Catching up

Windy City pitcher Shawn Phillips has signed with the Florida Marlins. Last season for the ThunderBolts Phililps was 8-4, 2.45 with 100 strikeouts against only 12 walks.
Washington’s Travis Risser signed with the Tampa bay rays (They have dropped “Devil” from their name.) Risser was 4-2, 1.09 for the Wild Things in 2007.
Traverse City has signed lefthanded pitched Jacob Cook. Cook was 3-1, 3.28 for the Gulf Coast Blue jays in 2007. Last month they signed outfielder James Conrad, a speedster who stole 49 bases at Lafayette College this past season.
There will be something new and something old at Wuerfel Park in 2008. New is the playing surface, made of GameDayXpe turf, similar to FieldTurf. Old is the return of Mancino’s Pizza. I ate a Mancino’s when I was in Traverse City a couple of years ago and it’s really good. They have these pizza crust nuggets that are, I think, dipped in butter and then rolled in parmesan cheese. They are similar to the crazy bread at Little Caesar’s but not as greasy and with a firmer exterior. IMHO, Mancino’s is a “must visit” in Traverse City, along with North Peak Brewing.
The Gateway Grizzlies have announced that their 2007 coaching staff of Phil Warren (manager), Darin Kinsolving (hitting) and Randy Martz (pitching) will all return in 2008. No surprise there, considering the great season the Grizzlies had in 2007.
The Florence Freedom has hired a firm to “rebrand” the team. The company will, according to the press release, “will examine all phases of the team’s communication, including logos, mascots, print and digital communication.” I’m not sure exactly what is happening but it sounds as if the Freedom may be looking at a new image. I am impressed that Clint Brown each year improves the operation a bit more.
Scott Gierman has joined the Southern Illinois Miners as play-by-play announcer. Gierman spent the last three seasons calling games for the Savannah Sand Gnats (Single A) and a year prior to that for the Charlotte Knights (Triple A).

Thank you From the Bleachers