NEW ENGLAND BASEBALL GUIDE NEWS Vol. 1 Issue 7 -- 1998 May 26 =============================== In This Issue ------------- Feature - Northeast League Merges with Northern League Team Updates Editor's Note: We'll return to our usual schedule of publishing on Mondays next week, with the June 1 issue. Feature -- Northeast League Merges with Northern League ======================================================= In an announcement that took nearly everyone by surprise, the Northeast League announced May 21 that it was merging with another independent league in the Midwest, the Northern League, effective next season. On the surface, it sounds like a blockbuster announcement. The Northern League is the granddaddy of modern independent baseball, having fielded teams in the upper Midwest and southern Canada since 1993. Its success caused an explosion of a number of other independent leagues, including the Northeast League, which started play in 1995 and is the region's oldest operating independent league. Combining the premier independent league with a stable independent league in a completely different area should be a significant change, right? Well, maybe not. As the press release that heralded the merger noted, the two leagues will continue to operate as independent entities, although perhaps under different names: the press release suggested that the Northern and Northeast Leagues would become the Midwestern and Eastern Divisions, respectively, of the new Northern League. Each will maintain its own offices and have its own executive directors. Presumably there will be some kind of "inter-league" play, and post-season playoffs, between the two leagues, but details weren't available. The leagues also have to make some accommodation about different rules: the Northern League, like most other minor leagues, uses the designated hitter, while the Northeast League dropped the DH before the 1998 season. So why put the two leagues together? A quote from Northeast League executive director Mike McGuire suggests a reason: "This merger will create more of a national presence for independent baseball and sets the stage for the future growth and development." It may be that the leagues, and in particular Northern Leagues president Miles Wolff, are looking to form an umbrella organization for independent minor league baseball. "This could be the start of an alliance of all of independent baseball; independent baseball will be the growth area of baseball for the 21st century," Wolff said. The affiliated minor leagues already have something to this effect in the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues (NAPBL), which helps coordinate activities among its member leagues, from marketing to running the annual Winter Meetings. Wolff may have something like this in mind. One interesting note: earlier this month, before the merger was announced, Wolff bought the dormant Bangor Blue Ox of the Northeast League, with the league's permission, and announced plans to move the franchise to Quebec City for the 1999 season. It may have just been coincidence, but it may also be good advice: be on the lookout the next time Miles Wolff buys an independent league team. TEAM REPORTS ============ American League - Boston Red Sox -------------------------------- The Red Sox got off to their good start thanks to good pitching, with both a good starting rotation centered around Martinez, Wakefield, and Saberhagen, and a surprising good set of relievers, anchored by closer Tom Gordon. But the Red Sox's troubles in the last week -- losing one of two against the White Sox and getting bombed in two of three against the Yankees -- showed that their run of good pitching may be coming to an end. Some of it was just bad luck: Pedro Martinez will have a bad game ever now and then. However, the struggles of Bret Saberhagen in his recent starts is cause for concern about his surgically-reconstructed arm. If Saberhagen does run into further problems, it leaves just Martinez and Wakefield as strong starters in the rotation: Butch Henry is gone for the season and Brian Rose is on the DL. If the Red Sox think they have a shot for the wild card in the AL East (winning the division is looking increasingly unlikely unless the Yankees falter badly), they may need to think about trading for pitching. Meanwhile, Nomar Garciaparra was eligible to come off the DL on Sunday but has not played yet, although it appears likely he'll be ready by the weekend (he is expected to play in an exhibition Wednesday). Mark Lemke missed several games recovering from a mild concussion after a collision on the basepaths last week, but is okay now. Damon Buford was put on the DL with a strained ligament in his right knee; Trot Nixon was called up from Pawtucket for a game then sent back the next day in exchange for Pawtucket infielder Keith Johns. The Red Sox, currently 29-19 and in 2nd place in the AL East (but 7 games behind New York), wrap up their homestand on Tuesday against Toronto. On Wednesday they play an exhibition game against their Double-A farm club, the Trenton Thunder, in Trenton. The game marks the first time a major-league team has played in New Jersey since the Brooklyn Dodgers played a few games in Jersey City in the mid-1950s. On Thursday the Red Sox go up to New York for a big four-game set against the Yankees. Recent Games: 5/18 - off 5/22 - New York Yankees, 5-4 5/19 - Chicago, 5-9 5/23 - New York Yankees, 3-12 5/20 - Chicago, 6-2 5/24 - New York Yankees, 4-14 5/21 - off 5/25 - Toronto, 5-7 Upcoming Games: 5/26 - Toronto, 7:05p 5/29 - at New York Yankees, 7:35p 5/27 - at Trenton, NJ (exhib.) 5/30 - at New York Yankees, 1:35p 5/28 - at New York Yankees, 7:35p 5/31 - at New York Yankees, 1:35p International League - Pawtucket Red Sox ---------------------------------------- The PawSox got off to a rough start last week, dropping the last game of their road trip in Louisville and getting hammered in their first two games at home against Indianapolis. However, the PawSox turned it around, splitting the series against the Indians and winning the first three games of a series against Louisville. The PawSox lost pitcher Peter Munro and catcher Walt McKeel to injuries last week; Munro with arm problems and McKeel with a lower back injury. The PawSox were without outfielder Trot Nixon for a day when he was called up to Boston and promptly sent back in exchange for infielder Keith Johns. Catcher Richie Borrero, outfielder Keith Mitchell, and infielder Gavin Jackson were called up from Pawtucket. PawSox pitcher Dave Fleming continued his comeback in style Monday, starting against Louisville. He pitched six no-hit innings before running into trouble, but earned the win in the 7-4 PawSox victory. Fleming is now 1-1 in three starts since joining the PawSox earlier this month, in a bid to make it back to the majors. He pitched for the independent Waterbury Spirit in 1997. The PawSox round out the homestand Tuesday against Louisville before traveling to Norfolk for four games over five days (the team gets an off-day Thursday as Norfolk plays its parent club, the New York Mets, in an exhibition.) Recent Games: 5/18 - at Louisville, 2-4 5/22 - Indianapolis, 10-4 5/19 - Indianapolis, 6-18 5/23 - Louisville, 6-4 5/20 - Indianapolis, 4-11 5/24 - Louisville, 8-2 5/21 - Indianapolis, 7-4 5/25 - Louisville, 7-4 Upcoming Games: 5/26 - Louisville, 6:00p 5/29 - at Norfolk, 7:15p 5/27 - at Norfolk, 7:15p 5/30 - at Norfolk, 7:15p 5/28 - off 5/31 - at Norfolk, 1:15p Eastern League - New Britain Rock Cats -------------------------------------- The Rock Cats started the week with a two-game cushion atop the EL's North Division, but lost two of three on the road at Harrisburg, then returned home to drop three of four against Norwich and the first of a three-game series against New Haven. New Britain is now 22-18 and has fallen to third place in the North Division, 2 1/2 games behind Norwich. The Rock Cats hope for better luck at home this week, completing their series against New Haven before hosting Binghamton for four games through the weekend. Recent Games: 5/18 - at Harrisburg, 8-3 5/22 - Norwich, 2-5 5/19 - at Harrisburg, 1-7 5/23 - Norwich, 0-1 5/20 - at Harrisburg, 1-10 5/24 - Norwich, 7-8 5/21 - Norwich, 2-0 5/25 - New Haven, 8-9 Upcoming Games: 5/26 - New Haven, 6:35p 5/29 - Binghamton, 6:35p 5/27 - New Haven, 6:35p 5/30 - Binghamton, 6:35p 5/28 - Binghamton, 6:35p 5/31 - Binghamton, 2:00p Eastern League - New Haven Ravens --------------------------------- The Ravens edged closer to escaping the cellar last week. They won three of four games in Akron, but then lost three of four games at home against Bowie before starting a series in New Britain with a 9-8 win. New Haven, now 17-22, are still in last place in the EL's North Division, 7 games out of first but only a half-game behind the slumping Sea Dogs. The Ravens stay on the road this week but remain in Connecticut, completing a three game series in New Britain before playing three games in Norwich. Recent Games: 5/18 - at Akron, 11-6 5/22 - Bowie, 1-2, 1-5 5/19 - at Akron, 5-4 (12) 5/23 - Bowie, 7-2 5/20 - at Akron, 3-1 5/24 - Bowie, 3-9 5/21 - at Akron 5-6 5/25 - at New Britain, 9-8 Upcoming Games: 5/26 - at New Britain, 6:35p 5/29 - at Norwich, 7:05p 5/27 - at New Britain, 6:35p 5/30 - at Norwich, 1:05p 5/28 - off 5/31 - at Norwich, 1:05p Eastern League - Norwich Navigators ----------------------------------- The Navigators completed their three-week road trip on a high note last week, winning three of five in Trenton and three of four in New Britain before winning their first home game in over three weeks Memorial Day, defeating Trenton. Norwich has moved into first place in the EL's North Division at 25-16, 2 games up on Binghamton and 2 1/2 on New Britain. Norwich remains home this week, completing a three-game series again Trenton (with Wednesday off to accommodate Trenton's home exhibition game against Boston) before hosting New Haven over the weekend. Recent Games: 5/18 - at Trenton, 7-6, 4-9 5/22 - at New Britain, 5-2 5/19 - at Trenton, 3-2, 8-4 5/23 - at New Britain, 1-0 5/20 - at Trenton, 4-5 5/24 - at New Britain, 8-7 5/21 - at New Britain, 0-2 5/25 - Trenton, 7-5 Upcoming Games: 5/26 - Trenton, 6:35p 5/29 - New Haven, 7:05p 5/27 - off 5/30 - New Haven, 1:05p 5/28 - Trenton, 6:35p 5/31 - New Haven, 1:05p Eastern League - Portland Sea Dogs ---------------------------------- The Sea Dogs' woes continued last week. After winning the first game of a series at Binghamton, they proceeded to lose five straight, two at Binghamton and three at Trenton, before winning the final game there and the first game of a three game set at home against Binghamton. Portland, 19-23, is in fourth place in the EL's North Division, 6 1/2 out of first and only a half-game ahead of last-place New Haven. The Sea Dogs hope for better luck at home as they complete a three-game series against Binghamton and another three-game series against Trenton. Recent Games: 5/18 - at Binghamton, 6-5 5/22 - at Trenton, 0-2 5/19 - at Binghamton, 2-8 5/23 - at Trenton, 3-4 5/20 - at Binghamton, 1-6 5/24 - at Trenton, 3-1 5/21 - at Trenton, 6-7 5/25 - Binghamton, 6-5 Upcoming Games: 5/26 - Binghamton, 6:00p 5/29 - Trenton, 6:00p 5/27 - Binghamton, 6:00p 5/30 - Trenton, 1:00p 5/28 - off 5/31 - Trenton, 1:00p Atlantic League - Bridgeport Bluefish ------------------------------------- The Bluefish got off to a strong start, winning their first five games of the season, all at home against Newark. After falling behind 3-0 in the opener, they scored 6 in the 4th inning in route to a 8-4 win. Three Bluefish pitchers combined for a one-hitter the next night. Bridgeport scored three in the bottom of the 8th on Saturday to win 5-2, but needed no such help Sunday in a 14-0 rout. The five-game series ended in a 5-3 win for the Bluefish. Bridgeport remains home this week (their first road game isn't until June 9) playing three against Nashua and three again against Newark. Recent Games: 5/21 - Newark, 8-4 5/24 - Newark, 14-0 5/22 - Newark, 9-1 5/25 - Newark, 5-3 5/23 - Newark, 5-2 Upcoming Games: 5/26 - Nashua, 7:05p 5/29 - Newark, 7:05p 5/27 - Nashua, 7:05p 5/30 - Newark, 7:05p 5/28 - Nashua, 7:05p 5/31 - Newark, 1:05p Atlantic League - Nashua Pride ------------------------------ The Nashua Pride can be proud of their opening series, winning three of four at home against the Newburgh Black Diamonds. The Pride rallied to win the opener 5-4 after falling behind 4-1 early on, and routed the Black Diamonds the next night, with four RBI's from former major-leaguer Felix Jose. After dropping Saturday's game, the Pride scored two in the bottom of the ninth Sunday for a 5-4 win. The Pride go on the road to Bridgeport for three games Tuesday through Thursday before returning home for three against the Somerset (NJ) Patriots. The Patriots are playing the entire 1998 season on the road while their home park is under construction. Recent Games: 5/21 - Newburgh, 5-4 5/24 - Newburgh, 5-4 5/22 - Newburgh, 11-1 5/25 - off 5/23 - Newburgh, 2-5 Upcoming Games: 5/26 - at Bridgeport, 7:05p 5/29 - Somerset, 7:05p 5/27 - at Bridgeport, 7:05p 5/30 - Somerset, 7:05p 5/28 - at Bridgeport, 7:05p 5/31 - Somerset, 1:05p Northeast League - Massachusetts Mad Dogs ----------------------------------------- The Massachusetts Mad Dogs begin their third season, and second in the Northeast League, on the road for three games in Allentown starting Friday. It's the first time the team has started the season on the road. The team released its roster for the beginning of the season this week. Four players from last year's Mad Dogs team will be back in 1998: pitchers Gardner O'Flynn and Jay Murphy and infielders Essex Burton and Felix Colon. Murphy and Colon have been with the team since its first season two years ago. Three Northeast League alumni are also on the squad: catcher Willy Kingsbury (Bangor), infielder Duane Stelly (Allentown), and reliever Mike Macone (Bangor). Upcoming Games: 5/29 - at Allentown, 7:05p 5/30 - at Allentown, 7:05p 5/31 - at Allentown, 2:05p Northeast League - Waterbury Spirit ----------------------------------- The Waterbury Spirit kick off their second season Friday night at home as they host the league's newest team, the expansion New Jersey Jackals, for a three-game series. The team is currently making some final adjustments to its roster and playing several exhibition games against local semi-pro teams. The team will likely be without the services of third baseman Mike Miller at the beginning of the season with a right hand injury. Upcoming Games: 5/29 - New Jersey, 7:05p 5/30 - New Jersey, 7:05p 5/31 - New Jersey, 2:05p New York-Penn League - Lowell Spinners -------------------------------------- season begins in mid-June New York-Penn League - Pittsfield Mets -------------------------------------- season begins in mid-June New York-Penn League - Vermont Expos ------------------------------------ season begins in mid-June End of the 1998 May 26 issue of NEBG News ========================================= To unsubscribe, mail majordomo@klx.com with 'unsubscribe nebg-news' in the body of the message.