One final post

NOTE- tonight’s game will not be broadcast… moving on-

The home finale is just a underway, and while I’m just a few hours from Burlington, I already miss it. I spent my summer working with the team and spent my days trying to make everything the best that I could make it. To end on a note of a fried laptop is very depressing. I had once said that it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish, but I hope you do not judge me on this finish.

What happened, and why you cannot hear the broadcast tonight:

I set everything up and was counting down to the pregame show (which I thought was going to be great), and went down stairs to check with the other interns to make sure nobody else needed a hand, since I knew we were short a person or two anyway. I made a quick phone call, and when I finished, it was drizzling slightly, and the GM told me there was no rain on the radar….

Moments later the heavens opened up, and the rain came down side ways. I was worried about pulling the tarp and making sure everything else was okay, that I forgot about the press box windows being wide open. By the time I got up there, everything was soaking wet- my laptop, MP3 player, digital audio recorder, not to mention the broadcasting mixer (yes, the new one), and the mic, and everything else in there (papers, notebooks, etc.). Because I start school in just a few days, and need my laptop for things for my job here at school, I wanted to get it turned in to our IT department ASAP, since its still under warranty. I packed my car after I got home last night, and left first thing this morning. I’m now at school, mostly moved in to my apartment, and my roommate and I are working to get everything set up.

It is an unfortunate series of events, but as many have said “[stuff/crap/things/expletive] happens”, and I’ll manage.

This summer for me has been an incredible experience for me, and I hope you’ve enjoyed the ride. I got to live the dream (a different dream than most), and had a blast. From the 21 run, four hour game on the fourth of July, to the back-to-back walk off wins later in the month, it’s all been an adventure.

I’ll always be grateful to Steve Brice, our general manager, the coaching staff at Burlington (Nelson, Bobby, John,Mark), the players, all the other staff (asst gm, interns), and the listeners. Your kind words were always appreciated, and I hope you enjoyed following along all season.

Tuesday night, I go back behind the mic, but in a different context; its back to work at Roanoke College, where I’m settling in for my senior year. At Roanoke, I call games for the athletic department for soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, in addition to hosting a bi-weekly sports entertainment show. I call games for the club ice hockey team, and did some work with ESPN Radio Roanoke in the spring, and may do some things for them this fall as well.

Though I do not have a laptop at the moment, my roommate does, and I have my Blackberry, so  you can reach me more conveniently at nvdesanctis@mail.roanoke.edu with anything. I’m also on Twitter at @DeSanc12. I’ll check he gmail account periodically over the next week, but after that, the blog and gmail account will remain dormant until a new voice is around for 2011.

The voice of the B-Royals in 2010, Brian, was a huge help to me, as were most of the people I came in contact with since stepping into the office in the middle of June.

Thanks again to everyone, and I wish you all the best.

Nick DeSanctis

nvdesanctis@mail.roanoke.edu

…unless you’re Matt Ridings through five innings last night. The righty had his perfect game snapped on a single form the lead off hitter of the inning. Ridings threw six innings, allowing just two hits, and struck out six. I saw this unfolding, but refused to utter the words “no hitter” or “perfect game”, in fear of jinxing him. After the game, I saw that Matt’s dad, Bill (and what looked to be more of his family), was there, making it an even cooler experience for the Western Kentucky University grad. Minor League Baseball called to do a phone interview with him about his start, and wrote about it HERE.

I would look inside the box score, but frankly, I think the box score shows most of the story. Andy Ferguson did load the bases with two outs, but allowed just one run; each team used two pitchers; Michael Antonio got pulled by Nelson Liriano in the third for what I think was a lack of hustle going for a ground ball, but I do not know for sure (Nelson wants his guys to hustle, and if you take a play off, he will notice); Justin Trapp went 0-for-4 with four strike outs, but did walk and come in to score… I think that pretty much sums it up.

It was announced today that Jim Thome has agreed to a trade to the Cleveland Indians from the Twins. As a Phillies fan, I had that small hope that he would land back in the City of Brotherly Love, but knew that it probably would not happen. To me, it’s awesome to see Thome back where he began and in a position to try and help his team to the playoffs. Growing up in New Jersey as a big Phillies fan, I remember seeing his first hit (a triple in the ninth off the wall in left-center field in the season opener against the Pirates at Veterans Stadium— I’m pretty sure that’s it), and always loved watching him play. His interviews always seemed classy, and he was a fan favorite, even getting cheers when he returned wearing a different jersey. Needless to say, Philly fans don’t do that for everyone (Jason Werth comes to mind, and JD Drew, though he never played, was drafted and refused to sign, who is a hated man).

Here in Burlington, Thome is a member of a group of players who have been voted into the Burlington Royals Hall of Fame in 2001. The list is a group of big name players who played with the Burlington Indians at some point in their career. Their names are in on the wall of the third base side of the stadium. In case you haven’t made it out to Burlington Athletic Stadium, here are the plaques:

Steven Gates was the Indians’ broadcaster and director of media relations. He died tragically on Saturday, October 4, 2003, in a hit-and-run accident near Hillsborough, NC. He was 27. His family has established a scholarship fund at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill to honor his memory, and the Royals have designated it as their Official Charity.

Will any of the players from this year’s roster ever made the wall of fame here? Only time will tell.

I mentioned last night about superstitions, and not mentioning Ridings’ no hitter. I had a box of Cracker Jack before the game last night (which I will do again) and in it, the prize (always the best part) was a pencil flag… a small piece of paper with a design on it that you put on your pencil. I figured that it couldn’t hurt, so I put it on… and I guess it’s staying on for tonight’s ballgame.

The players won’t be in until later today, so I’ll do my best to talk to Nelson, and I plan on chatting with Matt Ridings about his start last night. The Best Western Pregame show begins at 6:50 with the first pitch from Nick Graffeo at 7:00. Burlington has won three of four against the Astros this season, and will look to flex their muscle again tonight.

You can see the starting lineup on my Twitter page HERE.

Tomorrow will be my last blog post (and last press release), as I leave after the game to head back to school. I hope you enjoy and have enjoyed the last few, and I’m looking forward to the game tonight. You can reach me for the next few days at burlingtonroyalsradio@gmail.com.

Thanks to Bill Ridings for coming to say hi last night. I’m really glad he enjoyed the broadcast, and glad he was here to see Matt’s outing. We’ll see what Graffeo can do tonight.

Nick

Last night’s debacle left me with little to write about. Johnson City held Burlington to two hits, and every batter, other than Steven Brooks, hitless. The New Jersey native went to school at Wake Forrest and was drafted in the 17^th round in 2010 after a great season with the Demon Deacons that saw him hit .349 with six homers and 39 RBI, while stealing 23 bases. He elected not to sign with the Cubs, and returned to North Carolina for his senior season. The fourth year at Wake Forrest was not his best in terms of hits, as he went just .241 at the plate. Brooks went undrafted this year, and was signed by Kansas City as a free agent. Looking just at batting average, it’s understandable, but as I was looking into his stats, I was surprised. Here are his stat lines from his last two years at Wake:

The big numbers that stood out to me were hits, runs, walks, and stolen bases… let us discuss…

• His average dropped over 100 points, and he had almost 30 less hits, yet he scored just eight less runs.
• In 2011, one of every 11.5 hits was a homer, while in 2010, he went deep every 12.2 at bats.
• He stole seven more bases, and was caught less in 2011 (swiped three bags in a game at Maryland on May 19^th)
• He walked 21 more times in 2011
• While his BA dropped by .108, his on base percentage fell by 40- not nearly a proportional fall
• In 2011, he was slotted in the leadoff spot 14 times, while in 2010 hit there just three times. In his final two seasons, if it wasn’t one of those 17 games, he was batting third in the lineup.

I’m not a journalist looking for reasons or stories, just was browsing and found this interesting. Through 50 rounds of this June’s draft, looking just at the numbers, I would have thought someone would take a chance on him in the later rounds, but the scouts get paid, and I do not. Brooks has had limited playing time this season, and has made the most of it. He’s back in the lineup tonight, as Burlington takes on Greeneville.

With six games left, the Royals need four wins to avoid being the worst team in B-Royals history. The 2008 and 2009 teams both won 44 games.

You can see Burlington’s starting lineup on my Twitter page HERE.

I’ll have tonight’s action beginning with the Best Western Pregame Show at 6:50, with Matt Ridings’ first pitch at 7:00.

Nick

Another tough loss for the B-Royals last night, as they held the lead through seven. Though they’ve lost the first two games of the series, they’ve played well against the first-place Johnson City Cardinals. Adrian Bringas played well at third base, though the box score may not show it, and also had a hot bat, going long for the fifth time this season. His effort last night has him moved up to fifth in the lineup, and the Burlington starting nine (10 with the DH/pitcher, depending on how you look at it) looks a little different. I have it posted on my Twitter HERE (@DeSanc12).

Defensivly, Bringas fielded a bunt barehanded, a play he’s had trouble with this season, but his throw was not in time. In the eighth with a man on second, Tyler Rahmatulla hit a ball down the third base line. Bringas laid out, and had the ball go off his glove, and dribbled away, not allowing the runner to get to third, or score if the ball got past him.

I was talking to my friend Steve who interns with the Blue Rocks (Side note: two friends from high school who played lacrosse together both wind up working with broadcasting within the Kansas City Royals minor league system… somewhat odd, yet cool. He works the board for the radio station and contributes to their pregame show, in addition to sending me a piece every week for Royals Weekly… just wanted to put that out there- big tangent I know) and asked him how Alex Rivers and Tyler Graham were faring. He said he hadn’t heard Rivers’ name in a while and thought he was sent to Kane County, so I decided to take a look at how the call-ups from the B-Royals are faring…

Tyler Graham, called to Wilmington, August 12^th

The righty made the drive up to Delaware, but did not appear in a game for Kansas City’s high-A affiliate. Now with Kane County, Graham has appeared in two games and allowed four earned runs on six hits in four and a third innings.

Alex Rivers, called up to Wilmington, July 27^th

Rivers only appeared in one game with the Blue Rocks before then moving to Kane County. With the Cougars, the former Santa Clara Bronco has appeared in six games, throwing 15.2 innings. He’s allowed four earned runs on 14 hits, while striking out 17.

Jason Mitchell, called up to Kane County, July 21^st

Mitchell has been lights out at Single-A, going 2-0 with a 1.59 ERA in six games, one start. He’s given up just four earned runs in 22.2 innings.

Jovan Pickett, Called up to Kane County, July 17^th

The outfielder has hit .282 with the Cougars, and is second on the team in on base percentage.

Nick Rogers never played in a game with Burlington, after originally being assigned here, and is with Kane County. Catcher Tyler Smith, who started the year with the B-Royals, was moved out to Idaho Falls. He’s appeared in 17 games with the Chuckars and hit .220.

The Cardinals will look for the sweep tonight against the Royals, and you can find the lineup on my Twitter page (see first paragraph).

You can reach me at burlingtonroyalsradio@gmail.com, and I’ll have the Best Western Pregame Show at 6:50 with the first pitch at 7:00.

Nick

(Is that the third Molly Hatchet title I’ve used this year? I think so…)

In case you haven’t heard, and earthquake hit the East coast, and we felt it in our office. The general manager and I were filling out our all-star ballots when we felt the floor and building begin to sway. We walked outside, and within 30 seconds of coming back in, Twitter had exploded, and everyone had something on Facebook about it, not to mention Roanoke College (where I go to school) feels the need to send me play-by-play email updates on the fact that it hit campus and that there are no issues there.

In a picture explaining it all, here’s a look at the devastation in Washington: http://jmckinley.posterous.com/dc-earthquake-devastation

Crazy stuff, huh?

So after talking to some people after the game last night, there was a consensus that Jose Rodriguez was safe at third in the bottom of the ninth, but a number of people also asked why he went in the first place. Regardless, it’s a tough one to swallow for the B-Royals who got a great outing from Eric Cantrell. Tonight should bode interesting as, with Matt Murray is in Kansas City getting a precautionary MRI, Rudy Brown will make his second professional start, first this year. The lefty is 1-3 with a 3.74 ERA in 17 appearances. The record is misleading, as Brown has been one of the better throwers out of the Burlington bullpen.

With the season winding down, it’s time to select the all stars for the Appy League. I have the chance to vote, and have made my selections and handed them in. I am NOT allowed to vote for players on the Royals, where Justin Trapp, Nick Graffeo, and Matt Murray would have gotten my vote. Here is my list:

C- Jake DePew PRN

Caught the most basestealers from behind the plate of any catcher this season

1B- Chase Davidson GRN

I haven’t seen him play, but his numbers are great on a club that has not been

2B- Tyler Rahmatula JC

Despite going 1-or-4 last night, he and Trapp are the only two second basemen I see worthy of a vote, and I can’t vote for Trapp…

3B- Brandon Drury DAN

Second highest BA in the league, led the league in hits, plus eight home runs; Drury is a tough guy to get out

SS- Taylor Motter PRN

Leads the league in batting average, and despite only appearing in 38 games, he’s stolen 20 bases

DH- Will Beckwith DAN

William/Will/Bill/Billy (I’ve heard it all three ways in my trips to Danville from their PA announcer) is a big fella (6’2” 220, though looks about 250) and can move. He stole eight bases, and hit three homers in one game against the B-Royals a few weeks ago (bad memory, I know, but very impressive)

OF- Jamal Austin PUL

Tied with Drury for the second highest BA in the league, I think its deserved

OF- Eddie Rosario ELZ

Tied with Miguel Sano for the league lead in homers with 16…

OF- Joel Caminero

Bats .335, and has six triples, tied for the league lead

RHP- Tim Shibuya ELZ

League leader in SO and IP

LHP- Matthew Spann PRN

2.91 ERA in 12 appearances, good for fifth in the league? Works for me

Relief P- Logan Billbrough JC

We saw Billbrough last night, and he allowed two runs, however has been solid all season, and since I can’t vote Graffeo

U-OF- Christopher Hawkins OF

Tied for the league lead in triples, and fourth in total bases

U-INF- Miguel Sano ELZ

Tied for the league lead in homers, and has six triples… I’ll take it

Player of the Year- Chase Davidson 1B GRN

Numbers like that on a team like the Astros is impressive

Pitcher of the Year- Tim Shibuya ELZ

Some of the best pitchers in the league this season have been called up, but Shibuya has been solid

Manager of the Year- Randy Ingle DAN

The Braves struggled to get to .500 for most of the season, and now look headed for the playoffs, so I give a lot of props to Ingle for his work. Mike Shildt is a worthy candidate as well.

You can let me know your thoughts at burlingtonroyalsradio@gmail.com, or leave a comment with who you would choose.

The Royals wont be at the stadium until much later on today, so I doubt I’ll have the chance to talk to Nelson (or John (hitting coach John Williams) who I tend to use as a fill in for Nelly sometimes), but I’ll see what I can do for a pregame show.

Now that I am in the Twitterverse (as one of my friends calls it), you can follow me at @DeSanc12 and you can also follow the B-Royals (which I update too) at BRoyalsKC.

Nick

Last night Burlington blew two substantial leads. They were up by seven through two at bats, but could not hold back Kingsport, then up by four, when the Mets put up seven runs in the seventh. Kingsport has had the Royals’ number through their five meetings, and will look to sweep the season series today at 5:00 (NOT 6:00).

Last night was the second most combined runs scored by the B-Royals and an opponent this season (July 4^th vs. Danville), and the most runs scored by Burlington this year.

Nick Graffeo gets the nod on the hill tonight. The former closer is 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA in four starts, but 3-2 with a 2.25 ERA overall.

Time to get back to packing up my room, and I’m looking forward to a game on the mic tomorrow night.

Nick

I spent a good part the day in the community escorting Bingo through two community events in Burlington, and since I’ve been out of the habit for most of the week, this skipped my mind. My apologies, and here’s what I have for you today…

With the loss last night, the B-Royals were eliminated from a chance at the playoffs. They, along with Bristol are playing for pride at this point. Talking to the assistant GM here in Burlington, he said that he felt that this year’s team is better than last year’s, at least on paper. There are some great players on this B-Royals team, unfortunately, things haven’t come together. Some players from this team may get chances to play a few games with Idaho Falls, who, while a rookie affiliate like Burlington, plays a few more games at the end of the season.

The B-Royals beat writer, Bob Sutton, wrote a story about Justin Trapp and how he’s come back from a suspension and how he’s gotten to where he is. Its a good read, and you can find it HERE.

I also just discovered THIS article about Derek Hamblen that Bob wrote back on August 2nd.

As I write this, Burlington leads Kingsport in the top of the seventh 12-8, with Michael Antonio going yard twice.

Nick

Back, not in black, but am, in fact, back. I apologize for the lack of posts, the week ended up being quite busy. And with a view like this, let’s be honest, my mind was elsewhere…

No, that is not me on the right, or in the pool

There’s nothing like sitting by the pool with a cold beer and a great view (mountains in the background), not to mention, a group of your best friends. But back to work, then back to school, so as we get back to the grind, the rest of the season’s schedule looks like this:

Tonight through Sunday at Kingsport

Monday through Wednesday at home versus Johnson City

Thursday through Saturday at home versus Greeneville

August 28^th-30^th on the road at Johnson City

It’s not going to be an easy last stretch, and if the Royals lose tonight and Bluefield or Danville wins, Burlington will be eliminated from a playoff spot.

Kingsport swept the B-Royals in Burlington in the last series between these two teams, and the Royals will look for their first win against the Mets tonight. Angel Baez is on the hill, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:00.

Nick

burlingtonroyalsradio@gmail.com