The Stedler Report is not affiliated with Minor League Baseball or the New York-Penn League.
Showing posts with label Auburn Doubledays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Auburn Doubledays. Show all posts
Saturday, June 17, 2017
Auburn Doubledays 2017 Roster Announced
The Auburn Doubledays announced their 2017 roster earlier today on Twitter. The Doubledays open the season at Batavia on Monday, June 19. Their home opener is on Tuesday, June 20 against the Muckdogs. Ticket information is available at their website.
The Stedler Report is not affiliated with Minor League Baseball or the New York-Penn League.
The Stedler Report is not affiliated with Minor League Baseball or the New York-Penn League.
Sunday, April 30, 2017
Where are they now? 2016 1st Round Picks who played in the NYPL
Tomorrow is May 1 and opening day in the New York-Penn League is still 50 days away. I thought it would interesting to take a look at how the first round picks who played in the NYPL last year are doing this season.
There were a total of six first round draft picks in the 2016 Major League Draft who played in the NYPL. Here's a quick look at where they are this season.
A.J.Puk was the top 2016 draft pick playing in the New York-Penn League last season. The Oakland Athletics selected him as the #6 pick in the first round out of the University of Florida.
Signing Bonus: $4,069,200.
What the "experts" are saying:
mlbpipeline.com:......"has the power stuff to match his impressive size. He'll run his heater up to 96-97 mph and maintain much of that velocity deep into starts, pairing it with a plus slider at 88-90 mph and a changeup that should be Major League average in the future.......While Puk's stuff suggests a front-of-the-rotation future, his ability to reach that high ceiling will depend on the ongoing development of his below-average control and command."
Baseball America: …”leverages his size to get great extension on all his pitches. His fastball touched 98 mph in 2016 with great downhill angle……he must become more efficient with his pitches and more consistent with his command. At worst, he could become a dominating high-leverage reliever.”
BaseballHQ.com Minor League Baseball Analyst: …..”plus stuff and effective angle to plate. Can be a high strikeout pitcher with electric fastball thrown downhill. Counters with hard slider that he can use as chase pitch and changeup that flashes plus. Still relatively raw….tough to hit when on…..”
2016 Season: Puk spent the 2016 season with the Vermont Lake Monsters and showed great promise. He got 10 starts (0-4) with the Lake Monsters, striking out 40 batters while walking only 12 in 32.2 innings. He finished the season with an ERA of 3.03 and a WHIP of 1.07.
This Season: Puk is currently with the Stockton Ports in the Advanced A California League. He has a record of 0-2 in 5 appearances (3 starts) and leads the league with 31 strikeouts while only walking 6 batters. He has an ERA of 4.67 and a WHIP of 1.10.
Jason “Jay” Groome was the number 12 pick in the 1st round by the Boston Red Sox out of Barnegat High School (New Jersey).
Signing Bonus: $3.650,000
What the "experts" are saying:
mlbpipeline.com:....."works with a 90-95 mph fastball that peaks at 97 with armside run, and he could throw harder as he gets stronger. Nevertheless, his best pitch is a curveball with power and depth that many evaluators believed was the best breaking ball in the 2016 Draft.....could be the best pitcher signed and developed by the Red Sox since Roger Clemens."
Baseball America: …."he comfortably dials his fastball from 91-95 mph with a hammer curveball…..the quality of his stuff suggests he could cruise through the lower levels if he remains healthy and keeps his delivery in order. He shows all the elements of a potential front-of-the rotation starter.”
BaseballHQ.com Minor League Baseball Analyst: “Big, physical starting pitcher with extreme upside based upon are strength and advanced pitches for age…..Throws three pitches for strikes and could have more velocity in tank……needs consistency, but could move quickly.”
2016 Season: Groome was assigned to the Lowell Spinners on August 30, after spending the first part of season with the Gulf Coast League Red Sox. In one appearance with the Spinners, he pitched 2.2 innings (3.38 ERA, 4 BB, 2 SO, 1.50 WHIP).
This Season: Groome is assigned to the Greenville Drive of the Class A South Atlantic League. As of this writing he is on the 7 day disabled list with a lat injury. He made one start on April 10, giving up 9 earned runs in 1.1 innings.
Justin Dunn was selected by the New York Mets as the 19th pick of the first round out of Boston College.
Signing Bonus: $2,378,800.
What the "experts" are saying:
mlbpipeline.com:....."has a feel for four pitches thrown with a free and easy delivery. Over the summer, his fastball sat at 95 mph and he touched 98 mph at times. He throws both a slider and curve...... tends to be around the strike zone and, with his athleticism, projects to have at least solid average command in the future. Because of his size and lack of track record, there are some who wonder about his durability as a starter over the course of a long season."
Baseball America: ……”He already has the best fastball and slider in the Mets system…..He will need to develop his below-average curveball and changeup to give left-handers different looks…..With two projected plus pitches, Dunn could be a #2 or #3 starter, though some scouts project him to the bullpen.”
BaseballHQ.com Minor League Baseball Analyst: ……”Fastball is best pitch, flashing 96mph with late life through the zone……Slider had good two plane break and could develop into plus pitch. Curveball too scurvy for a pitcher featuring a slider. Changeup is a work in progress.
2016 Season: Dunn saw action in 11 games (8 starts) with the Brooklyn Cyclones. He was 1-1 with a 1.50 ERA in 30 IP, 35 SO, 10 BB and a 1.17 WHIP.
This Season: He is assigned to the St. Lucie Mets in the Advanced A Florida State League. In four starts, he is 1-1 with a 6.30 ERA. Over 20 IP, he has 9 SO, 9 BB and a WHIP of 1.75.
Will Craig was the 22nd pick in the first round by the Pittsburgh Pirates out of Wake Forest University.
Signing Bonus: $2,253,700.
What the "experts" are saying:
mlbpipeline.com:....."poor start initially was more surface than anything, though he didn't show the power he projects to have. He finished with more walks than strikeouts and finished second in the New York-Penn League in on-base percentage. He swung the bat very well at instructs, showing the kind of player the Pirates hope he'll be at the highest level, displaying good bat-to-ball skills and bat speed."
Baseball America: ……”below-average defender at third base and a slow runner. Craig does have a good blend of power and patience that give him a chance to be a successful hitter…..lack of range will likely result in him eventually landing at first base.”
BaseballHQ.com Minor League Baseball Analyst: ……”has a solid offensive skill set…..good bat speed and raw power…..Advanced understanding of the strike zone……Lack of quickness and athleticism make him below average defender at third base.”
2016 Season: Craig got off to a slow start with the West Virginia Black Bears. Finished the season strong at the plate, hitting .361 with 10 RBI in the last ten games. Overall, in 63 games he batted .280/.362/.412 with 2 HR and 23 RBI.
This Season: He is off to a decent start this season with the Bradenton Marauders in the Florida State League. He is making the adjustment to playing first base and is currently hitting .282/.361/.376 with 1 HR and 14 RBI in 22 games.
Cody Sedlock was the Baltimore Orioles first round pick and was the 27th player selected in draft out of the University of Illinois.
Signing Bonus: $2,097,200.
What the "experts" are saying:
mlbpipeline.com:....."deep arsenal is headlined by his heavy fastball, which sits at 91-93 mph and reaches 96. The pitch has excellent sink and some arm-side action, which helps Sedlock to miss barrels and generate weak, ground-ball contact. His low-80s slider is his best secondary offering and helps him to miss bats, and he also demonstrates feel for both a curveball and changeup that have average potential. A good athlete who repeats his delivery with ease......has all of the ingredients to become a big league starter, with a strong, projectable frame, four average-or-better pitches and feel for throwing strikes."
Baseball America: …..”Sedlock has the build, balanced delivery and repertoire of a workhorse power pitcher. HIs fastball works in the low 90s and touches 97mph with strong sink and late life. His curveball and slider flash above-average…..He holds runners well…Orioles loved his athleticism, work ethic and competitiveness…..will move up fast if he performs.”
BaseballHQ.com Minor League Baseball Analyst: “Strong, durable starting pitcher…..heavy fastball that induces high amount of ground balls. Offers two breaking balls that flash plus and mixes in below average changeup.”
2016 Season: Sedlock went 0-1 in 9 starts with the Aberdeen IronBirds. He had a 3.00 ERA in 27 innings, with 25 SO, 13 BB and a WHIP of 1.07.
This Season: He is off to a strong start the Frederick Keys in the Advanced A Carolina League. In four starts (22 innings), he is 3-0, 1.64 ERA, 16 SO, 8 BB, and a 0.82 WHIP
Dane Dunning was drafted by the Washington Nationals 29th overall in 2016 and he made a strong showing with the Auburn Doubledays. The Nationals traded him to the Chicago White Sox after the season.
Signing Bonus: $2,000,000.
What the "experts" are saying:
mlbpipeline.com:......"fastball can hit 96 mph in short stints but usually sits in the low 90s when he starts. His heater still plays as a plus pitch because it features heavy sink, as evidenced by his 3.1 groundout-to-flyout ratio in his pro debut. He has a pair of solid secondary offerings in his changeup, which he has full trust in, and his slider, which can lack consistency but has power and depth. Dunning has an athletic, durable build and a fresh arm, so he should be able to handle a starter's workload."
Baseball America: …..”throws his fastball in the low 90s as a starter and can reach 95mph in shorter outings. His slider can be a quality pitch, but is inconsistent…..solid-average changeup isis secondary pitch…..has the tools necessary to be a starter.”
BaseballHQ.com Minor League Baseball Analyst: ……”ability to locate low-90s fastball down in the zone resulting in tons of ground balls. Slider and changeup both have enough potential to dream on a mid-rotation upside. Throws strikes with all three pitches.”
2016 Season: Dunning started the season with the Gulf Coast League Nationals and was promoted to the Auburn Doubledays on July 11. While at Auburn, he made 7 starts and was 3-2 with a 2.14 ERA, 29 SO, 7 BB and a 0.98 WHIP in 33.2 IP.
This Season: After a smoking hot start at the Kannapolis Intimidators in the Class A South Atlantic League, he was promoted to the Winston-Salem Dash of the Advanced A Carolina League on April 28. While with Kannapolis, he was 2-0, 0.35 ERA, 33 SO, 2 BB, and a 0.58 WHIP in 4 starts.
Photo Credits: MiLB.com
The Stedler Report is not affiliated with Minor League Baseball or the New York-Penn League
There were a total of six first round draft picks in the 2016 Major League Draft who played in the NYPL. Here's a quick look at where they are this season.
 |
| Vermont LakeMonsters 2016 |
Signing Bonus: $4,069,200.
What the "experts" are saying:
mlbpipeline.com:......"has the power stuff to match his impressive size. He'll run his heater up to 96-97 mph and maintain much of that velocity deep into starts, pairing it with a plus slider at 88-90 mph and a changeup that should be Major League average in the future.......While Puk's stuff suggests a front-of-the-rotation future, his ability to reach that high ceiling will depend on the ongoing development of his below-average control and command."
Baseball America: …”leverages his size to get great extension on all his pitches. His fastball touched 98 mph in 2016 with great downhill angle……he must become more efficient with his pitches and more consistent with his command. At worst, he could become a dominating high-leverage reliever.”
BaseballHQ.com Minor League Baseball Analyst: …..”plus stuff and effective angle to plate. Can be a high strikeout pitcher with electric fastball thrown downhill. Counters with hard slider that he can use as chase pitch and changeup that flashes plus. Still relatively raw….tough to hit when on…..”
2016 Season: Puk spent the 2016 season with the Vermont Lake Monsters and showed great promise. He got 10 starts (0-4) with the Lake Monsters, striking out 40 batters while walking only 12 in 32.2 innings. He finished the season with an ERA of 3.03 and a WHIP of 1.07.
This Season: Puk is currently with the Stockton Ports in the Advanced A California League. He has a record of 0-2 in 5 appearances (3 starts) and leads the league with 31 strikeouts while only walking 6 batters. He has an ERA of 4.67 and a WHIP of 1.10.
 |
| Greenville Drive 2017 |
Signing Bonus: $3.650,000
What the "experts" are saying:
mlbpipeline.com:....."works with a 90-95 mph fastball that peaks at 97 with armside run, and he could throw harder as he gets stronger. Nevertheless, his best pitch is a curveball with power and depth that many evaluators believed was the best breaking ball in the 2016 Draft.....could be the best pitcher signed and developed by the Red Sox since Roger Clemens."
Baseball America: …."he comfortably dials his fastball from 91-95 mph with a hammer curveball…..the quality of his stuff suggests he could cruise through the lower levels if he remains healthy and keeps his delivery in order. He shows all the elements of a potential front-of-the rotation starter.”
BaseballHQ.com Minor League Baseball Analyst: “Big, physical starting pitcher with extreme upside based upon are strength and advanced pitches for age…..Throws three pitches for strikes and could have more velocity in tank……needs consistency, but could move quickly.”
2016 Season: Groome was assigned to the Lowell Spinners on August 30, after spending the first part of season with the Gulf Coast League Red Sox. In one appearance with the Spinners, he pitched 2.2 innings (3.38 ERA, 4 BB, 2 SO, 1.50 WHIP).
This Season: Groome is assigned to the Greenville Drive of the Class A South Atlantic League. As of this writing he is on the 7 day disabled list with a lat injury. He made one start on April 10, giving up 9 earned runs in 1.1 innings.
 |
| Brooklyn Cyclones 2016 |
Signing Bonus: $2,378,800.
What the "experts" are saying:
mlbpipeline.com:....."has a feel for four pitches thrown with a free and easy delivery. Over the summer, his fastball sat at 95 mph and he touched 98 mph at times. He throws both a slider and curve...... tends to be around the strike zone and, with his athleticism, projects to have at least solid average command in the future. Because of his size and lack of track record, there are some who wonder about his durability as a starter over the course of a long season."
Baseball America: ……”He already has the best fastball and slider in the Mets system…..He will need to develop his below-average curveball and changeup to give left-handers different looks…..With two projected plus pitches, Dunn could be a #2 or #3 starter, though some scouts project him to the bullpen.”
BaseballHQ.com Minor League Baseball Analyst: ……”Fastball is best pitch, flashing 96mph with late life through the zone……Slider had good two plane break and could develop into plus pitch. Curveball too scurvy for a pitcher featuring a slider. Changeup is a work in progress.
2016 Season: Dunn saw action in 11 games (8 starts) with the Brooklyn Cyclones. He was 1-1 with a 1.50 ERA in 30 IP, 35 SO, 10 BB and a 1.17 WHIP.
This Season: He is assigned to the St. Lucie Mets in the Advanced A Florida State League. In four starts, he is 1-1 with a 6.30 ERA. Over 20 IP, he has 9 SO, 9 BB and a WHIP of 1.75.
 |
| West Virginia Black Bears 2016 |
Signing Bonus: $2,253,700.
What the "experts" are saying:
mlbpipeline.com:....."poor start initially was more surface than anything, though he didn't show the power he projects to have. He finished with more walks than strikeouts and finished second in the New York-Penn League in on-base percentage. He swung the bat very well at instructs, showing the kind of player the Pirates hope he'll be at the highest level, displaying good bat-to-ball skills and bat speed."
Baseball America: ……”below-average defender at third base and a slow runner. Craig does have a good blend of power and patience that give him a chance to be a successful hitter…..lack of range will likely result in him eventually landing at first base.”
BaseballHQ.com Minor League Baseball Analyst: ……”has a solid offensive skill set…..good bat speed and raw power…..Advanced understanding of the strike zone……Lack of quickness and athleticism make him below average defender at third base.”
2016 Season: Craig got off to a slow start with the West Virginia Black Bears. Finished the season strong at the plate, hitting .361 with 10 RBI in the last ten games. Overall, in 63 games he batted .280/.362/.412 with 2 HR and 23 RBI.
This Season: He is off to a decent start this season with the Bradenton Marauders in the Florida State League. He is making the adjustment to playing first base and is currently hitting .282/.361/.376 with 1 HR and 14 RBI in 22 games.
 |
| Frederick Keys 2017 |
Signing Bonus: $2,097,200.
What the "experts" are saying:
mlbpipeline.com:....."deep arsenal is headlined by his heavy fastball, which sits at 91-93 mph and reaches 96. The pitch has excellent sink and some arm-side action, which helps Sedlock to miss barrels and generate weak, ground-ball contact. His low-80s slider is his best secondary offering and helps him to miss bats, and he also demonstrates feel for both a curveball and changeup that have average potential. A good athlete who repeats his delivery with ease......has all of the ingredients to become a big league starter, with a strong, projectable frame, four average-or-better pitches and feel for throwing strikes."
Baseball America: …..”Sedlock has the build, balanced delivery and repertoire of a workhorse power pitcher. HIs fastball works in the low 90s and touches 97mph with strong sink and late life. His curveball and slider flash above-average…..He holds runners well…Orioles loved his athleticism, work ethic and competitiveness…..will move up fast if he performs.”
BaseballHQ.com Minor League Baseball Analyst: “Strong, durable starting pitcher…..heavy fastball that induces high amount of ground balls. Offers two breaking balls that flash plus and mixes in below average changeup.”
2016 Season: Sedlock went 0-1 in 9 starts with the Aberdeen IronBirds. He had a 3.00 ERA in 27 innings, with 25 SO, 13 BB and a WHIP of 1.07.
This Season: He is off to a strong start the Frederick Keys in the Advanced A Carolina League. In four starts (22 innings), he is 3-0, 1.64 ERA, 16 SO, 8 BB, and a 0.82 WHIP
 |
| Auburn Doubledays 2016 |
Signing Bonus: $2,000,000.
What the "experts" are saying:
mlbpipeline.com:......"fastball can hit 96 mph in short stints but usually sits in the low 90s when he starts. His heater still plays as a plus pitch because it features heavy sink, as evidenced by his 3.1 groundout-to-flyout ratio in his pro debut. He has a pair of solid secondary offerings in his changeup, which he has full trust in, and his slider, which can lack consistency but has power and depth. Dunning has an athletic, durable build and a fresh arm, so he should be able to handle a starter's workload."
Baseball America: …..”throws his fastball in the low 90s as a starter and can reach 95mph in shorter outings. His slider can be a quality pitch, but is inconsistent…..solid-average changeup isis secondary pitch…..has the tools necessary to be a starter.”
BaseballHQ.com Minor League Baseball Analyst: ……”ability to locate low-90s fastball down in the zone resulting in tons of ground balls. Slider and changeup both have enough potential to dream on a mid-rotation upside. Throws strikes with all three pitches.”
2016 Season: Dunning started the season with the Gulf Coast League Nationals and was promoted to the Auburn Doubledays on July 11. While at Auburn, he made 7 starts and was 3-2 with a 2.14 ERA, 29 SO, 7 BB and a 0.98 WHIP in 33.2 IP.
This Season: After a smoking hot start at the Kannapolis Intimidators in the Class A South Atlantic League, he was promoted to the Winston-Salem Dash of the Advanced A Carolina League on April 28. While with Kannapolis, he was 2-0, 0.35 ERA, 33 SO, 2 BB, and a 0.58 WHIP in 4 starts.
Photo Credits: MiLB.com
The Stedler Report is not affiliated with Minor League Baseball or the New York-Penn League
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Will a NewYork-Penn League team be relocating in 2019?
Will a New York-Penn League (NYPL) team be relocating in 2019? I hope not, but news out of Malden, Massachusetts may cause some speculation.
Boston area developer Alexander Bok plans to break ground on a new baseball stadium in Malden later this year. Plans for the ballpark have been in the works for several years.
BaseballparkDigest reported on February 8, 2017, that Bok is hoping to bring a minor league team to Malden. Previously, Bok had talked about using the facility for a team in the independent Atlantic League.
The new plan would require the approval of the Boston Red Sox and Minor League Baseball. Bok was quoted in local Malden news reports that there are several owners in the New England region interested in selling a club to him. Malden is located 9 miles from Fenway Park and 28 miles from LeLacheur Park, home of the Lowell Spinners of the NYPL. I would think that both the Red Sox and Spinners would have concerns about another professional baseball team located so close.
Could there be interest in relocating one of NYPL franchises currently for sale to Malden?
There are currently three NYPL teams for sale: Batavia, Auburn, and Aberdeen. Batavia seems the most likely to be sold and relocated. Here’s some background on each team’s situation.
Aberdeen Ironbirds: Back on September 16, 2016, the Baltimore Sun reported that the Ripken brothers were interested in selling a majority interest in the Ironbirds, to focus on their youth baseball initiatives. Since the Ripken’s would remain minority owners, it is unlikely that the Ironbirds would leave Aberdeen.
Auburn Doubledays: The city of Auburn owns the Doubledays. Back in October, 2016, they hired an advisor to help find a buyer who is committed to keeping the franchise in Auburn. The team is reportedly valued at $6 million. Founded in 1957, the team has been a member of the NYPL since 1958. The city took over the team and assumed its debt in 1982 (it was managed by the non-profit Auburn Community Baseball until the recent reorganization). The city advanced an $80,000 line of credit to the team in 2016. In January, 2017, a limited liability corporation was formed to be the manager and operator of the team on behalf of the city. Also in January, the Auburn City Council authorized a $150,000 interest-free loan to the Doubledays. Auburn attendance has increased by 23% over the past three years, averaging 1,427 fans during their 37 home dates in 2016. Their player development contract with the Washington Nationals runs through 2018.
Batavia Muckdogs: Except for 1960, there has been a minor league baseball franchise in Batavia every year since 1939. The Muckdogs were almost sold and relocated last year to a group in Waldorf, Maryland. The sale fell through when they were not granted permission to relocate from the leagues and teams (AA Eastern League, A Carolina League, Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles) that have territorial rights in Waldorf. The Rochester Red Wings (of the AAA International League) operate the Muckdogs. Batavia's attendance has been at or near the bottom of the NYPL over the last several years and averaged only 811 fans during their 37 home dates in 2016. The Muckdogs player development contract with the Miami Marlins expires in 2018.
There have been many relocations in the NYPL since the league was formed in 1939. Only two teams from the 1990 season are still in place - Auburn and Batavia. Every other team from that season has since relocated. The most recent team to relocate was the Jamestown (NY) Jammers (in 2015), who are now the West Virginia Black Bears. The Black Bears play in a beautiful new ballpark and have strong fan support.
I wish Mr. Bok the best of luck with his ballpark project, but I hope that the NYPL teams in Auburn and Batavia stay put. Both cities have rich baseball histories. Minor league baseball belongs in both cities. But Auburn and Batavia are on my road trip list for 2017, just in case it doesn't work out.
Photo credits: greaterbostonballpark.com, Malden Field of Dreams
The Stedler Report is not affiliated with Minor League Baseball or the New-York-Penn League
Boston area developer Alexander Bok plans to break ground on a new baseball stadium in Malden later this year. Plans for the ballpark have been in the works for several years.
BaseballparkDigest reported on February 8, 2017, that Bok is hoping to bring a minor league team to Malden. Previously, Bok had talked about using the facility for a team in the independent Atlantic League.
The new plan would require the approval of the Boston Red Sox and Minor League Baseball. Bok was quoted in local Malden news reports that there are several owners in the New England region interested in selling a club to him. Malden is located 9 miles from Fenway Park and 28 miles from LeLacheur Park, home of the Lowell Spinners of the NYPL. I would think that both the Red Sox and Spinners would have concerns about another professional baseball team located so close.
Could there be interest in relocating one of NYPL franchises currently for sale to Malden?
There are currently three NYPL teams for sale: Batavia, Auburn, and Aberdeen. Batavia seems the most likely to be sold and relocated. Here’s some background on each team’s situation.
Aberdeen Ironbirds: Back on September 16, 2016, the Baltimore Sun reported that the Ripken brothers were interested in selling a majority interest in the Ironbirds, to focus on their youth baseball initiatives. Since the Ripken’s would remain minority owners, it is unlikely that the Ironbirds would leave Aberdeen.
Auburn Doubledays: The city of Auburn owns the Doubledays. Back in October, 2016, they hired an advisor to help find a buyer who is committed to keeping the franchise in Auburn. The team is reportedly valued at $6 million. Founded in 1957, the team has been a member of the NYPL since 1958. The city took over the team and assumed its debt in 1982 (it was managed by the non-profit Auburn Community Baseball until the recent reorganization). The city advanced an $80,000 line of credit to the team in 2016. In January, 2017, a limited liability corporation was formed to be the manager and operator of the team on behalf of the city. Also in January, the Auburn City Council authorized a $150,000 interest-free loan to the Doubledays. Auburn attendance has increased by 23% over the past three years, averaging 1,427 fans during their 37 home dates in 2016. Their player development contract with the Washington Nationals runs through 2018.
Batavia Muckdogs: Except for 1960, there has been a minor league baseball franchise in Batavia every year since 1939. The Muckdogs were almost sold and relocated last year to a group in Waldorf, Maryland. The sale fell through when they were not granted permission to relocate from the leagues and teams (AA Eastern League, A Carolina League, Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles) that have territorial rights in Waldorf. The Rochester Red Wings (of the AAA International League) operate the Muckdogs. Batavia's attendance has been at or near the bottom of the NYPL over the last several years and averaged only 811 fans during their 37 home dates in 2016. The Muckdogs player development contract with the Miami Marlins expires in 2018.
There have been many relocations in the NYPL since the league was formed in 1939. Only two teams from the 1990 season are still in place - Auburn and Batavia. Every other team from that season has since relocated. The most recent team to relocate was the Jamestown (NY) Jammers (in 2015), who are now the West Virginia Black Bears. The Black Bears play in a beautiful new ballpark and have strong fan support.
I wish Mr. Bok the best of luck with his ballpark project, but I hope that the NYPL teams in Auburn and Batavia stay put. Both cities have rich baseball histories. Minor league baseball belongs in both cities. But Auburn and Batavia are on my road trip list for 2017, just in case it doesn't work out.
Photo credits: greaterbostonballpark.com, Malden Field of Dreams
The Stedler Report is not affiliated with Minor League Baseball or the New-York-Penn League
Friday, January 13, 2017
Adam Winslow Named Auburn Doubledays General Manager
According to a tweet earlier today from Jeremy Houghtaling of The Citizen, Adam Winslow has been named General Manager of the Auburn Doubledays.
Winslow previously served as the Doubledays GM from September, 2011, to May, 2013, when he accepted a sales position with Johnston Paper in Auburn.
Winslow has been working in the Doubledays’ front office since the departure of former GM Mike Voutsinas in December, 2016.
The Stedler Report is not affiliated with Minor League Baseball or the New-York-Penn League.
Winslow has been working in the Doubledays’ front office since the departure of former GM Mike Voutsinas in December, 2016.
The Stedler Report is not affiliated with Minor League Baseball or the New-York-Penn League.
Saturday, January 7, 2017
Board of Directors Appointed by Doubledays
The Citizen (auburnpub.com) reported that on Thursday, January 5, the Auburn city council appointed eight members to the board of directors of Auburn Community Baseball LLC., a city-controlled organization formed by the city of Auburn to assume ownership of the Doubledays.
The city council expressed an interest in interacting with fans at Thursday's meeting. "We're looking at greater community involvement to right the ship financially," Auburn Corporation Counsel John Rossi said according to the article in The Citizen.
The Citizen also reports that Adam Winslow, who served as the Doubledays' general manager between 2011 and 2013, is working in the GM's office for the time being after the resignation of former GM Mike Voutsinas (see January 2, post).
The Stedler Report is not affiliated with Minor League Baseball or the New-York-Penn League.
Monday, January 2, 2017
What’s happening in Auburn with the Doubledays?
There seems to be more questions than answers coming out of Auburn regarding the future of the Doubledays of the New York-Penn League.
An editorial posted at The Citizen website (auburnpub.com) on December 28, 2016, called for a public update on the status of the team. This came a week after it was reported that the Doubledays' General Manager, Mike Voutsinas was out. The editorial asks if the Auburn team is “getting closer to stability or falling further into disrepair”.
Mike Voutsinas’s departure is a complete surprise. He had the franchise headed in the right direction since assuming the General Manager position in January, 2014. In 2015, the team registered its first operational profit in five years. Corporate partnerships were up under his leadership.
In July, 2016, the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce presented its 2016 Small Business of the Year Award to the Doubledays. In September, 2016, the Washington Nationals announced that they had renewed their player development agreement with the Auburn Doubledays through the 2018 season. Also in September, Voutsinas was named the New York-Penn League General Manager of the Year and co-winner of the league's Hon. Robert F. Julian Community & Baseball Service Award. Attendance during the 2016 season was 23% higher than the 2013 season. Voutsinas seemed excited about the future of the franchise in an interview conducted in October, 2016 (see video below). So why the abrupt resignation?
The city of Auburn has owned the team for more than three decades. In November, 2016, the city council formed the city-controlled Auburn Community Baseball LLC to assume ownership and franchise management. The city has been seeking a buyer of the franchise since 2014 with the stipulation that the team would remain in Auburn.
Given the uncertainty of the future of baseball in Auburn, it is on my list of road trips for 2017.
An editorial posted at The Citizen website (auburnpub.com) on December 28, 2016, called for a public update on the status of the team. This came a week after it was reported that the Doubledays' General Manager, Mike Voutsinas was out. The editorial asks if the Auburn team is “getting closer to stability or falling further into disrepair”.
Mike Voutsinas’s departure is a complete surprise. He had the franchise headed in the right direction since assuming the General Manager position in January, 2014. In 2015, the team registered its first operational profit in five years. Corporate partnerships were up under his leadership.
In July, 2016, the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce presented its 2016 Small Business of the Year Award to the Doubledays. In September, 2016, the Washington Nationals announced that they had renewed their player development agreement with the Auburn Doubledays through the 2018 season. Also in September, Voutsinas was named the New York-Penn League General Manager of the Year and co-winner of the league's Hon. Robert F. Julian Community & Baseball Service Award. Attendance during the 2016 season was 23% higher than the 2013 season. Voutsinas seemed excited about the future of the franchise in an interview conducted in October, 2016 (see video below). So why the abrupt resignation?
The city of Auburn has owned the team for more than three decades. In November, 2016, the city council formed the city-controlled Auburn Community Baseball LLC to assume ownership and franchise management. The city has been seeking a buyer of the franchise since 2014 with the stipulation that the team would remain in Auburn.
Given the uncertainty of the future of baseball in Auburn, it is on my list of road trips for 2017.
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