tag:forum.connpost.com,2008:/bluefish//83 2008-07-25T02:24:20Z Movable Type 3.32 tag:forum.connpost.com,2008:/bluefish//83.4757 2008-07-25T02:23:39Z 2008-07-25T02:24:20Z

The wait lasted far longer than infielder Wilson Batista, Bluefish general manager Todd Marlin or manager Tommy John ever anticipated. Never did they imagine that it would take roughly three months for Batista to receive a visa. The Bluefish filed...

Elliott The wait lasted far longer than infielder Wilson Batista, Bluefish general manager Todd Marlin or manager Tommy John ever anticipated. Never did they imagine that it would take roughly three months for Batista to receive a visa. The Bluefish filed the necessary paperwork in the final week of May. Marlin expected Batista to join the team May 28. Instead, he was given the runaround by those at the consulate in the Dominican Republic. Batista ultimately received a visa July 14. He arrived in Bridgeport two days later and passed a physical July 17 before officially joining the Bluefish last Friday. ``I feel so bad,’’ Batista said. ``I wanted to come early and I wanted to be in spring training. I want to do my job. The consulate in the Dominican … I don’t know what’s going on. But I think they didn’t want me to come. But they gave me my visa and now I’m here and I’m excited about it.’’ Batista, 27, said he had been working out a couple of times a week at home. Entering tonight’s series opener against the first half Liberty Division champion Camden Riversharks, Batista was hitting .278 (5-for-18) with a double, three RBIs and three runs scored in four games. He has provided the Bluefish with instant flexibility, with John having already him at second base, shortstop and third base. Also, Batista has experienced no discomfort in his surgically right hand. ``I want to do a really good job here because my agent tells me maybe then something good will happen next year,’’ Batista said. ``I’m going to try to put up good numbers here. I’m ready to go.’’ Rich tag:forum.connpost.com,2008:/bluefish//83.4705 2008-07-18T21:48:14Z 2008-07-18T21:49:05Z

One of the top relief pitchers in the Atlantic League this season has finally been rewarded. Bridgeport Bluefish left-hander Derrick Ellison was signed by the Milwaukee Brewers today and will join the Brewers in the Arizona (Rookie) League before being...

Elliott One of the top relief pitchers in the Atlantic League this season has finally been rewarded. Bridgeport Bluefish left-hander Derrick Ellison was signed by the Milwaukee Brewers today and will join the Brewers in the Arizona (Rookie) League before being officially assigned within the organization. The opportunity caps what was a roller coaster week for Ellison. It began with him suffering through the worst of his 22 appearances with the Bluefish last Sunday in front of a scout from the Boston Red Sox at Long Island. He allowed three runs on one hit and three walks in two-thirds of an inning. Ellison, who was a late addition to the Liberty Division All-Star team, then impressed the Brewers by firing a scoreless inning at the league All-Star Game Wednesday in Bridgewater, N.J. Ellison, 29, becomes the third member of the Bluefish to be signed by a major league organization this season. Catcher Brian Peterson (Baltimore Orioles) and centerfielder Adam Greenberg (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim) were both picked up in May. ``My wife and I just laughed and we just said that God created this opportunity,’’ Ellison said. ``The Red Sox had come to see me pitch in Long Island and I just had a bad day at the office. The same day the All-Star team was announced and at that very moment I wasn’t on the All-Star team. So for God to put me on that team and allow me to throw in that game and, obviously, to have the result that I had the other night I just felt that God’s created this opportunity and we’re extremely excited and thankful for it.’’ Ellison was 1-1 with one save and a 1.42 ERA in 25 1/3 innings for the Bluefish. Opponents were hitting .195 against him (16-for-82) and he had a scoreless innings streak stopped at 16 1/3 during the aforementioned outing at Long Island. Ellison was clocked as high as 96 miles per hour at the All-Star game when he struck out three. He will depart for Arizona Sunday. ``When I called him I said to myself this is the fun part of the job because I could see the kid smile through the phone,’’ Bluefish general manager Todd Marlin said. ``It couldn’t happen to a better guy.’’ Ellison said that he has been told by a Brewers official that based on how he performs next week in front of what he termed as ``the upper decision-makers in the minor league system’’ there’s a 50-50 chance that he’ll be assigned to either High Desert in the high Class A California League or to Huntsville in the Class AA Southern League by the end of next week. This will be only the second stint in a major league organization for Ellison during his eight-year career. He was signed by the Seattle Mariners in 2005 and made seven appearances at Inland Empire in the Class A California League. ``They said that they’re going to give me the opportunity to finish the year with them and their plans are to have me in spring training,’’ Ellison said. ``So we’re just going to try to keep pitching well and let them make the decisions they need to make. The big leagues feel a lot closer than they did (Thursday). So we’re still dreaming that that can be accomplished.’’ Rich tag:forum.connpost.com,2008:/bluefish//83.4704 2008-07-18T21:45:06Z 2008-07-18T21:47:26Z

The Bluefish depth at two positions today by signing outfielder Steve Doetsch and infielder Wilson Batista. Both players passed a physical Thursday and accompanied the team to Somerset for the start of a six-game road trip today. Doetsch hit .083...

Elliott The Bluefish depth at two positions today by signing outfielder Steve Doetsch and infielder Wilson Batista. Both players passed a physical Thursday and accompanied the team to Somerset for the start of a six-game road trip today. Doetsch hit .083 with two RBIs and three runs scored in 11 games at Potomac in the Class A Carolina League and was 0-1 with a 15.43 ERA in three appearances (2 1/3 innings) with the Nationals in the short-season Gulf Coast (Rookie) League in the Washington Nationals organization this season. He hit .284 with 21 doubles, seven triples, a career-high 22 home runs and 65 RBIs in 113 games with the Road Warriors last season. ``He’s a guy that had a lot of success last year in this league,’’ general manager Todd Marlin said. ``We expect him to come in and rotate with the guys in the outfield, hit some home runs, play good defense and he’s actually probably going to even end up being our 12th pitcher for now until we get another one in here.’’ Batista, whose arrival had been delayed for months due to visa problems, hit a combined .236 with 16 doubles, six home runs and 25 RBIs in 87 games at Class A St. Lucie, Class AAA New Orleans and Class AA Binghamton last season in the New York Mets organization. Outfielder Bobby Darula and designated hitter Calvin Pickering were previously released to clear roster space. ``Wilson Batista is here and on the bus and official and legal and the whole deal,’’ Marlin said. ``I really didn’t know if it was ever going to become that or not. He is good to go and we’re excited to have him. I think he’ll definitely help us out, especially at this time of year. This is when it’s very difficult to find middle infielders if something were to happen. To have depth in the middle infield is huge for us.’’ Rich tag:forum.connpost.com,2008:/bluefish//83.4654 2008-07-12T00:49:46Z 2008-07-12T00:50:40Z

Rafael Bergstrom returned to Harbor Yard for the first time this week today. And his teammates had their share of fun at his expense Bergstrom’s locker was cordoned off with yellow ``caution’’ tape. He also wore a bright red T-shirt...

Elliott Rafael Bergstrom returned to Harbor Yard for the first time this week today. And his teammates had their share of fun at his expense Bergstrom’s locker was cordoned off with yellow ``caution’’ tape. He also wore a bright red T-shirt during batting practice, which resembled the no-contact pinnies worn by quarterbacks during practice. The lesions that have been on Bergstrom’s legs and hands have all but disappeared and he was cleared to play. While the results of the culture that was administered Tuesday were inconclusive, Bergstrom has been diagnosed with a staph infection. ``It was a little bit scary at first,’’ Bergstrom said. ``The doctor was kind of looking at me and didn’t even know exactly what to say. They gave me some antibiotic (Keflex) and said, `We’ll see what happens.’ It turns out it was a little bit of a staph infection type thing. It’s got to be because there’s too many guys in the locker room. (But) I’m not sure.’’ It was initially thought that the lesions were caused by something Bergstrom encountered while swimming at Fire Island in New York last Sunday. General manager Todd Marlin said today that other members the team would be examined and that the clubhouse was going to be cleaned and sterilized. Bergstrom, who was scratched from his scheduled start Wednesday, will start Sunday against the Newark Bears in the final game before the four-day All-Star break. ``I feel fine,’’ Bergstrom said. ``The whole time I felt OK. It was just that I had stuff on my legs. I’m on antibiotics for a week. They said once you start on it it kills all the contagious part of it so I can come back. That’s the thing, they just wanted me out of the locker room in case it was contagious. There was no physical damage. I didn’t feel sick. No fevers. No aches. It was just a couple little itching spots, swollen in a couple places.’’ Outfielder Ryan Bear is expected to be held out of the three-game series this weekend after injuring his left shoulder diving for a fly ball with two outs in the 10th inning of Thursday’s 6-4 loss to the Lancaster Barnstormers. The ailment should not prohibit Bear, who is hitting .324 with six home runs and 34 RBIs, from playing in the Atlantic League All-Star Game Wednesday at Commerce Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, N.J. ``He’ll play in the All-Star Game and there’s no sense getting him out there and letting him play,’’ manager Tommy John said. ``Maybe if he wants to take a pinch hit or maybe a DH on Sunday if he feels like it … But I just see to get one game out of him risk hurting him that he won’t be well for six weeks.’’ Rich tag:forum.connpost.com,2008:/bluefish//83.4645 2008-07-11T01:41:19Z 2008-07-11T01:44:08Z

A decision that manager Tommy John felt should have been made when the rest of the Atlantic League All-Stars were announced Sunday was finally made today. Left-handed reliever Derrick Ellison was named to the Liberty Division team to replace teammate...

Elliott A decision that manager Tommy John felt should have been made when the rest of the Atlantic League All-Stars were announced Sunday was finally made today. Left-handed reliever Derrick Ellison was named to the Liberty Division team to replace teammate Eric DuBose, who has opted to spend the break with his family at home in Alabama. Ellison is one of seven members of the Bluefish who will participate in the All-Star Game Wednesday at Commerce Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, N.J. First baseman Jesse Hoorelbeke, third baseman Luis Lopez and outfielder Branden Florence were named as starters. Second baseman Henry Mateo and outfielder Ryan Bear will serve as reserves, while starting pitcher Barry Hertzler was also selected. ``We should’ve had eight (players named),’’ John said. ``(Ellison) should have been the third pitcher, but you have so many position players that you couldn’t have three pitchers. But if you look at his numbers, his numbers are probably better than anybody in the league with the exception of Matt Schweitzer down in Southern Maryland.’’ Entering play today, Ellison was 1-1 with one save and a 1.57 ERA in 21 appearances (23 1/3 innings) this season. Schweitzer was 0-2 with three saves and a 1.00 ERA in a league-high 38 appearances (36). Ellison, incidentally, missed just over three weeks earlier this season due to a strained right oblique. ``It’s great to have the opportunity now that I’m going to get to go,’’ Ellison said. ``It’s an honor and I thank the Lord for the opportunity. It’s good to go with these guys and just represent the Bluefish.’’ Right-hander Rafael Bergstrom spent another day away from the ballpark today. But he is likely to return today as the lesions on his arms and legs have diminished. Bergstrom, who was scratched from his scheduled start Wednesday, began to breakout approximately six hours after swimming at Fire Island in New York Sunday. General manager Todd Marlin and John each said Thursday that they had to yet to receive a concrete diagnosis. ``The culture has not shown up anything,’’ John said. ``But the medication that they gave him, Keflex, which is a pretty powerful antibiotic … The sores are subsiding. Thank God that it didn’t spread to anybody.’’ If Bergstrom continues to progress he will start Sunday against the Newark Bears at Harbor Yard in the final game before the All-Star break. Rich tag:forum.connpost.com,2008:/bluefish//83.4626 2008-07-06T21:55:19Z 2008-07-06T21:55:54Z

The Bluefish felt all season that they possessed the talent to win the Liberty Division first-half championship. They did not achieve their goal, but judging by the roster for the Atlantic League All-Star Game they have the most talent among...

Elliott The Bluefish felt all season that they possessed the talent to win the Liberty Division first-half championship. They did not achieve their goal, but judging by the roster for the Atlantic League All-Star Game they have the most talent among the players still in the league. The Bluefish had a division-high seven players named today, based on voting by fans, league and team officials and members of the media. The total tied the Somerset Patriots, who represent the Freedom Division, for the most in the league. First baseman Jesse Hoorelbeke (.258, 15 HR, 56 RBI through Saturday), third baseman Luis Lopez (.365, 4, 48) and outfielder Branden Florence (.328, 4, 30) were named as starters. Second baseman Henry Mateo (.312, 2, 26) and outfielder Ryan Bear (.324, 6, 34) are reserves, while starting pitchers Eric DuBose (4-2, 3.38) and Barry Hertzler (3-5, 4.63) were also named. ``I think that’s something that we kind of knew right off the bat, that we were going to have that kind of talent,’’ general manager Todd Marlin said. ``And unfortunately, they haven’t put it together completely to win the first half. But we were right there. We had our opportunities. We really did. I think it says a lot for what (manager) Tommy (John) and all of us are doing getting players in here, trying to get the best guys we can.’’ The All-Star Game will be held at Commerce Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, N.J. July 16. Hoorelbeke, the 2007 league Co-Player of the Year, was tied for the league-lead in home runs and was second in RBIs entering play today. Lopez was tied for third in the league in hitting, was first in hits (91), tied for first in doubles (19) and second in on-base percentage (.457). Mateo led the league in runs scored (59), was tied for the lead in doubles and was third in hits (83). DuBose was tied for the league lead in complete games (two) and was third in ERA (3.38). One noticeable omission from a Bluefish standpoint was left-hander Derrick Ellison, who was 1-0 with 0.40 ERA and one save in 20 appearances (22 1/3 innings) through Saturday. Long Island closer Joe Valentine (3-2, 3.13, eight saves), Camden closer Alec Zumwalt (4-1, 2.56, league-leading 13 saves), Camden’s Julio Guerrero (6-1, 3.26) and Southern Maryland’s Matt Schweitzer (0-3, 1.03. three saves) were the four relievers named. Three had worked at least 31 2/3 innings, while Valentine, who was signed and released by the Philadelphia Phillies earlier this season, had 23. ``That’s one’s tough,’’ Marlin said. ``I don’t really get that one. I would think that it’s probably just because he’s a bullpen guy and maybe because he missed a little bit of time (with an oblique strain). That would be the only reason I would think. He’s been pitching very good.’’ Rich tag:forum.connpost.com,2008:/bluefish//83.4592 2008-07-03T02:31:03Z 2008-07-03T02:31:45Z

The Bluefish landed the starting pitching help they had been seeking when they signed left-hander Mike Connolly. He is expected to make his first start Saturday at Long Island. With the second half set to begin next Tuesday, they are...

Elliott The Bluefish landed the starting pitching help they had been seeking when they signed left-hander Mike Connolly. He is expected to make his first start Saturday at Long Island. With the second half set to begin next Tuesday, they are now looking to bolster their depth by acquiring another versatile position player. Manager Tommy John does not want to play the waiting game again in the second half like he did with utility infielder Wilson Batista in the first half. Batista was definitively set to join the team at various points this season only to have his arrival continuously delayed by a visa problem in the Dominican Republic. With Batista’s issues and a wrist injury that forced Jay Caligiuri to miss the first 57 games, John was forced to utilize third baseman Luis Lopez (64 games), second baseman Henry Mateo (63) and shortstop Alex Prieto (62) extensively through first 66 games. ``We’re looking for somebody that can play all over so that you don’t run into playing the same guys because I think that was the one thing that killed us here,’’ John said. ``If Batista had been here when he was supposed to we wouldn’t have been as tired. But I think the guys got worn down. I really do.’’ The Bluefish had thought that they had reached a deal with former big leaguer Shea Hillenbrand two weeks ago. However, he signed with York this week to be their every-day third baseman. General manager Todd Marlin said that Director of Player Procurement Mike Church has recently made contact with Patrick Dobson. Dobson, the 27-year-old son of actor Kevin Dobson, was in camp with the San Francisco Giants this spring before being released March 23. He hit .223 with 21 doubles, five home runs and 27 RBIs in 104 games for Connecticut in the Class AA Eastern League last season. He played 28 games at first base, 13 at second base, three at third base and 48 in the outfield for the Defenders. ``It’s still in the ground work,’’ Marlin said. ``I guess he just really kind of decided that he wanted to keep playing.’’ Rich tag:forum.connpost.com,2008:/bluefish//83.4580 2008-07-02T00:23:41Z 2008-07-02T00:26:20Z

The move has not yet officially been made. Left-hander Mike Connolly did not arrive prior to gametime tonight. But when it is right-hander Matt Pike won’t have any problem with moving from the starting rotation back the bullpen where he...

Elliott The move has not yet officially been made. Left-hander Mike Connolly did not arrive prior to gametime tonight. But when it is right-hander Matt Pike won’t have any problem with moving from the starting rotation back the bullpen where he began the season. The Bluefish clubhouse is as tightly knit as it’s been in the 11-year history of the franchise. It is filled with a group of team-first players, with Pike fitting right in. Connolly was tabbed as a starter before he left the Bluefish to play in Taiwan in spring training. He will be used as a starter now, and manager Tommy John believes that it is in relief that Pike best helps the team. ``I’ve always been a player that will just do whatever the team feels is best to win ballgames, whether that’s a reliever role long-term, short-inning, whether it’s a starter role,’’ Pike said. ``Any way that the coaching staff feels they can utilize me the best way for the team’s benefit. I’ll just go about my business each day to prepare for that.’’ Pike (6-2) was tied for second in the Atlantic League in wins entering play tonight. He is 4-1 with a 6.35 ERA in nine starts since making a spot start May 21. He is 2-1 with a 2.70 ERA in five relief appearances. Throughout his eight-year career, Pike has been increasingly effective in relief. He has a 2.92 ERA in 156 relief appearances and a 5.87 ERA in 26 career starts. He led the Canadian-American League with a career-high 24 saves for the Atlantic City Surf last season. ``I don’t know if it’s a comfort level thing as much as it’s an adjustment that needs to be made with the everyday routine as far as preparing the body to pitch,’’ Pike said. ``It really isn’t one that’s more comfortable than the other. It’s just a matter of having the right mindset to prepare to pitch. I try to just focus on the simple things and just let the rest take care of itself.’’ The move to the bullpen will also help Pike rid himself of some inflammation that has developed in his right shoulder due to his heavy workload. He has logged 61 innings this season, the second highest total of his career. He reached a high of 65 innings in 41 relief appearances for St. Paul in the independent American Association in 2006. Pike said there is no structural damage in his shoulder. ``If he has shoulder issues then it’s easier to keep it sound out of the bullpen then throwing 125 pitches,’’ John said. ``It’s either Pike or (Rafael) Bergstrom. One of those two guys. So we’ll probably go with Pike and then see because I haven’t heard of anybody else coming in.’’ Rich tag:forum.connpost.com,2008:/bluefish//83.4570 2008-07-01T01:49:49Z 2008-07-01T01:50:32Z

The wait is over for general manager Todd Marlin. He has finally landed left-hander Mike Connolly. After leaving the Bluefish during spring training to join the Sinon Bulls of the Chinese Professional Baseball League in Taiwan, Connolly has re-signed with...

Elliott The wait is over for general manager Todd Marlin. He has finally landed left-hander Mike Connolly. After leaving the Bluefish during spring training to join the Sinon Bulls of the Chinese Professional Baseball League in Taiwan, Connolly has re-signed with the Bluefish and will rejoin the team Tuesday. There had been some concern on behalf of Marlin that Connolly, 26, would instead sign with the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks in the independent Northern League. ``We had heard a month ago that he was potentially going to come back,’’ Marlin said. ``And about two weeks ago now I guess the agent called and said, `Hey, Mike’s coming back.’ And we just started talking to him. There was the whole maybe Fargo (situation). But eventually I think there was probably a little bit of loyalty there to some extent. We’re excited to have him. He’s got a good left arm.’’ Connolly, whose 24-year-old brother, Jon, joined the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs June 11, was 4-7 with a 5.22 ERA and one save in 28 appearances (14 starts) for Wichita in the Class AA Texas League last season. He decided to leave Taiwan because the Bulls were no longer using him solely as a starter. Connolly will start for the Bluefish. Although a definitive decision has yet to be made by manager Tommy John, it is likely that right-hander Matt Pike will return to the bullpen. Entering his start against the Blue Crabs tonight at Harbor Yard, Pike was 3-1 with a 6.65 ERA in eight previous starts since joining the rotation in early May. He is 2-1 with a 2.70 ERA in five relief appearances. Pike, who had not made a start since 2002, is next scheduled to start Saturday at Long Island. ``If that is the case then what Matt did for us to help us get through the last month, month and a half is great,’’ Marlin said. ``He exceeded all of our expectations I think. He fought hard every time he went out.’’ Rich tag:forum.connpost.com,2008:/bluefish//83.4564 2008-06-29T23:20:51Z 2008-06-29T23:22:21Z

Calvin Pickering downplayed his aggressive baserunning in Saturday’s 7-3 victory over the Lancaster Barnstormers as much as possible today. To him, he was only taking what the Barnstormers were giving him. But to manager Tommy John, it went way beyond...

Elliott Calvin Pickering downplayed his aggressive baserunning in Saturday’s 7-3 victory over the Lancaster Barnstormers as much as possible today. To him, he was only taking what the Barnstormers were giving him. But to manager Tommy John, it went way beyond that. John went as far as saying that Pickering’s second stolen base of the season and tagging up on a fly ball helped the Bluefish win the game. Rafael Bergstrom pitched a one-hitter over seven innings. Yet, Pickering, the team’s the mountainous designated hitter, also made a sizeable impact. ``He’s got the green light any time because I just want to see him get dirty,’’ John said. ``I really want to see him slide headfirst. Really, what he did it pepped the guys up and got them going and got some fire going and laughing at him running. But him stealing second, tagging up and going to third and scoring that was a key run and essentially won the game for us.’’ With the Bluefish leading 1-0 in the second, Pickering led off with a single to left. He then stole second – his first stolen base since May 24. He would tag up and move to third on fly ball to center by Jay Caligiuri and he scored on an RBI single by Brian Munhall. ``They gave it to me,’’ Pickering said. ``If they’re going to play behind me I’m going to take off. Basically, it’s like a slap in the face. Because I’m big or whatever you think I can’t run? Ok, if they want to do it let them keep doing it. I just took off. They weren’t holding me. Plus, (Josh Hall) had a big leg kick. So it wasn’t that big of a deal. The fly ball to centerfield was deep. (Jutt Hileman) was backpedaling at the same time so I tagged up and went to third. I just play the game.’’ Pickering said today that he doesn’t know if he’s lost any weight this season. He isn’t paying attention to it either. What matters most to him is that he is producing each time he steps on the field. And through his first 57 games, he has. Pickering, who has spent part of five seasons in the big leagues, is hitting .260 with 11 doubles, seven home runs, 32 RBIs and 26 runs scored in 57 games this season. He has reached base in 20 straight home games. John would like to see Pickering, 31, get in shape and make another run at landing a job with a big league organization. ``He can hit,’’ John said. ``He just has to get in shape. If he would get in shape, get a trainer, he can play for somebody. And with the money that’s being thrown out there now ... I mean, this is my thinking, you’ve got to give it your best shot because there’s a ton of money out there for guys with far less talent than he’s got.’’ Rich tag:forum.connpost.com,2008:/bluefish//83.4558 2008-06-28T23:26:04Z 2008-06-28T23:27:30Z

Sitting out Friday’s series opener against the Lancaster Barnstormers was difficult for center fielder Travis Ezi. The most difficult part of the fallout from Thursday’s confrontation with first base umpire Mark Facto came today when he was suspended for a...

Elliott Sitting out Friday’s series opener against the Lancaster Barnstormers was difficult for center fielder Travis Ezi. The most difficult part of the fallout from Thursday’s confrontation with first base umpire Mark Facto came today when he was suspended for a total of three games by Atlantic League Executive Director Joe Klein. Ezi, who was also fined an undisclosed amount, was contrite following batting practice Saturday. He categorized the meeting with Klein as being productive. ``(Three games is) a lot for me,’’ Ezi said. ``One game is enough for me. I’d rather be out here helping the team win. I love playing. I just don’t like missing games – period.’’ Ryan Bear was in centerfield for the Bluefish Friday, while Henry Mateo occupied the position today. Bluefish manager Tommy John was not certain who would man centerfield Sunday. The incident in question occurred after Ezi popped out to end the eighth inning in Thursday’s 8-5 loss to the York Revolution. He threw his helmet to the ground after the play and Facto immediately told him that he was going to be fined for throwing a piece of equipment. Ezi, who was subsequently ejected from the game, then confronted Facto and had words with him in a heated exchange. John had to pull Ezi away from Facto. Ezi and John both elected not to reveal was what was said during the altercation. ``I thought he was fortunate,’’ John said of Ezi’s suspension. ``He told Joe that he was sorry and he wouldn’t disappoint him. And I said, `Joe, that’s all you can do. You can take it at face value.’’’ Issuing an apology to Facto is also part of Ezi’s punishment. Though, it did not need to be. This was something Ezi had intended to do regardless if it was a mandatory action. ``If he said it or not I’m still going to apologize to him because I was in the wrong,’’ Ezi said. ``I understand that. I let my anger get to me. I shouldn’t have done that, and what I told him was wrong so I’m going to go ahead and apologize anyway.’’ Rich tag:forum.connpost.com,2008:/bluefish//83.4555 2008-06-28T00:13:56Z 2008-06-28T00:15:53Z

The play looked to be innocent at first glance Thursday. Travis Ezi popped out to first base to end the eighth inning. What happened in the aftermath, though, earned Ezi an indefinite suspension. Ezi threw his helmet in disgust after...

Elliott The play looked to be innocent at first glance Thursday. Travis Ezi popped out to first base to end the eighth inning. What happened in the aftermath, though, earned Ezi an indefinite suspension. Ezi threw his helmet in disgust after the out was recorded. First base umpire Mark Facto told him that that was an equipment infraction and he would be fined. Ezi, who was ultimately ejected, then confronted Facto and exchanged words with him and Bluefish manager Tommy John had to pull Ezi away. While John would not specifically say what Ezi said to Facto, today he said that the severity of his words warranted a suspension. ``It was a two-part thing,’’ John said. ``Earlier in the game Travis was yelling from the outfield about balls and strikes. And Mark told him to shut up. Then when he had the out he didn’t say anything. He threw his helmet. But in this league you can’t throw a helmet in anger. And Mark said that’s an equipment infraction and then Travis went at him and said what he said.’’ Ezi will meet with Atlantic League Executive Director Joe Klein tomorrow to discuss the situation. He hit in the cage today before leaving the ballpark. He was not permitted to be at Harbor Yard during the game. Ezi said that he was surprised by the severity of the suspension. He is certain to be fine as well. ``It was heat of the moment,’’ Ezi said. ``We’re all not perfect. They missed some calls in the game and York capitalized on it. Sometimes my mouth gets a little into it, but I tossed my helmet and he gave me an equipment fine and then I said something back to him and he kicked me out of the game. So I’ve got to wait and see.’’ Ezi is hitting .276 with three home runs, 14 RBIs and 25 runs scored in 31 games since joining the Bluefish via a trade with the York Revolution in late May. He also has five doubles, three triples and eight stolen bases. Ryan Bear started in centerfield tonight. Henry Mateo is expected to play the position tomorrow. ``I regret it because we ended up losing the game,’’ Ezi said. ``I wanted to stay in the game and help the team win. But then ended up losing and kind of lose on both sides, my end and the team’s end.’’ Rich tag:forum.connpost.com,2008:/bluefish//83.4535 2008-06-24T23:51:27Z 2008-06-25T01:56:24Z

Jay Caligiuri waited approximately two hours today to undergo a final X-ray of his surgically repaired left wrist at The Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center in Fairfield. It was well worth the wait. The results came back favorable and Caligiuri...

Elliott Jay Caligiuri waited approximately two hours today to undergo a final X-ray of his surgically repaired left wrist at The Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center in Fairfield. It was well worth the wait. The results came back favorable and Caligiuri was cleared to play for the first time since being injured on a play at the plate during an exhibition game against the Long Island Ducks April 22. He had surgery April 28. ``It showed total bone growth,’’ Caligiuri said. ``The doc said there’s nothing more I can do but to get in the lineup. I’ve been trying to do as much as I can for the team, trying to be a good team guy. Now I’ve got to come out and try to do some stuff for myself. The team’s kind of struggling right now. Hopefully, I can come and give a spark. I know the lineup doesn’t really need me right now, but we’ll see what happens when I get in there.’’ Caligiuri, who said the strength in his wrist is between 95 and 100 percent, is in the No. 6 spot in the lineup at designated hitter tonight against the York Revolution. He was slated to see two at-bats before being replaced by Calvin Pickering. Manager Tommy John’s plan is to give Caligiuri at least two more at-bats at designated hitter Wednesday before playing him for five innings at second base Thursday, at third base Friday, in left field Saturday and in right field Sunday in an attempt to steadily work Caligiuri back into the fold and to also rest some players. ``He was an integral part of our team last year and we missed him this year,’’ John said. ``By Sunday, he should be able to go nine innings.’’ Caligiuri hit .320 with 14 home runs and career-highs of 33 doubles, 78 RBIs and 79 runs scored in 111 games for the Bluefish. He was named an Atlantic League postseason All-Star. ``I don’t want to push anything to where I injure something else,’’ Caligiuri said. ``I haven’t played in a few months. I’ve been running and doing sprints to get my legs under me. But I haven’t done explosive movement in the infield, running bases and things like that. The progression’s going to be good for me and it’ll allow other guys to stay sharp too.’’ Tommy John will co-host the Mike & Mike in the Morning Show with Erik Kuselias Thursday from 6 to 10 a.m. on ESPN Radio (WPOP-AM 1410, WINE-AM 940) and live in high definition on ESPN2 from 6 to 7 and on ESPNews from 7 to 10. The show will also be featured on the Best of Mike & Mike in the Morning on ESPN at 2 p.m. John, who co-hosted Bagels and Baseball with Ian Eagle on WFAN-AM 660 in New York in the spring and summer of 1999, said he plans to wear a Bluefish golf shirt. ``It’ll be fun,’’ John said. ``I’ve got to study up on all the (NBA) draft.’’ Rich tag:forum.connpost.com,2008:/bluefish//83.4529 2008-06-23T23:31:49Z 2008-06-23T23:33:01Z

There have been several benchmarks along the road to recovery for Jay Caligiuri after undergoing surgery on his left wrist April 28. He had the hard cast removed May 31 and began his conditioning program the following day and he...

Elliott There have been several benchmarks along the road to recovery for Jay Caligiuri after undergoing surgery on his left wrist April 28. He had the hard cast removed May 31 and began his conditioning program the following day and he took batting practice for the first time last week. No day, though, is more significant to Caligiuri at this point than Tuesday. He is scheduled to be re-examined one more time at 11 a.m. Another X-ray will be taken and should the results prove to be favorable he is expected to be cleared to play. ``The way I feel I am (ready to return),’’ Caligiuri said. ``We’ve got one more X-ray just to make it positive. The last one looked like the bone was totally healed. So it’s just looking for a little more growth on the bone and I should be ready to go. I’m looking forward to it. I’m getting mentally prepared for (today).’’ Caligiuri’s return will provide a boost to a what has proven to be formidable lineup that ranked fourth in the Atlantic League in hitting (.283) and runs scored (307) entering tonight’s series opener against the York Revolution. But, more importantly, it will provide the Bluefish with some depth that they have severely lacked throughout the season. Manager Tommy John said that Caligiuri could be in the lineup as soon as tonight if he is cleared. John expects to utilize him at third base, second base, designated hitter, left field and right field. Caligiuri played every position but center field and catcher last season for the Bluefish when he hit .320 with 14 home runs and career-highs of 33 doubles, 78 RBIs and 79 runs scored in 111 games. He finished fifth in the Atlantic League in hitting and fourth in doubles and on-base percentage (.414) and was named to the league’s postseason All-Star team. ``Getting Jay back will help tremendously,’’ John said. ``If they give him the go-ahead, what (team trainer) Jessica (Jewell) suggested, and it’s pretty intelligent, is just let him go and play and have him do two at-bats tomorrow, two at-bats Wednesday. Maybe take Thursday off to see how it is and then maybe play half a game at third base or second base on Friday. You just go into like you would at spring training and then in a week he’s got three, four at-bats and he gets his stamina back up.’’ Rich tag:forum.connpost.com,2008:/bluefish//83.4324 2008-06-11T23:54:55Z 2008-06-11T23:55:10Z

The move was made out of necessity and nothing else. Rather than bring right-hander Barry Hertzler back on three days rest at Southern Maryland May 21, Bluefish manager Tommy John opted to use reliever Matt Pike in the role of...

Elliott The move was made out of necessity and nothing else. Rather than bring right-hander Barry Hertzler back on three days rest at Southern Maryland May 21, Bluefish manager Tommy John opted to use reliever Matt Pike in the role of spot starter. Five starts later, Pike is still in the rotation and still progressing. He assembled his best start this season Tuesday in helping lead the Bluefish back into first place in the Liberty Division with a 3-2 victory over the Camden Riversharks. Pike (5-1) allowed two runs and seven hits, struck out four, walked two and threw a season-high 109 pitches in a career-high seven innings. He had twice worked 6 2/3 innings in back-to-back starts at Billing in the Pioneer League (Rookie ball) June 22 and 28, 2001. ``He sinks the ball and he’s got a good split-finger, a good breaking ball,’’ John said. ``Like I told him, the only thing that he’s got to work on is he’s got to get his (pitching) hand up. When his hand gets down then everything kind of shoots up. I said other than that he threw the ball well.’’ Pike (5-1) had not made a start since Aug. 23, 2002 for Tampa in the Class A Florida State League and he had made just 17 starts in 168 career appearances prior to this season. Entering play Wednesday, he was tied for second in the Atlantic League in wins. Pike, who led the independent Canadian-American League with a career-high 24 saves at Atlantic City last season, has won his last two starts as he continues to get stretched out. He threw 103 pitches over six innings in a win at Newark June 4 before eclipsing both marks Tuesday. It had been 133 appearances since Pike worked as many as six innings. ``(I’m) just getting used to the starting role again,’’ Pike said. ``I think that’s five starts now so I’m just starting to get in a groove, trying to pace myself a little bit as opposed to a reliever where you come in and you just have to really be fired up and just go all out. I’m starting to learn a little bit how to step into that new role.’’ Rich