THE CLARKSON CHRONICLE

Run Garces Run!

2010-10-29T10:40:00.000-07:00

COLUMBUS -- It happened fast, before the first inning of the 10/29 contest between Las Vegas and Columbus was even two outs old Clarkson had it's third player ever to reach 2000 runs scored. Harry Garces crossed the plate on a one out single by Andres Flores bringing home the third run of the inning and the 2000th of his career. Garces was mobbed by his teammates at the plate as he raised two fingers in the air. The Gamblers would go on to win the game 10-0, but the story of the night was clearly Harry Emanuel Garces from Bajos De Haina in the Dominican Republic.

Garces doesn't get the spotlight like some of his contemporaries, but he has put up career numbers that rival the best. To go along with his 2000 runs scored (probably one of the most important and underrated stats in the game), he has 2644 hits, 555 doubles, 527 home runs, 1557 RBI, a .291 career average, and 618 stolen bases. He has 3 World Series Rings, 6 All-Star appearances, 3 Silver Sluggers, and 1 Gold Glove at 2B. He has benefited by being part of one of the greatest teams Clarskon has ever seen by spending the majority of his career with Salem/Las Vegas. Surely being a part of such a juggernaut has helped him reach such lofty goals . . . but being in the right place at the right time is important to success in life. The often overlooked addition to that old adage though is the right person. Garces was clearly the right person for this time and place.

Las Vegas Gambler's

Harry Garces

As most hard working athletes will tell you it takes dedication and a great deal of luck to have a solid career. Garces would stand by this credo during his post-game press conference. "As anyone will tell you, I've been fortunate. I've been lucky enough to avoid any major injuries and I've played for some great teams. But I put in the work, and I'm proud to have reached certain goals. 2000 runs is tremendous, I can't believe it. Seems like just yesterday I was in AAA Tacoma . . . what a ride." Garces would say. He heads into another postseason looking for one more ring. "The thing about this team . . . you've always got a shot. Another ring would be just tremendous."

Garces is under contract for one more season with Las Vegas and hopes to finish his career with the team wherever they may settle. "I know there's been some talk of new ownership, and with that there's always the chance for a move. I just hope I can close out my career with this team no matter where they end up. I've loved every minute of it." Garces closed with those comments as team owner Al Soxfanski presented him with a plaque commemorating his achievement.

Injury Report

2010-10-26T23:29:00.000-07:00

As we enter into the home stretch of the regular season durability becomes a major issue for many teams. Players who have toughed it out all season begin to show the wear and tear of the grueling day in day out punishment a major league schedule can inflict. Hopefully a periodic day off and a top notch training staff can hold off the inevitable fatigue, but in some cases there's no escaping the injury bug. We've had some significant blows to some playoff contenders in the last few days, let's take a look:

- The Scranton Dunderheads suffered a noteworthy loss as young stud right-hander Eugene Griffiths went down with a labrum tear in his shoulder. Griffiths will be lost for the remainder of the season and initial reports say he won't return until at least the All-Star break in Season 18. This is a major blow to the young Dunderhead staff, but luckily for Scranton their recent blockbuster deal should cushion the blow.

- The defending World Series Champion Seattle Rain lost southpaw Kerry Cook due to an elbow inflammation. This is Cook's third trip to the DL in his short career. Cook shouldn't miss a significant amount of time and was placed on the 15 day DL. He should be ready in time for the playoffs.

- The always tough Fargo Wood Chippers lost swing man Jim Pierce to the 15 day with a stiff groin. Pierce, a 12 game winner this season for Fargo, should be back in time for the playoffs. Pierce was a shrewd waiver claim by Wood Chipper management that has paid off quite well.

- The Kansas City Monarchs will be without back of the rotation starter Carlos Martinez for 15 days. Martinez has been dealing with a sore shoulder and Monarch management has decided to shut him down for a couple weeks to see if a bit of rest can get him right. Martinez has been roughed up a bit this season, but he is a capable back end guy that will be missed.

- On the non-contender side, the Toronto Northmen took a major blow as they lost starting third baseman Edwin Hawkins for what appears to be the next two seasons. Hawkins shredded his shoulder and will need extensive surgery to repair his rotator cuff. He'll be visiting Dr. James Andrews in the next few days and will then begin a rigorous rehab schedule. We may not see Hawkins again until Season 19 or maybe even 20.

With only 15 games left to play on the docket it remains to be seen which teams will escape unscathed. We'll be sure to keep eye out for any game changing injuries that could alter the outcome of the playoffs.

Sutton Makes It 500!

2010-10-24T23:20:00.000-07:00

Pat Sutton
Jackson
Marvels
Age: 35	B/T: R/R
Born: Wellington, KS
Position(s): P (SP2)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

JACKSON -- Only needing to hear his name formally announced as he took the mound, Pat Sutton became the first pitcher in Clarkson history to start 500 games. As Sutton stepped to the rubber Sunday afternoon against the Salem Fish Tacos in Jackson, Mississippi the stage was set for a moment the Wellington, Kansas native wouldn't soon forget. Upon throwing a first pitch strike to Damaso Moreno, the capacity crowd at Boon Stadium erupted in what would be a 10 minute standing ovation for the man some consider the greatest Clarkson has ever seen.

Chants of Sutton, Sutton, rained down on the 35 year old veteran who looked to be taken aback by the show of adoration. Sutton has made a career of exceeding the expectations lumped upon him and in doing so has formed a legacy that will last long after he's left the game. A few tips of the cap and 10 minutes later Sutton was on his way to rewarding the home crowd with one of his most dominating performances of the season. Sutton would not only start the game, but finish it as he tossed a complete game, 3 hit, 11 strikeout, no walk shutout (his 6th complete game of the season), for a 1-0 victory over the Tacos. Over Sutton's last four starts he has compiled 34 2/3 innings, allowing only 11 hits, while striking out 38 and walking only 5. He's had two complete games and carried a no-hitter through 8 2/3 against Cincinnati until he was unceremoniously yanked due to his pitch count.

At a press conference after the game the always smooth and gregarious Sutton seemed genuinely touched and humbled by his achievement. "To pitch one game in the bigs is a big deal, to have been as fortunate as I have . . . to be able to make 500 starts . . . I mean to have been lucky enough to stay healthy and play on such great teams . . . I'm truly blessed." Sutton would say. Asked how long he things he can keep up his unheard of level of success, he simply said, "As long as they keep swinging and missing."

Sutton once again looks positioned for a run at what would be his 7th Cy Young Award. Standing in his way is the always formidable Vincenzo Wakeland, who too, is once again dazzling this season. As always it should come down to the wire.

With Sutton becoming the first to reach 500 starts, Atlanta ace Gerald Gardner could very well become the second pitcher to reach this goal as he currently sits only 4 starts away from the magic number. It may take Gardner until his final start of the season, but we expect him to join Sutton before too long.

But this afternoon, the day once again belonged to Pat Sutton . . . and the Marvels couldn't be happier with their ace.

News & Notes

2010-10-24T00:28:00.000-07:00

With the playoff picture coming into clearer view and the expanded rosters now a reality it's time to take a look at happenings around the league this week.

- It appears that the National League is all but set for the playoffs as the Kansas City Monarchs, Boston Brown Sox, Las Vegas Gamblers and a trio from the South, the Jackson Marvels, Louisville Bats, and the surprising Atlanta Tygeres are all but locks. The Salem Fish Tacos still hold a slight chance to squeak in, but it would take a historic collapse from one the South teams for that to become a reality. At this point the only thing to sort out is which team will take home the South crown and who will get a first round bye. Clearly some strategy may come into play here as all 6 teams may seek to rest some of their star players so they're fresh for a deep playoff run. It should be interesting to watch as each team jockeys for position.

- Over in the American League we're seeing a similar turn of events. It would seem that the World Champion Seattle Rain, as well as the Fargo Wood Chippers, New York Bombers, Richmond Rebels and Scranton Dunderheads are all set for a date with the playoffs. The only open spot appears to be the final wild card berth where any of 3 teams would seem to have a realistic shot. The Philadelphia Flame Throwers currently sit in the driver's seat, followed by the Tampa Bay Stingers and Texas Funerals. We see this one going down to the wire, adding some much needed drama to Clarkson playoff picture.

- Speaking of playoff teams and strategy, it would appear the Marvels may have to deploy some deep thinking heading toward their date with destiny. A recent rash of injuries could jeopardize their hopes of repeating as South champion. Marvel backup first baseman and resident speedster Del Guerrero has hit the DL with a pulled hamstring and will, for all intents and purposes, miss the rest of the regular season. He should be ready to go for the playoffs, but the Marvels have come to rely on Guerrero to spell future Hall of Famer Raul Urbina on many an occasion.

In perhaps a bigger blow, the Marvels have lost number 2 starter Donald Chang for at least 8 days with a strained groin. Chang, a 16 game winner so far this season, has been a wonderful compliment to the improbable Pat Sutton, and Jackson will have to rely on the rest of the staff to step up. With the expanded roster the Marvels should be able to avoid placing Chang on the DL and can reach into their system for a temporary replacement.

- Staying with DL news, Louisville saw pitcher Hideo Jang go down with a sore elbow. He has been placed on the 15 day DL, but he should be ready for the playoffs.

- AL South leading Richmond took a couple heavy hits as two key bullpen members are lost for the season. Closer Derrick Musial may have sustained what can only be regarded as the worst injury of the season in Clarkson. Musial could be gone for the next 3 seasons with a shoulder aneurysm and could be facing the end of his career. It's going to be a long road to recovery and it remains to be seen how Musial will return from this devastating, and life threatening, ailment. Our thoughts are with him and his family. Fellow reliever Roberto Gonzales will miss the rest of the season, and most likely the playoffs, with elbow tendinitis.

These are two heavy blows for the Rebels, but they appear to be taking it in stride and haven't missed a beat. Journeyman Victor Ramirez has stepped into the closer role and to this point has down a wonderful job.

- Some other teams being bit by the injury bug include:

Tucson losing Chipper Orie to Tommy John surgery. He will be out for the season.

Austin losing Willis Cradle to ligament damage in the elbow. He too will need surgery and is lost for the season.

Salem lost young third baseman Charlie Atkins for the season with a ligament strain in his right foot.

Portland also saw stud shortstop Josh Steinbach go down for the season with the same injury as Atkins. Another ligament strain to the right foot.

- On the milestone front, the often mentioned Pat Sutton is just one appearance away from becoming the first pitcher in Clarkson history to toe the rubber as a starter 500 times. Sutton already a legend in Clarkson is now approaching rarified air. At the age of 35 Sutton still brings it, and once again is in Cy Young contention. Sutton currently sits on 327 career victories, by far the most in Clarkson history, and continues to rack up the strikeouts as he pushes his record closer to 4000. Sutton currently has recorded 3662 K's. Season 18 in Clarkson will mark Sutton's final year of the mammoth deal he signed with Jackson. Jackson management assured us last season they would do everything possible to keep Sutton a Marvel until he decides to hang them up. If he continues to perform at his current level, it would seem a no brainer, but Sutton is entering the twilight of his career. This will be an interesting story to watch next season. Can the greatest pitcher Clarkson has ever seen continue his dominance, only time will tell.

Duff for Two

2010-10-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

With the transaction deadline having come and gone it's time to talk about the biggest blockbuster of the season.

With the playoffs firmly insight, the Scanton Dunderheads let it be known that they were willing to move top prospect, and former Season 15 number 2 pick, Napoleon Duff in an effort to bolster their chances for their first World Series title since their days as the Detroit Smash. Duff, one of the highest regarded prospects in Clarkson, was making a rocket like ascent through the Scranton system and this would look to be a sell high move for the Black Bart run franchise. After some stalled negotiations with Boston a legitimate suitor emerged in the form of the Texas Funerals.

THE CLARKSON CHRONICLE

Run Garces Run!

Injury Report

Sutton Makes It 500!

News & Notes

Duff for Two

Pittsburgh Packing It In

News & Notes

"Sup-Urbina 3000!"

DEVELOPING STORY - Changes Coming in Boston?

Breaking News - The Soxfanski Rebuttal

News & Notes

"No-Pritc-Hett"

Happenings Around the Horn

News & Notes

Milestones To Watch

News & Notes

Looking For A Chance

News & Notes

Hot Stove Happenings

To Dye For

It's Not Who You Know, It's What You Know.

17

SEATTLE REIGNS!!

League Championship Series Recap

Round Two Recap

Round One Recap

Urich Goes Yard For 3000

A Decade Of Desperation

Almost Perfect!

News & Notes

Saving Ace

News & Notes

Jennings Tosses No Hitter!

News & Notes

McMahon On The Move, Brock On The Block, Velandia In Vegas

Trade Happenings

Diva Las Vegas

300, WOW!

State of the Game: What We Know Now!

The Hangover

Rumors & Rumblings

Little Rocked

News & Notes

News & Notes

A New Flavor In Madison

Mr. 3000!

Much Ado About Madison

Can't You Hear Me Knocking?

News & Notes

The End of the Road?

Manic Mundys

Still Reigning out West

Southern Rock

Bombs Away!

Amaro makes it 10,000!

How Far can they Go?

Gambling out West.

New South Order?

The NL Beast . . . er, East!

Memorial Day Preview . . . Almost Time To Go Go!

Florida Makes Play For The Future

Milestones To Watch

Sweet 16 . . .