Bison Notebook - June Archive

Guthrie has better outing

Rochester 4 Buffalo 3

By Dave Ricci

June 8, 2003

After taking three out of four games from Norfolk it appeared the Bison’s were out of their downward spiral that saw them lose 11 of 12.

With the last place Rochester Red Wings coming into Buffalo for a four game series, the table was set for the Herd to recapture first place in the North Division. It didn’t happen.

Trailing 3-0 the Bison’s mounted a late inning rally to tie the game 3-3 at the end of eight. Their hopes of a win were dashed in the top of the ninth when Red Wings left fielder Michael Ryan drove an Alex Herrera pitch into the right field bleachers.

Todd Erdos set the Bison’s down in order in the bottom of the ninth for his eighth save and a 4-3 Rochester (28-32) win.

The real story was Bison pitcher Jeremy Guthrie having his home debut. In his two previous starts the rookie hurler had been roughed up to the tune of two losses and a 14.85 ERA in 6-2/3 innings of work.

Saturday Guthrie submitted a much better performance as he went six innings giving up three runs on eight hits and five strike outs.

He had better command of his primary pitches-fastball, slider, curve-and was able to work ahead in the count more often.

While this outing was a better indication of what Guthrie can do he still struggled in crucial situations. In the fourth with Alex Prieto on base and two outs Guthrie walked the number nine Red Wing batter, Brandon Marsters. The next batter, Michael Ryan singled home Prieto. If Guthrie closes out the inning against Marsters the Herd (32-26) is only down 2-0.

Manager Marty Brown said, “He did the things we wanted him to do. He established both sides of the plate when he got hurt he stayed in the center of the plate. He pitched ahead in the count today, and when he gave up hits that ended up hurting him he was usually behind in the count and he had to work his way back into the count. It’s a learning experience.”

Ricky Gutierres drove home the first Bison run in the seventh to trim the Wings lead to 3-1. In the eighth Mark Little had a pinch-hit single that drove in Jhonny Peralta and Dusty Wathan.

Shane Andrews had a home run for Rochester while Chad Green, Todd Sears and Marsters all picked up two hits.

Coco Crisp banged out a double and a triple for Buffalo. Ryan Mills (1-0) picked up the win in relief for Rochester and Alex Herrera (1-3) took the loss.

Red Wings starter Matt Carnes gave up three hits over seven innings. Carnes and Guthrie both left with no-decisions.

Ricky Gutierrez has had a rough go at the plate in his first three rehab games. The veteran infielder is 1-for-11 with 1 run scored and 1 RBI.

But before anyone jumps on his back keep in mind he’s been out of action since August of 2002 and had neck surgery on October 7 to fuse two vertebrae together to relieve pressure on his spinal canal.

Don’t be surprised to see Indians rookie Brandon Phillips back in Buffalo soon. Published reports out of Cleveland are saying the Indians may send Phillips back to Buffalo for some fine-tuning. The rookie second baseman has struggled at the plate.

The Bison’s also recently announced a wrestling post-game event called “Ballpark Brawl” will take place at Dunn Tire Park following the August 24 game against Rochester Red Wings.

Headlining the card will be Jeff Jarrett who’ll defend his NWA Heavyweight championship as well as a legend’s match pitting King Kong Bundy against Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka.

A cruiser weight match up will feature two of the top wrestlers on the east coast independent circuit when A.J. Styles takes on Lo-Ki. Both appear frequently for the Pennsylvania based Ring of Honor promotion.

Reserved and Special Reserved seating are $12.00 and field seats are $25.00.

Guthrie roughed up in first two starts

By Dave Ricci

 June 3, 2003

The Bison’s got a scare early in the first inning of Tuesday nights win over Norfolk when center fielder Coco Crisp slammed into the wall in right center while tracking down a ball.

Tides shortstop Jorge Velandia stroked a monster blast into deep right center. Crisp flagged the ball down and appeared to be hauling it into his grasp when he violently collided with the wall.

Crisp’s right wrist and shoulder seemingly took the brunt of the collision as he held his right arm close to his body when he collapsed on the field.

After being looked at by manager Marty Brown and trainer Nick Paparesta Crisp stayed in the game. Brown said, “He got the wind knocked out of him. I think I was more winded then he was when I got out there.”

Indians top pitching prospect Jeremy Guthrie had a rude welcome to the ranks of Triple-A. In two games Guthrie is 0-2 with an ERA of 14.85 in just 6-2/3 innings of work.

Norfolk reliever Jamie Cerda pitched 3-2/3 of perfect ball Tuesday fanning five Bison’s in that stretch.

Norfolk starter Jason Middlebrook was at odds with home plate umpire James Hoye most of the night over the strike zone.

After being pulled in the third Middlebrook exploded from the Norfolk dugout and questioned why Hoye called a strike for Bison starter Lance Caraccioli when Hoye was calling balls against Middlebrook when he spotted the ball in the same area.

Middlebrook was ejected and can certainly expect a fine.

The Indians are expected to send second baseman Ricky Gutierrez to Buffalo on rehab with in the next two to three days.

While on the road the Herd experienced a bevy of roster moves. Pitcher Dan Mecili and infielder Zach Sorensen had their contracts purchased by Cleveland. Pitcher Brian Tallet was recalled by Cleveland.

Infielder Macier Izturis, and pitcher Jack Cressend where both promoted from Double-A Akron.

Catcher Reed Secrist and outfielder Mark Little signed with Cleveland and were assigned to Buffalo. Pitcher Jason Phillips was outrighted back to Buffalo from Cleveland. Pitcher Jose Vargas was promoted from then returned to Akron. Tim DeCinces was released and Travis Hafner was placed on the DL on June 3 to make room on the roster for Mark Little.

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