the leadoff batter for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was one bright light in their heavy 2-9 defeat by the Washington Nationals. Trent was immediately into the action today when he hammered a first inning leadoff home run to right field off Nats' starter J.D Martin. He then beat out an infield single off Martin in the third before being caught stealing with two out. Facing Martin again in the fifth he grounded back to the pitcher before lashing a seventh inning two out single into right field off Ron Villone. It ended another productive day in the big leagues for Trent Oeltjen.

Aussie PETER MOYLAN locked down the final out for the Atlanta Braves in their comfortable 8-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Pete's only duty today was to get experienced Mark Loretta to fly out to right field while leaving two Dodgers stranded on base. His line was 0.1ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (3.40ERA).

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) nailed his 12th home run of the year today while batting 2-3 with a walk and two RBIs to help the Toronto Blue Jays to overcome the Baltimore Orioles 7-3.

Doing his best for the Boston Red Sox was NICK GREEN (IBLA Internationals 2001) who batted 2-3 (.238) but it was to little avail when the 'Bosox' were swept aside 2-5 by the New York Yankees.

GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) "went yard" for the seventh time this season while batting a game deciding 2-4 (.343) with two RBIs for the Houston Astros in their 2-0 win over the Milwaukee Brewers.
  9 AUG 2009 - BALFOUR HOLDS SEATTLE FOR 12TH!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Grant Balfour

 Aussie ace GRANT BALFOUR earned his 12th hold of the season after helping his Tampa Bay Rays to romp 10-4 over the Seattle Mariners with an efficient 1.1ip 0h 0er 0bb 2k (4.50ERA). Grant's first task today was to get the final out in the seventh inning which he achieved with one 95mph heater to dangerous Adrian Beltre who knocked one back to the mound for Balfour to complete the assist. Back for the eighth inning he began by striking out both Franklin Gutierrez and Jack Wilson swinging at 95-96mph comets. 'Balf' had done enough after Rob Johnson popped out to the catcher in foul territory to conclude the frame.

Texas Rangers pitching "horse" KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) produced yet another quality start today, but not quite good enough to stop his team from falling 2-3 to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. 'Big Kev' could not be disappointed with his no decision after pitching a strong 6.0ip 9h 2er 1bb 5k (3.38ERA). Helping the 'Halos' to get the win was GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) who batted 2-4 (.252) after starting at centre field.
  8 AUG 2009 - MOYLAN HOLDS & OELTJEN HITS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Trent Oeltjen


Grant Balfour


Peter Moylan

 Australia's new 27th major league player TRENT OELTJEN collected his third big league hit in two games while batting 1-5 (.273) for the Arizona Diamondbacks in their 6-7 away loss to the Washington Nationals. Again starting at left field and batting sixth in the lineup, his first at bat lasted just two pitches with a pop out to the short stop in the second inning from Nats' righty starter Collin Balester. In the third frame he flied out to right field off Balester, then in the fifth he grounded out to the catcher on a "tapper" facing Saul Rivera. Oeltjen faced a barren day when he grounded out to the short stop off veteran lefty Ron Villone in the eighth but, given the chance to bat again in the ninth, he took full advantage by ripping a 96mph pitch from Mike MacDougal back through the middle for a single into centre field. After only two appearances in baseball's penthouse Trent Oeltjen is already starting to look the part!

After some terrific efforts lately, Aussie flame thrower GRANT BALFOUR was touched for a run without snuffing an out for the Tampa Bay Rays in their extra innings battle with the Seattle Mariners today. Grant was asked to face a one out situation with Mariners camped on the corners and it didn't take long for the run to score from third base when Rob Johnson singled into right field. His next action was to "plonk" pinch hitter Mike Sweeney with a 93mph four-seamer to load the bases. Balfour's earned run was cashed in by Ichiro who singled off reliever Brian Shouse after our Aussie was lifted having pitched 0.0ip 1h 1er 0bb 0k (4.62ERA). The game was still deadlocked at 5-5 in the tenth inning at the time of writing.

Reliable Australian PETER MOYLAN could be excused for feeling pretty deflated yesterday after his Atlanta Braves coughed up a two run lead in the bottom of ninth to lose 2-3 to the LA Dodgers on Andre Ethier's three run homer. Pete stood to be a hero in the game when he struck out mighty Manny Ramirez with five consecutive sliders to end the seventh inning with two runners aboard. He then maintained the Braves lead when was able to work around a leadoff ground-rule double by Casey Blake, followed by a walk to James Loney. The runners were advanced to second and third when Russell Martin put down a sacrifice bunt, but Moylan snared the second out when Orlando Hudson grounded out to the second baseman. He ensured the important zero when he had pinch hitter Matt Kemp struck out swinging at another wicked slide piece. His line for the game ended at 1.1ip 1h 0er 1bb 2k (3.49ERA) for his 17th hold of the season.

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) clouted his 11th home run of the season today, but not even his 2-4 (.258) with two RBIs could produce enough for the Toronto Blue Jays who fell 5-7 to the Baltimore Orioles.

Assisting the Houston Astros to double the Milwaukee Brewers 6-3 today was GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) who batted 2-3 (.270) plus a walk.

GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) batted 2-4 (.248) for the Los Angeles Angels, but it wasn't nearly enough to prevent their 5-10 demise at the hands of the Texas Rangers.
  7 AUG 2009 - TRENT OELTJEN STARS AS 27TH MLB AUSSIE!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Trent Oeltjen

 

 

 

 

 


Peter Moylan

 

 'Flintoff & Dunn' CONGRATULATES AUSTRALIA'S No.27 player to reach the US major leagues on 7 August 2009 (AUS time), 26yo New South Wales outfielder TRENT OELTJEN. 26yo NSW outfielder TRENT OELTJEN today (7 August 2009 AUS time) became the 27th Australian to reach baseball’s pinnacle; the US major league. Oeltjen made his big league debut for the Arizona Diamondbacks and he was a major part of the 'D-Backs' comeback victory 11-6 over the Pittsburgh Pirates after 12 innings. In fact Trent could hardly have imagined a more exciting big league debut than he experienced in front of 17,311 fans at Pittsburgh's PNC Park. Batting in the seven hole and starting at left field, he had a dream beginning when he reached on an infield single in the second inning, then promptly stole second base. In the fourth inning he flied out to right field, followed by a pop out to the second baseman in the sixth. All of those at bats were facing Pirates' starter Kevin Hart. Oeltjen's magic moment arrived when he led off the eighth inning facing Jesse Chavez and he made himself an immediate hero for the 'Snakes' with a towering home run to right field that tied the game and gave his team the opportunity to win in extra innings. Facing Matt Capps in the top of the tenth he bunted into a fielder's choice force out and, although he failed to advance the runner, he made up for this by stealing second base himself for his second theft of the game. Trent was asked to leadoff the 12th with another bunt but it was unsuccessful when he popped up to the catcher. It didn't stop him enjoying Arizona's dramatic win, or from enjoying a wonderful debut in the major leagues. You've made it Trent!

... and from yesterday's MLB action:

Aussie regular PETER MOYLAN was on the bump yet again for the Atlanta Braves, helping them to roll over the San Diego Padres 6-2 with a decisive 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 2k (3.59ERA). Pete made pretty short work of the Padres seventh inning with Chase Headley the first out, struck out looking helplessly at a slide piece. Kyle Blanks singled into right field but he would not make it home after Luis Rodriguez grounded out to the first baseman and Eliezer Alfonzo fanned on another nasty Moylan slider.

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 1-4 (.256) with a RBI for the Toronto Blue Jays who were still doubled by the New York Yankees in a 4-8 loss.

 Doing his job at the end of the game for the Kansas City Royals was left-hander RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) who pitched 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 1k (4.14ERA) in a 6-11 defeat by the Seattle Mariners.

GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) batted 1-3 (.247) for the LA Angels in a 2-6 loss to the Chicago White Sox.

Unable to do enough to prevent his Houston Astros from falling 6-10 to the San Francisco Giants was utility infielder GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) who batted 1-3 (.265), walked and also scored a run.
  6 AUG 2009 - BALFOUR STRONG & RRS STARTS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Grant Balfour


Ryan R-Smith

 Aussie fireman GRANT BALFOUR played a key role for the Tampa Bay Rays with a two strong innings of late relief that allowed his team to snatch a 4-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox after 13 long frames. Balfour tucked away the 11th and 12th digs in most competent fashion and he kept the game deadlocked in the away half of those innings with 2.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 2k (4.44ERA). After his first batter Victor Martinez singled up the middle, he fanned Kevin Youkilis, had David Ortiz fly out to left field and J.D Drew ground out to the short stop. He then slammed the door shut in the top of the 12th with Jason Varitek lining out to left field, Josh Reddick struck out swinging and Jed Lowrie flying out to centre field.

Some how or other, Australian starter RYAN ROWLAND-SMITH managed to tip-toe through a pitching mine field at the start of yesterdays game and, even though he departed after just four innings, his Seattle Mariners were able to overcome the hapless Kansas City Royals 7-6. His struggles began right from the start when he hit the leadoff batter with a pitch, then walked the next after getting ahead 0-2 in the count. Next batter Billy Butler lashed a RBI double off the top of the right field fence but, even after allowing another run on a sacrifice fly, he was able to battle through the jam without additional scoreboard damage. His second inning also started poorly with a leadoff single by Olivo who promptly scored on a throwing error when the next batter laid down a bunt. Even in his scoreless third inning Ryan was greeted with a leadoff single by Butler. He did secure the first out in the fourth before Gordon singled and Betancourt drove him in with a booming triple; later scoring himself on a DeJesus sacrifice fly. After finishing the fourth and labouring through 77 pitches Ryan's day was done. His final pitching line of 4.0ip 6h 5r 4er 1bb 3k (4.22ERA) didn't look too pretty but it might give him some comfort to realise that the outcome could have been a whole lot worse! In this same game RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) pitched 0.1ip 2h 0er 0bb 1k (4.25ERA) for the Royals.

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 1-3 (.256) with a walk and provided two of the Toronto Blue Jays three RBIs but it was not enough to counter the New York Yankees who prevailed 5-3 in Canada.

Still enjoying a purple patch with the Los Angeles Angels is GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) who batted 1-3 (.246) with a walk and a run scored during their 4-5 loss to the Chicago White Sox.
  4 AUG 2009 - MOYLAN & BALFOUR RELIEVE!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan


Grant Balfour

 Aussie side-arm pitcher PETER MOYLAN did all that he could to keep the Atlanta Braves in with a chance to pinch a game that they ultimately lost 2-4 to the San Diego Padres. Pete secured the last four outs for the Braves with a most efficient 1.1ip 0h 0er 0bb 1k (3.66ERA) and it was not his fault that his offence was unable to produce a late rally to earn him another win. Moylan inherited runners at the corners with two out in the seventh inning but he calmly silenced that noise with Kevin Kouzmanoff popping out to the second baseman. He then took good care of the eighth frame with Chase Headley grounding out to the first baseman and Kyle Banks grounding out to the second baseman before he fanned Eliezer Alfonzo on just four pitches. Pete threw eleven of his 17 total pitches for strikes.

Hard throwing Australian righty GRANT BALFOUR escaped unscathed from might have been a nastier predicament, pitching 0.2ip 2h 0er 0bb 0k (4.62ERA) for the Tampa Bay Rays during their comfortable 10-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Grant came to the hill in the top of the seventh after a leadoff walk had left him with one on and none out, but he quickly erased Yunieski Betancourt who popped out to the second baseman. However, the bags were soon "juiced" when David DeJesus singled into left field and Willie Bloomquist singled up the middle. A Billy Butler sacrifice fly scored the leadoff runner, then Balfour handed over to Brian Shouse who struck out Mark Teahen to preserve his clean sheet for the day. In the same game lefty reliever RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) pitched a shaky 0.2ip 1h 2er 1bb 0k (4.29ERA) for the Royals.

GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) launched his sixth home run of the season while batting 1-3 with the vital sole RBI for the Houston Astros in their 4-3 win over the San Francisco Giants.
  2 AUG 2009 - PETE MOYLAN COLLECTS 16TH HOLD!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan

 


Gary Matthews

 Everyday Aussie reliever PETER MOYLAN required only victim to collect his 16th hold of the year with a brief 0.1ip 1h 0er 0bb 0k (3.77ERA) for the Atlanta Braves who prevailed 4-3 over the MLB leading Los Angeles Dodgers. Taking over to start the seventh inning, Pete quickly got Russell Martin to ground out to the second baseman but his stint concluded when Orlando Hudson doubled into centre field. After the Dodgers substituted for lefty pinch hitter Juan Pierre, the Braves countered with left pitcher Eric O'Flaherty. The tactic worked superbly in strange fashion when Pierre lined into a double play! In this game Pete's battery mate DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) batted 1-4 (.281) for Atlanta while also striking out three times in a typically "all or nothing" day for the journeyman catcher.

One word you would rarely use to describe GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) is consistent. Just when you think the long-serving outfielder is slumping, he breaks out with a sizzling performance, like his 3-5 (.241) with three RBIs effort that helped the Los Angeles Angels to down the Minnesota Twins 11-6. Gary batted 1-6, scored a run and struck out three times in yesterday's 11-5 win over the 'Twinkies'.

RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted 2-5 (.242) with a RBI as a solid contribution to the Seattle Mariners' 7-2 win over the Texas Rangers.

At the time of writing Toronto's VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) was already batting 2-3 (.256) and his team was leading the Oakland Athletics 6-4 in a late finishing game. He should bat again in the game.

GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) batted 1-4 (.268) for the Houston Astros in their 1-3 defeat by the St.Louis Cardinals.

... and yesterday:

Boston Red Sox platoon infielder NICK GREEN (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted 0-3 (.240) but he supplied a valuable RBI for the 'Bosox' in their 6-5 win over the Baltimore Orioles.

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.