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Post by moose on May 7, 2013 7:52:02 GMT 10
Hey Stu, can you remember that American Coach's name that did 3rd base last season?
Was watching a Cleveland game over the weekend and thought that he was coaching their 1st base started with a "S". Possibly Sauhbach (?)
Neil W
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Post by oldmanriver on May 7, 2013 8:00:50 GMT 10
Nate Shurholtz. Spelling might be wrong.
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Post by stuartcapel on May 7, 2013 8:35:46 GMT 10
It was Jonathan Schuerholz, and he's still in the Atlanta set-up, as manager of the Danville Braves.
I think Nate Schierholz plays for the Chicago Cubs
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Post by stuartcapel on May 7, 2013 15:09:15 GMT 10
Has a new Assistant GM joined the Aces as yet? hey Stu Happened to be in the area so dropped in to Melbourne Ballpark today. Met the new (month in the job) Asst GM and his name is Jordan Iannuzzi and is from New Jersey. He was happy for a chat. Last year he was the National Sponsorship Executive with the ABL. Glad to hear the rumours are true, but it does leave me wondering as to why there's been nothing mentioned about it from the club. Rosanne was a most important cog in the front office and seemed to often go above and beyond what was required. Surely some communication in regards Jordan is required to let people know that things are happening at the club. Following a dismal season in which the average attendance fell to the lowest in the league and on field we fell to the lowest point possible on the ladder, surely the club should be promoting everything it can in order for it to be seen as being proactive and looking to improve on what happened in 2012-13. I write this, having just received the Adelaide Bite newsletter, in which GM Nathan Davison notes staff who have left and staff who have come on board. My last email from the Aces was in regards the golf day, and was sent over three months on January 29th.
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Post by Goblin on May 7, 2013 17:56:10 GMT 10
hey Stu Happened to be in the area so dropped in to Melbourne Ballpark today. Met the new (month in the job) Asst GM and his name is Jordan Iannuzzi and is from New Jersey. He was happy for a chat. Last year he was the National Sponsorship Executive with the ABL. Glad to hear the rumours are true, but it does leave me wondering as to why there's been nothing mentioned about it from the club. Rosanne was a most important cog in the front office and seemed to often go above and beyond what was required. Surely some communication in regards Jordan is required to let people know that things are happening at the club. Following a dismal season in which the average attendance fell to the lowest in the league and on field we fell to the lowest point possible on the ladder, surely the club should be promoting everything it can in order for it to be seen as being proactive and looking to improve on what happened in 2012-13. I write this, having just received the Adelaide Bite newsletter, in which GM Nathan Davison notes staff who have left and staff who have come on board. My last email from the Aces was in regards the golf day, and was sent over three months on January 29th. Wholeheartedly agree, Roseanne will be sorely missed as she was someone you was prepared to go above and beyond, no matter what was asked of her. On behalf of many I offer the best of wishes to Rosanne in her next endeavors.
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Post by moose on May 8, 2013 6:38:12 GMT 10
Enjoyed speaking with Her on the many occasions that we spoke. Nothing was too much trouble for her to do. At seasons end she made no effort to disguise the fact she was ready to go back home and start afresh. Will be sorely missed I think.
Neil W
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Post by stuartcapel on May 15, 2013 11:24:54 GMT 10
Today marks day 108 since the Aces played their season finale over in Perth. Since that time, the Aces website has released one piece of internal content, a recap of the awards night. Granted, there has been some other content included on the website, however that is effectively league generated, rather than sources straight from the confines of Melbourne BallPark.
Since the game against Perth, the club has bid farewell to Rosanne Tarrant, the Assistant GM, who was across everything and anything associated with the club. A couple of forum members have previously noted the standard of job Rosanne did for the club, so it's certainly not just my opinion. I recall a time last year where, cautious about the seating at MBP, three of us asked to have a seat viewing one cold winter's night at the stadium after hours. There to greet us was Rosanne, along with Marianna. Such attention to detail was most appreciated.
Following such service, a short piece on the website, firstly as a gesture of thanks to Rosanne, and to keep the website moving should have been completed at an absolute minimum, however the website has effectively laid dormant in regards Aces-specific content. Further, the club has apparently welcomed a new Assistant GM in Jordan Iannuzzi, however again, no mention of this on the club website, despite it being a relatively important appointment.
For three seasons, we've seen the Aces front office effectively surround the club in cloak and dagger. For some reason, the powers that be tend to only want to volunteer information only when either pressed for it, or when its absolutely necessary, and even then, it's at the bare minimum.
A quick status update for the Melbourne Aces, albeit a simplistic one, does not make for good reading. Attendance dropped yet again. On field performance saw the club register it's third straight losing season (on the back of winning the Claxton Shield the season before the new ABL returned), and finish at the bottom of the table, with the second worst record of any team over the course of three seasons (and so bad was the other team, the ABL gave it 17 imports in order to make it competitive).
So, to keep people interested (and some members did rejoin back in January) and up to date with the club, the people associated with it, both home and overseas (we did get the occasional performance update of players overseas last year), the club has so far done...nothing!
Sadly, it seems early indications suggest we are destined for season four of smoke and mirrors when it comes to information, and given the lack of willfully provided information, it does leave you open to wondering what is being done behind the scenes in order to show the Melbourne sporting public that last year's on field record won't be tolerated and that improvement is forthcoming. Other teams are at least giving the outward appearance that they are actually working towards next season. Right now, the Aces appear to be counting paper clips, and enuring the packet of pencils in the cupboard are all sharpened.
I challenge the Aces to come out with either a newsletter or a website update by the end of the week to give people some sort of recognition that the club is working towards turning the place around. Start acting like a professional organisation, get off your rear ends and start getting the job you've taken on, done!
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Post by lonewolf75 on May 15, 2013 11:37:32 GMT 10
Hey Stu, How does the Aces media machine compare to the other clubs over the last 108 days. With the Cav having soooo many imports do they keep the information and fan engagement going since they have minimal home grown stars to follow. I have found your player updates interesting but would have loved to have been able to get updates on what my Aces players are upto even if it is just in the local winter league. Would that give aces fans a chance to go down to local clubs to see their favorite player up close.
Who is management answerable to? Is it the league, or ultimately the MLB?
I look at all the articles in the paper lately about the ice hockey and I am concerned about our league when the club cant even pass on information to those people already engaged let alone growing the brand.
I hate to say it, I dont have much faith ATM in the Aces front office and where they are heading.
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Post by stuartcapel on May 15, 2013 15:28:18 GMT 10
Am sure someone has a definitive list as to which Aces players are playing where in the various winter leagues around the traps. Anyone care to volunteer?
Lets look at the past month Lonewolf - no facebook updates, no newsletters, no website updates and half a dozen tweets with little to no information (the Mothers Day one - a nice touch however). Every other club has been more proactive than that. Perth recently won the Administration of the Year in the ABL. Check their website out and how vibrant it is. It even has links to 13/14 memberships. The Aces still promote 12/13 in their banner.
When you have people who have already paid to be a member nine months in advance, the club is honour bound to treat them as stake holders, and not cash cows. Just to give out some information to demonstrate things are indeed happening and that there's some activity at the club.
Sadly Lonewolf, I recall a quote attributed to Albert Einstein, who defined insanity as:
"doing something over and over expecting different results"
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Post by mc15 on May 15, 2013 16:08:25 GMT 10
Gez Stu... After not hearing anything for so long, I just assumed the team had folded. I pray to the baseball gods that Baseball Australia aren't pipping their hopes on the success of the ABL with the Ace's amazing ability to generate exposure and excitement...
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Post by texasleaguer on May 15, 2013 18:01:55 GMT 10
Today marks day 108 since the Aces played their season finale over in Perth. Since that time, the Aces website has released one piece of internal content, a recap of the awards night. Granted, there has been some other content included on the website, however that is effectively league generated, rather than sources straight from the confines of Melbourne BallPark. Since the game against Perth, the club has bid farewell to Rosanne Tarrant, the Assistant GM, who was across everything and anything associated with the club. A couple of forum members have previously noted the standard of job Rosanne did for the club, so it's certainly not just my opinion. I recall a time last year where, cautious about the seating at MBP, three of us asked to have a seat viewing one cold winter's night at the stadium after hours. There to greet us was Rosanne, along with Marianna. Such attention to detail was most appreciated. Following such service, a short piece on the website, firstly as a gesture of thanks to Rosanne, and to keep the website moving should have been completed at an absolute minimum, however the website has effectively laid dormant in regards Aces-specific content. Further, the club has apparently welcomed a new Assistant GM in Jordan Iannuzzi, however again, no mention of this on the club website, despite it being a relatively important appointment. For three seasons, we've seen the Aces front office effectively surround the club in cloak and dagger. For some reason, the powers that be tend to only want to volunteer information only when either pressed for it, or when its absolutely necessary, and even then, it's at the bare minimum. A quick status update for the Melbourne Aces, albeit a simplistic one, does not make for good reading. Attendance dropped yet again. On field performance saw the club register it's third straight losing season (on the back of winning the Claxton Shield the season before the new ABL returned), and finish at the bottom of the table, with the second worst record of any team over the course of three seasons (and so bad was the other team, the ABL gave it 17 imports in order to make it competitive). So, to keep people interested (and some members did rejoin back in January) and up to date with the club, the people associated with it, both home and overseas (we did get the occasional performance update of players overseas last year), the club has so far done...nothing! Sadly, it seems early indications suggest we are destined for season four of smoke and mirrors when it comes to information, and given the lack of willfully provided information, it does leave you open to wondering what is being done behind the scenes in order to show the Melbourne sporting public that last year's on field record won't be tolerated and that improvement is forthcoming. Other teams are at least giving the outward appearance that they are actually working towards next season. Right now, the Aces appear to be counting paper clips, and enuring the packet of pencils in the cupboard are all sharpened. I challenge the Aces to come out with either a newsletter or a website update by the end of the week to give people some sort of recognition that the club is working towards turning the place around. Start acting like a professional organisation, get off your rear ends and start getting the job you've taken on, done! GOLD Post Stu, someone from ACES I hope reads this and gets you on board for next season, CU In Brissy ( When,Where still TBA )
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Post by moose on May 16, 2013 8:02:28 GMT 10
All I can say is Thank God for the Indians.... Cleveland that is!!
Local interest absolutely zero ATM.
The old saying ........ "The more things change, the more things STAY THE SAME applies here I think.
Unfortunately Stu you are correct re the Einstein quote.
If things run to schedule aka the past 3 years we should be about to have some drama about our ground or availability or some excuse to cloak the fact that little if any preparation has seemingly been done towards the coming season that has been made public. If not then there is no excuse for a repeat of last season, none whats so ever IMHO
Neil W
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Post by highball on May 17, 2013 4:02:45 GMT 10
I thought I might add my meagre contribution to discussion on the ABL: When it was announced that the ABL would go ahead after years of speculation there was general euphoria in baseball circles and for a variety of reasons. My reading at the time was that the competition would; 1) replace the interstate Claxton Shield Comp (ie best of club ball players) 2) provide a development path for young players 3) provide an off-season comp (alternate location to Central America etc) for recovering o/s players or those that needed additional experience. My recollection of what I thought at that time was that the ABL would fill a void in the development pathway of many young players. With the Claxton being mostly experienced seniors and with only a couple of 16/17 yr olds being signed each year it meant previously that stepping out of the U18s for most was like stepping into the wilderness. Claxton selection seemed too distant. In due course most turned their back on the game and joined their non playing mates in the pub on Sat nights. With the ACES willing to give opportunity to young non-signed players there has been an emergence of a number of late bloomers who have given hope to others who thought their aspirations were finished at the end of the U18s. For the first time in 15 years I have detected a change in attitude of U18s players towards life after juniors. The problem for ABL organisers is how to balance the 3 points above and maintain a reasonable standard. If there is greater focus on o/s players then obviously local development is diminished and conversely a high proportion of young Aussies and the game standard drops. We have seen the imbalance between Victoria and the ACT. The obvious solution is to distribute young players across all teams thus spreading the development load. Something the ABL should look at.
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Post by highball on May 17, 2013 4:09:15 GMT 10
KC, may have the above on the wrong thread - feel free to move it
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Post by moose on May 17, 2013 8:46:49 GMT 10
Good post Highball and subject matter that many here also have alluded to during last season when it became obvious to all ABL supporters, of the Cavalry stacking of overseas players allowed, nay encouraged, by the ABL.
At that point IMHO your belief of what the ABL stood for went out the window and now the genie is out of the bottle. Expect to see more Import players in the other teams in an effort to stay competitive with both Perth and Canberra.
The worry for me is that we (The Aces) will follow down the same old path that we have since the rebirth of the ABL with the same results as last season. AS Stu (The statistician) reminds us, every season has been sub .500, even the season we came 2nd! I worry just how many will bother to come and watch the Aces play this year after last season.
Other than that we are in good shape!!!
Neil W
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Post by Deleted on May 17, 2013 20:30:41 GMT 10
Welcome aboard, highball. There is no problem at all with where you have posted this message. It refers to issues that should be of interest to the entire baseball community since the success or otherwise of the ABL has implications at all levels. In considering the matters that you have raised, it might be useful for people to look back at some of the underpinning principles of the Australian Baseball League. 1. MLB and the ABF made an initial commitment for five years. Even then, they spoke of “financial challenges”, with the ABL forecast to make “significant losses over the first few years”. In that respect the league appears on target! 2. It was planned for the ABL to ultimately become a 60-game season. How that will be received, and how it will impact on grassroots baseball and timing of the season has yet to be resolved. 3. At the start the plan was for expansion teams to be included after “a few successful seasons”, though the league has not made it clear what will constitute “successful seasons”. So entry of teams from Gold Coast, Newcastle and Geelong, for instance, could still be a long way off – if it happens at all. 4. From the start, the stated emphasis by MLB was that “this league exists primarily to develop young Australian professionals”, with the addition of some amateurs and former professionals. More of that later. 5. According to the league charter, players will be allowed to play for teams outside of the state in which they live. More of that later too. 6. Clubs will be allowed imports (as sanctioned by MLB and the ABL). The majority of players, though, would be “Australian nationals playing professional baseball”. League start-up principles are fully outlined in the following document that fell off the back of a truck during 2009. If any of these principles have changed, then the league should make that clear as we enter a fourth year of competition. www.geelongassociation.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/geelongassociation/downloads/ABL_Basic_Player_Information.pdfhighball, you are quite right in identifying the challenges that the ABL faces in meeting its stated objectives. It may be that those challenges cannot be fully met during what is a unique off-season competition - for many or even most of the players. However, there are arguably some strategies that can be employed for the ABL to honour its commitments, to deliver baseball of an increasingly high standard, to engage spectators and to provide a real opportunity and a pathway for our young players. First, the ABL could restrict its professional playing personnel to current players attached to a Major League organisation, to Asian leagues and to “young Australian professionals”. While Indy Ball players might clearly have the skills and the motivation to play in the league, ageing journeymen should arguably not be playing in preference to our emerging young players – whether those youngsters are contracted or not. I know that not everyone agrees with this, but Melbourne Aces – despite its serious front office failings – did more to give the kids an opportunity than any other club last summer, even though it placed a significant reliance on Indy Ball players while a few capable kids waited in the wings. The ABL is never going to attract high-profile existing MLB players. The ABL is never going to be a quasi Major League competition in the southern hemisphere. However, given the financial stake that MLB has in the ABL, it is reasonable that clubs should be able to send players here who are just short of the top level, or who are rehabilitating. We just may have to accept that the likes of pitchers Arneson and Hirsh – on limited mound time – will be designated for duty Down Under. Clubs will simply need to work around that and apply players of quality (such as those two guys) to other promotional and mentoring tasks to help benefit the club and the league. While some of the Asian imports of the first three seasons provided great value (for the Aces especially), there is too much disruption involved in replacing those players in the New Year. Either a full-season commitment should be negotiated, or maybe we simply say thanks but no thanks. The generous import concession granted to Canberra last season was telling, and in hindsight it was excessive and arguably in contravention of the ABL’s own start-up principles. The import situation needs to be tightened up, so that there is a maximum number who can be employed from season to season with greater concessions given to those clubs who finished in the bottom group of teams. To honour the league’s start-up principles and to give our own young players a serious shot (whether signed or unsigned), each club should be required to have a minimum of players on its roster under a set age (let’s say eight players under 21, for the sake of argument). If a club (such as Canberra) does not have that number of players either as young professionals or in its domestic competition, then it would be able to draft them from other states – in the same way that any club can draw older players from another organisation. The complications there, of course, would relate to travelling, accommodation and possibly study commitments. It would need to be worked around and would in the initial stages require an inventory of available younger players to be drawn up prior to each season. The ABL, ABF and state associations and baseball supporters need to get together and decide what it is that we want from this league. If we think it can give us a Major League Baseball hit during our southern summer then we are sadly mistaken. If we reckon, though, that it can deliver a competitive league in which older or emerging international professionals can play alongside our developing youngsters – whether contracted or not – then the mix is achievable and success will come where it is a reasonably level playing field. It would help, also, if areas of waste were addressed. The ABL Charter speaks of three coaches and managers being designated to, and paid for by each club. Melbourne Aces certainly does not need ten, or twelve (whether paid or not) as it certainly does not need dancing girls and some of the other crap that appears to take precedence over what really matters – which includes utilising management, communication and playing resources to be the very best that we can. There has been precious little discussion about the ABL (and the Aces) on these pages recently. People know that this new league is at the crossroads. I sense that they are waiting on leadership and direction being provided by the league and by club management. People want - and need - to be enthused, inspired and carried along by this ambitious ABL project that is into a crucial fourth year yet appears to be paddling in a range of areas. There are paid employees entrusted with managing and developing the Australian Baseball League and Australian baseball more generally. Let’s hear some sense from them, for a change, instead of us same old punters on this humble Forum offering our chins for a free whack.
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Post by highball on May 17, 2013 22:10:40 GMT 10
Gee KC, I didn't mean for you to miss dinner to write the last post! Good that you did though. I for one haven't kept up, so it is good to have that eloquently potted history. It has spawned a few questions. Has the ABL ever entertained a draft for the U21s? Could the over zealous recruiting by the ACT of o/s players be attributed to the ABL sensing a slide in local interest? As for playing for an interstate team you are right in that it could be expensive for a young guy particularly the accommodation. You would hope the clubs could work something out. There is also the inability to earn a few extra bucks at the local video store in the study off-season. Mind you, still a lot less expensive than a US college stint. It would be good to see a coherent and logical development path for young players culminating in ABL selection and then signing - give them experience, a local qualification under HECS whilst living at home and saving $. What equivalent level is ABL considered? (Div 1 / Div 2 college, and minors).
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Post by Deleted on May 17, 2013 22:41:46 GMT 10
No, I didn't miss dinner, highball. I was served up the usual.......hot tongue and cold shoulder.
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Post by highball on May 18, 2013 0:25:33 GMT 10
L U C K E E you! Been a while since I've eaten out also. Back to bis. Is there a thread that has or does analyse the development system? Particularly the US experience.
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Post by moose on May 18, 2013 7:59:16 GMT 10
KC As a spectator and follower of the ABL I for one have never expected the MBL or that level here in Oz. If that's what I want then I fly over there or , more practically, watch it on MLB.TV
What I do want to watch though is a reasonable standard of Baseball above that I could see at club ball.
I want to watch competitive games where all teams have equal or reasonable opportunity for success.
A league not apparently slanted towards NSW teams or so Sydney centric.
Draws that are equatable to all involved.
ABL Clubs less secretive in their dealings, recruitment's, hopes and aspirations than the KGB.
Fan involvement in the ABL, especially here.
Neil W
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Post by bmw21408 on May 18, 2013 9:27:29 GMT 10
There's no way to know this, but what I would like to know is have any guys not playing in there home state contacted other teams? I know Richard Olson (?) Is from Syd, but played in Adelaide last season. How many others at least tried/contacted teams interstate to get a game or tryout? Lets not forget to, that the ABL is the top level here for Aust. Baseball, so young players (ALL players) need to earn there spot on a club too - and not have it gift wrapped. Guys 17-19 (or whatever) have the MLB Academy to aid there development. If these kids are good enough, they will get game time right? I'd be more worried about the 20-25 yr old guys that are late bloomers.
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Post by highball on May 18, 2013 11:25:11 GMT 10
bmw21408, share your sentiment exactly. Development has for too long been like a sausage factory where only those young guys that have a type A growth path or Type B and grow early that get into the MLB Academy, and when it was going the VIS program, State Teams and get signed at 16 / 17. Type B late developers and type C don't get a look in and are essentially ignored by the system. That's why it is hugely important that pathways are also created for those who up until recently been left out in the cold. God knows how many high value players never reached their potential until after the U18s and disappeared into the fog.
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Post by 3up3down on May 18, 2013 12:46:41 GMT 10
Looking at the constant attrition of young signed players, it's not such a bad thing to be seemingly left behind at an early age. If the talent and the money/opportunity is sought, college suits those "left behind"
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Post by highball on May 18, 2013 13:45:22 GMT 10
I agree 3u3d, it would be interesting to see stats on the number of early signees and late signees (20+) that go beyond say class A. The problem with the college option is that the expense is loaded onto parents even if a part or full scholarship is involved. The costs I've been hearing can be quite hefty. Those that get signed early have a signing bonus and usually a college scholarship thrown in, so parents aren't financially burdened, or at least shouldn't be. So, the 2 scenarios are vastly different and that's why for many college is not an option. Given that those who sign later seem to go further in the minors then wouldn't it be logical to develop a cost effective pathway that keeps them here longer until they are signed? Barring that, maybe the MLB Clubs could run an identification program based on growth development factors (and it can be done) then foot the college bill for those that look promising and re-assess down the track ie sign or release. Adopt either of those ways and no one misses out. Tracking from U12 to U18 will provide all the information needed to determine which growth path a player is on (simple if you know what to look for). If you have this information at your disposal then proper projections can be made on the basis of where a player is in the growth path combined with ability assessed at common growth points. For instance there are 3 points 6 months apart (I've dubbed them B1, B2, B3 - doesn't stand for banana either) that every young guy goes through, however some hit B1 at their 15th birthday others as late as their 19th birthday. So comparing at those points and disregarding their age means that a proper projection can be made. If you are still awake after reading that and your not thinking this guy is bananas then well done. I might add the above is only a slither of the total picture, a bit like looking at one segment of a strand of DNA.
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Post by aces02 on May 19, 2013 21:46:43 GMT 10
Today marks day 108 since the Aces played their season finale over in Perth. Since that time, the Aces website has released one piece of internal content, a recap of the awards night. Granted, there has been some other content included on the website, however that is effectively league generated, rather than sources straight from the confines of Melbourne BallPark. Since the game against Perth, the club has bid farewell to Rosanne Tarrant, the Assistant GM, who was across everything and anything associated with the club. A couple of forum members have previously noted the standard of job Rosanne did for the club, so it's certainly not just my opinion. I recall a time last year where, cautious about the seating at MBP, three of us asked to have a seat viewing one cold winter's night at the stadium after hours. There to greet us was Rosanne, along with Marianna. Such attention to detail was most appreciated. Following such service, a short piece on the website, firstly as a gesture of thanks to Rosanne, and to keep the website moving should have been completed at an absolute minimum, however the website has effectively laid dormant in regards Aces-specific content. Further, the club has apparently welcomed a new Assistant GM in Jordan Iannuzzi, however again, no mention of this on the club website, despite it being a relatively important appointment. For three seasons, we've seen the Aces front office effectively surround the club in cloak and dagger. For some reason, the powers that be tend to only want to volunteer information only when either pressed for it, or when its absolutely necessary, and even then, it's at the bare minimum. A quick status update for the Melbourne Aces, albeit a simplistic one, does not make for good reading. Attendance dropped yet again. On field performance saw the club register it's third straight losing season (on the back of winning the Claxton Shield the season before the new ABL returned), and finish at the bottom of the table, with the second worst record of any team over the course of three seasons (and so bad was the other team, the ABL gave it 17 imports in order to make it competitive). So, to keep people interested (and some members did rejoin back in January) and up to date with the club, the people associated with it, both home and overseas (we did get the occasional performance update of players overseas last year), the club has so far done...nothing! Sadly, it seems early indications suggest we are destined for season four of smoke and mirrors when it comes to information, and given the lack of willfully provided information, it does leave you open to wondering what is being done behind the scenes in order to show the Melbourne sporting public that last year's on field record won't be tolerated and that improvement is forthcoming. Other teams are at least giving the outward appearance that they are actually working towards next season. Right now, the Aces appear to be counting paper clips, and enuring the packet of pencils in the cupboard are all sharpened. I challenge the Aces to come out with either a newsletter or a website update by the end of the week to give people some sort of recognition that the club is working towards turning the place around. Start acting like a professional organisation, get off your rear ends and start getting the job you've taken on, done! I have actually been in contact with the organisation about this very issue, we are getting left behind on the media/social media side of things and it can be improved very easily with some quality content and new fresh ideas..
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Post by stuartcapel on May 20, 2013 11:12:30 GMT 10
Aces02 I'd suggest we have been left behind in the communication stakes. Since my post last week, I've also had emails from the Perth Heat and Canberra Cavalry, while I have seen Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane all active on social media. We are totally inactive at present, and as such, cannot honestly lay claim to being 'professional'.
What I am about to post is something that took me a couple of hours to compile. It's slightly long in length (apologies to those who prefer short columns), however given the time that has elapsed, plenty has gone on overseas with some current and former Aces players.
For some of the Japanese information, I'd like to credit and say a big thanks to Anthony Pang, a member of the Aces 'Hangar' who enjoys following the Japanese NPB and NI-Gun competitions.
(If I have missed a player, if you could please message me, along with a link to some numbers or the competition they are in and I will happily put something together on them)
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Post by stuartcapel on May 20, 2013 11:16:54 GMT 10
ACES ABROAD
Travis Blackley continues to perform well for the Houston Astros, with his ERA now sitting at 3.60. Opponents are hitting just .196 off him, and there are some looking at the Houston rotation and believing that Travis could break into the rotation some time soon. Following an excellent 2012, Andrew Russell looked poised to contend for a spot in the Atlanta Braves bullpen in 2013, but struggled at AAA Gwinnett, posting 2-4 2sv 4.58era numbers, while his WHIP (Walks + Hits / Innings Pitched) ratio of 1.95 was the fourth worst of any pitcher with fifteen or more innings thrown in the International League. Demoted last week to AA Mississippi, Andrew has responded in the manner his coaches would have liked, registering the win in his first outing and throwing a scoreless innings (with two strike outs) on Friday. At the MLB level, Atlanta has run into some bullpen problems in a hurry. Reliever Eric O’Flaherty has a torn ulner collateral ligament, an injury for which fellow Braves lefty Jonny Venters just had surgery for. Further, Jordan Walden was placed on the Disabled List on Friday with right shoulder inflammation. This could lead to Andrew being promoted back to Gwinnett in the near future. Having been with the Twins for several years, it’s hard to sometimes remember James Beresford is just 24 years of age, however the Waverley junior has begun the season well at AA New Britain, hitting .341-0-12-3, and is hitting over .330 against both left and right handed pitching. Traditionally a middle infielder, James has also played a touch of third base for the Rock Cats this season. A solid season with the Aces saw John Hussey decide to rejoin the San Diego Padres organisation following some reported interest from other MLB clubs. John started the season at A level with Fort Wayne, positing impressive 2-0 1.59era 0.82whip numbers for the Tin Caps, before being promoted to A+ ball, where in his first start, he came up against rehabbing Los Angeles Dodgers RHP Zack Greinke. In his two starts for the Lake Elsinore Storm, John has given up thirteen runs, all of them earned. Carlo Testa broke a hand upon returning to the USA and required surgery following his season with the Jet Couriers Melbourne Aces, and is listed on the Disabled List for Kansas City’s AA affiliate, the NorthWest Arkansas Naturals. Testa has just commenced his comeback back via extended spring training. Dominant out of the bullpen in season 2012-13, the New York Yankees would have expected a solid year from Zach Arneson, however the self proclaimed ‘Assassin’ has really struggled in his past three outings for the A+ Tampa Yankees, giving up 11 hits, 6 walks and allowing 11 runs, 9 of them earned, in his past 3.1 innings pitched. This has seen his numbers blow out to 1-1 10.22era with an alarming 2.39whip. Most Aces fans could be forgiven for not remembering the name Jacob Sheldon-Collins, who played one game for the club back in season one, however the son of former Australian player and Waverley Reds legend Matthew Sheldon-Collins is also overseas, and playing with Iowa Western Community College. Sheldon-Collins has enjoyed a solid season to date with the Reivers, winning All-Region 1st Team Honours as the team won its ninth consecutive regional title. Leading the team in runs, hits and sacrifices, and third in average, RBI and steals, Jacob has posted impressive .368-1-33-10 numbers. People in Victorian baseball may also recognise the name James Darcy, who is a teammate of Jacob’s at Iowa Western. James has been one of the teams leading pitcher, compiling a 8-1 1.37era 1.00whip. There’s no doubt Dominic Ramos was a real fan favourite of the Aces fans in 2011-12, and the middle infielder joined the Atlantic League (independent level) expansion team SugarLand Skeeters last season, and has stayed with the team for the 2013 season. So far this season, the Skeeters have been on a tear, with their 23-5 record leading the Freedom Division, with Ramos, not a player known for his power, hitting .253-4-25-3, with his twenty-five RBI’s good for second in the entire league. Not surprisingly, Dominic has done whis while posting excellent defensive numbers too, being just one of two infielders to post one error or less through the first twenty five games of the season. Recently profiled by the ABL’s Stateside Sitdown, Jason Hirsh would have been disappointed with how his 2011-12 Aces campaign ended, when he came off injured during a start in Brisbane against the Bandits. Having missed Israel’s World Baseball Classic campaign through injury, Jason turned to independent league ball as an option to continue his career, and linked with the Amarillo Sox in the American Association, where he is the number three starter in a rotation that also features Jason Johnson, who played with 9 MLB teams during his career. Hirsh made his Amarillo debut yesterday against the El Paso Diablos, giving up hits to the first four hitters he faced, before settling down and aside from an error by his third baseman, Hirsh retired every other hitter he faced in his four innings on the hill. Speaking to Hirsh yesterday, he tole me that he wasn’t used to sitting for so long and going back out to throw given Amarillo had a couple of big innings during the early innings of the game but that “Overall I was very pleased to get the first one out of the way and look forward to getting back out there.” In another ABL link, Hirsh’s catcher at Amarillo is Chris Grossman, who played with Brockton in the Can-Am League in 2010, alongside Melbourne Aces players Dominic Ramos, Brad Hertzler, Hunter Davis and Scott Wearne. Perhaps the best import hitter the Aces have seen in their three years of the ABL, Yoshiyuki Kamei has played just eleven games for the Yomuri Giants, but on the positive, his .297 average is his highest since 2009, when he had a .290-25-71-12 season. Another Giants import, Itaru Hashimoto is just 2/22 for Yomuri this season, however the Giants still have some hope for the contact hitting centre fielder, who hit .307-5-31-17 for the Farm (Ni-Gun) team in 2012. Norihito Kaneto was solid in his six season one starts for the Aces, but found mound time with Yomuri a little hard to come by in 2012, spending the season at Ni-Gun, posting a 2.17era. A trade to the Rakuten Golden Eagles for 2013 has proven a good move for Kaneto, who is coming out of the bullpen, with numbers of 4.91era and 1.21 whip, having not conceded a home run so far this season. Traded to the Hiroshima Carp on May 1, Jumpei Ono has thrown in one game for the Carp, giving up a solo home run, but was otherwise solid in his two innings of work. A shut-out in Adelaide against the Bite, providing the Aces with their first ever win in the South Australian capital, suggested Yusei Kikuchi would be a good pitcher back in Japan, and he has thrown well for the Seibu Lions in 2013, with a 4-1 record to go with secondary numbers of 1.12era and 1.05whip in 48.1 innings pitched. Despite walking twenty hitters thus far, Kikuchi has also thrown two complete game shutouts. With 14 appareances in only half a season, Fumikazu Kimura was a workhorse out of the bullpen in 2012-13 for Phil Dale, however when he returned to Seibu, he struggled for the Ni-Gun team, and was converted to an outfielder, where his strong arm compliments his surprisingly quick feet. Kimura has hit .252-2-10-6 for the Ni-Gun Lions in 2013, with his two home runs coming off Shohei Ohtani, a highly heralded High School prospect who linked with the Nippon Ham Fighters, having, like Kikuchi a couple of years before, having been well courted by MLB teams. Kimura’s two home runs can be seen here: (Kimura is the lead-off hitter) (Kimura is the second hitter – coming up at the two minute mark) Having ended the first half of last season as the most consistent of the Aces starting rotation, Hirotaka Koishi returned home and started at Ni-Gun level, going 2-1 3.72era, though he still has some control issues, having walked 21 hitters in 19 innings. He has spent a short time with the Seibu Lions in the NPB, and gave up a hit to the only hitter he faced. Yuta Nakazaki struggled mightily with the Aces in 2012-13, however after a decent start to the season at Ni-Gun level (2-4 4.46era with a complete game), he earned a promotion to the Lions…and promptly gave up a home run to the first batter he faced! In his first outing he lasted .2 of an innings, giving up three hits (including the HR), however the Lions gave him a second appearance, where he lasted .1 of an innings, and gave up another run. Player of the week and hero of the ABL’s Preliminary Final in 2011-12, Jeff Jamnik returned home last season and played with Fort Worth in the NABL, going a perfect 20/20 in save situations, to go with his 1.12 era. In 2013, Jamnik is playing with the Vienna Bucks in Austria, and has started well, hitting .333, while he’s given up just two hits in five scoreless innings. Jamnik is playing with former Aces infielder Matthew Lawman at the Bucks, and Lawman has started slowly, registering one hit in eleven at bats, while throwing a couple of scoreless innings. Another former Aces player in Austria is David Whigham, who made two brief appearances for Melbourne in season one. Playing with the Stockerau Cubs, David struck out 11 in his debut that lasted seven innings against the Vienna Wanderers, while he hit his first career home run against the Neustadt Diving Ducks.
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Post by oldmanriver on May 20, 2013 11:58:10 GMT 10
Brilliant.
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Post by texasleaguer on May 20, 2013 20:05:26 GMT 10
Awesome in depth player Report Stu.. I wish you worked for Bandits Well I hope ACES Embrace Ustream next season as do all other ABL Clubs. Thanks to ABF/Sponsors and Bandits support for Ustream of the 2013 Aussie LL Nationals which will be broadcast on Bandits TV. www.ustream.tv/recorded/33031295
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Post by aces02 on May 21, 2013 8:33:28 GMT 10
Aces02 I'd suggest we have been left behind in the communication stakes. Since my post last week, I've also had emails from the Perth Heat and Canberra Cavalry, while I have seen Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane all active on social media. We are totally inactive at present, and as such, cannot honestly lay claim to being 'professional'. What I am about to post is something that took me a couple of hours to compile. It's slightly long in length (apologies to those who prefer short columns), however given the time that has elapsed, plenty has gone on overseas with some current and former Aces players. For some of the Japanese information, I'd like to credit and say a big thanks to Anthony Pang, a member of the Aces 'Hangar' who enjoys following the Japanese NPB and NI-Gun competitions. (If I have missed a player, if you could please message me, along with a link to some numbers or the competition they are in and I will happily put something together on them) Honestly Stu, I think it is just a case of leaving too much work to too few in regards to Aces, everything is being done by Windsor and now the new assistant GM who is relatively young. Obviously it is hard find volunteers and people to do jobs on limited budgets but I agree we should be pushing hard for constant updates on social media pages like twitter, Facebook and Instagram similar to Perth and people like Dan Vaughan Jnr on twitter. I met Jordan yesterday and he seems like a very nice guy and hopefully he will do well but it will be interesting to see the progress made in the off season which is an Important time to branch out to members and supporters whether they are current or future.
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