Comprehensive coverage of Washington, D.C. sports by local writers
Welcome back to District Sports Page’s weekly Minor League Update. Every Monday throughout the regular season we will continue to post up-to-date stats and brief scouting reports on the hottest and coldest prospects in the Nationals’ minor league system. We also will track the progress of top-rated players, and give injury and suspension updates.
With April coming to a close, the Nationals’ organization is looking pretty strong from top to bottom. The big club is off to a decent 13-12 start. But more importantly, they’re looking strong and equipped to perform at a high level for the duration of the season. Their key players are all healthy, and their crop of young stars continues to move forward at a healthy pace.
Bryce Harper not only appears to have avoided (knock on wood) a slumping sophomore season, but he looks to be putting it all together even earlier than anyone could have hoped. The same goes for their young rotation, which is firing on all cylinders. And while Ryan Zimmerman and Wilson Ramos are sitting on the DL with minor injuries, the Nats used their system to overcome their temporary absence quite effectively. Luckily though, both players are on their way back anyway.
SYRACUSE CHIEFS INTRODUCE NEW BIRTHDAY PERK FOR FANS
Chiefs are one of 22 teams to form partnership with HULEDETSyracuse, NY–The Syracuse Chiefs, Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, are pleased to announce that they will be partnering with HULEDET in order to give local fans a free ticket and hot dog for their birthday. HULEDET (http://www.HULEDET.com), a one-year old company based in New York City, partners with local and national companies to enable them to reward their loyal customers on their birthdays, and to bring in new customers with the incentive of a birthday perk.
As fans enter Chiefs home games this season, they will be given the opportunity to register to receive the birthday gift by simply providing their name, email address, birth month and day, and zip code. When the first day of their birthday month comes, they’ll receive an email from HULEDET giving them a free ticket and free hot dog voucher to use during their birthday month.
Fans with birthdays during the off season need not worry – they’ll get their gift from the team on their half birthday.
“We are very excited to work with HULEDET on this new promotion,” Chiefs general manager John Simone said. We look forward to offering a birthday present to each of our fans.”
The Chiefs are one of 22 minor league baseball teams who will be working with HULEDET during the 2013 season. Says HULEDET founder Michael Frankel, “We have seen great success with HULEDET at local restaurants and businesses, and we are excited to work with the Chiefs as we bring HULEDET gifts to sports fans around the country this spring.”
Fans may also join the Syracuse Chiefs birthday list online at http://www.HULEDET.com/SyracuseChiefs.
Welcome back to District Sports Page’s weekly Minor League Update. Every Monday throughout the regular season we will continue to post up-to-date stats and brief scouting reports on the hottest and coldest prospects in the Nationals’ minor league system. We also will track the progress of top-rated players, and give injury and suspension updates.
So far this season, the Nationals’ minor league system has continued to be one of the most productive and exciting in pro baseball. Flashy young stars like Brian Goodwin and Anthony Rendon are off to loud starts, while an arms race of young pitchers has torn-through opposing lineups, resulting in heaps of strikeouts.
Things got even more interesting on Saturday though. The Nationals announced that they had promoted Rendon, who is widely considered one of the premier prospects in minors, to Washington to make his highly anticipated MLB debut. While the former Dick Howser Award winner was originally slated to spend at least the first few months of the regular season in the minors at double-A Harrisburg, Ryan Zimmerman’s recent injury and Rendon’s hot-hitting apparently forced the front office’s hand. Regardless, this is yet another exciting development in a system full of exciting developments. Rendon follows a long line of homegrown stars on the Nats big-league roster, graduating after the likes of Ryan Zimmerman, Stephen Strasburg, Ian Desmond, Jordan Zimmermann, Drew Storen, Bryce Harper and others.
Though Rendon’s promotion has grabbed the attention of the Nats faithful, the club has plenty of other thrilling minor-league storylines. Here are a few of them–hot off the presses:
Today, April 4 is the opening day for the Syracuse Chiefs, Washington Nationals Triple-A Affiliate.
CHIEFS ANNOUNCE PRELIMINARY 2013 OPENING DAY ROSTER
12 players from last year’s team to return
Syracuse, NY—The Syracuse Chiefs, Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, are pleased to announce their preliminary roster for the 2013 season. Syracuse, led by second-year manager Tony Beasley, will begin its season on Thursday, April 4, at 7:05 at Lehigh Valley, with its home opener on Friday, April 12 at 2:05 vs. the IronPigs.
Syracuse’s active Opening Day roster features 16 former major leaguers and seven players on the Nationals’ 40-man roster. The Chiefs also return 12 players from last year’s Syracuse squad and 15 former Chiefs in total.
The Chiefs’ opening day staff will consist of 13 pitchers, five of whom spent time in Syracuse last season. Yunesky Maya (11-10, 3.88 ERA in 28 starts with the Chiefs in 2012), Tanner Roark (6-17, 4.39 ERA in 26 starts) and Ryan Perry (1-1, 4.50 ERA in 11 relief appearances) are slated to hold three of the spots in Syracuse’s rotation. Maya returns for his fourth season with Syracuse, with Roark and Perry as second-year Chiefs.
The other two spots in Syracuse’s season-opening rotation will be held by right-hander Ross Ohlendorf and left-hander Danny Rosenbaum. Ohlendorf, a veteran of 108 major league games with the New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres, is in his first year with the Nationals’ organization. Rosenbaum, recently returned from Colorado after being selected in the 2012 Rule V draft, will begin his fifth professional season in the Nationals’ organization. He sported a 3.94 ERA for Double-A Harrisburg in 26 starts last season.
The bullpen will feature returning right-handers Erik Davis and Jeff Mandel, with Mandel also entering fourth Syracuse season and Davis his second. Right-hander Ryan Tatusko also rejoins the team for the second time after spending the entire 2012 season in Harrisburg, where he sported a 3.50 ERA.
Two other former Chiefs join the bullpen – left-hander J.C. Romero and right-hander Jeremy Accardo. Romero, a veteran of 680 major-league games, pitched in five games for the Chiefs in 2011. Accardo, who’s pitched 262 games in the majors, tossed five games for the Chiefs in 2008, the final year of Syracuse’s affiliation with the Toronto Blue Jays.
The remaining three spots in the bullpen are filled out by two former major leaguers – left-hander Fernando Abad (Houston) and right-hander Mike Crotta (Pittsburgh) – and left-hander Patrick McCoy, who finished 7-3 with a 3.70 ERA in 50 games for Double-A Harrisburg last season.
Offensively, both Chiefs catchers return from last year’s squad. Jhonatan Solano rejoins Syracuse for the fourth time after a season in which he made his major league debut (.312 batting average in 12 games with Washington), while veteran Carlos Maldonado also returns to Syracuse for the fourth time. The two have combined to play in 306 career games with Syracuse.
Syracuse’s infield is split between three returning Chiefs and three newcomers. First baseman Chris Marrero, shortstop Zach Walters, and third baseman Carlos Rivero – a postseason International League All-Star last season – will rejoin the Chiefs after spending time in Washington’s major league camp this spring. Infielder Jeff Kobernus, who led stole 42 bases for Double-A Harrisburg to lead the 2012 Eastern League, will join them for his Triple-A debut. Former major leaguers Mike Costanzo (Cincinnati) and Will Rhymes (Detroit, Tampa Bay) round out the six-man group.
In the outfield, postseason International League All-Star Corey Brown will return to Syracuse for the third time. Brown led all Chiefs players in 2012 with 25 home runs and also appeared in 19 major league games for Washington. He’ll be joined by 22-year-old Eury Perez, the youngest Chief on the Opening Day roster. Converted pitcher Micah Owings, who’s appeared in 174 major league games, and former Canadian Olympic outfielder Jimmy Van Ostrand will both join the Chiefs for the first time.
Tickets for all Syracuse Chiefs home games are on sale now and can be purchased online at SyracuseChiefs.com, by calling 315-474-7833, or in person at the Chiefs ticket office. Full- and partial-season ticket plans are also available through each of the same three methods.
COUNTY EXECUTIVE JOANIE MAHONEY, NBT BANK AND SYRACUSE CHIEFS ANNOUNCE THAT ALLIANCE BANK STADIUM WILL BE RENAMED NBT BANK STADIUM
Syracuse, NY (March 13, 2013) – Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney today was joined by NBT Bank President and CEO Martin Dietrich, NBT Bank Executive Vice President Jack Webb and Syracuse Chiefs Board President William Dutch to announce that Alliance Bank Stadium will be renamed NBT Bank Stadium.
“Our community is grateful to NBT Bank for continuing the commitment made originally by Alliance Bank to support our stadium and professional baseball in Onondaga County,” said County Executive Joanie Mahoney. “I am also pleased to officially welcome NBT Bank to our community, and I look forward to working with NBT as they continue the proud legacy of community support established by Alliance Bank.”
Originally opened as P&C Stadium in 1997, Onondaga County’s baseball stadium became Alliance Bank Stadium in 2005 when Alliance Bank generously purchased the naming rights for $2.8 million. NBT Bank has graciously assumed that 20-year contract after the merger of Alliance Bank into NBT Bank.
“NBT Bank is proud to lend its name to Onondaga County’s baseball stadium,” said NBT Bank President and CEO Martin Dietrich. “As a community-minded bank, we strive to provide quality service to our customers and to support activities that benefit the cities and towns we call home.”
“NBT Bank shares the commitment to community that was central to Alliance Bank’s business philosophy,“ added NBT Bank Executive Vice President Jack Webb. “Community banking and community baseball make a great match, and we’re pleased to continue that relationship under the NBT Bank brand.”
NBT Bank Stadium is part of the Onondaga County Parks System and is the home of the Syracuse Chiefs, the AAA-affiliate of Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals. In addition to hosting the Syracuse Chiefs, the stadium has also entertained County residents by hosting national recording artists such as: The Dave Matthews Band, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan and John Mellancamp.
Syracuse Chiefs Board President Bill Dutch said, “Alliance Bank and Onondaga County in addition to our parent team, the Washington Nationals have been tremendous partners for the Syracuse Chiefs. We are delighted that NBT Bank is going to continue that relationship. We have an exciting season planned at NBT Bank Stadium as we continue to enhance the entertainment experience for our fans and their families. NBT Bank Stadium will be a fun place to be in 2013, starting April 12th.”
Any artists or creative fans out there? Here is a chance to get your art featured on the game cover for the Washington Nationals triple-A affiliate.
CHIEFS ANNOUNCE GAME PROGRAM COVER CONTEST
Show off your artistic ability on the First Pitch ExpressSyracuse, NY—-The Syracuse Chiefs, Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, invite fans to show off their artistic skills on the newest Chiefs publication, the First Pitch Express. The new 32-page, full-color program will be issued in five editions in 2013 feature stories about the Chiefs and their opponents for the upcoming series.
The Chiefs invite fans to submit their cover art to be used as the cover of the program. Submit an 8.5w x 5.5h photo, drawing, or graphic for the cover of The First Pitch Express that best represents the theme: This Is Your Town. This Is Your Team.
Submission deadline is the 15th prior to each month. Send entries electronically to: brandon@syracusechiefs.com.
2013 CHIEFS SPRING TRAINING SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED
Syracuse to play 13 games vs. minor league teams in Florida
Syracuse, NY-The Syracuse Chiefs, Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, will play a 13-game spring training schedule in preparation for the 2013 regular season.
The Chiefs will take on the Toledo Mud Hens (Detroit Tigers) four times, Gwinnett Braves (Atlanta Braves) four times and Oklahoma City RedHawks (Houston Astros) five times. Syracuse home games will be played at the Washington Nationals’ complex in Viera, FL.
The complete schedule is as follows (all games begin at 1:00pm):
March 14 at Oklahoma City Kissimmee, FL
March 15 vs. Oklahoma City Viera, FL
March 16 at Toledo Lakeland, FL
March 17 vs. Gwinnett Viera, FL
March 20 at Gwinnett Lake Buena Vista, FL
March 21 vs. Oklahoma City Viera, FL
March 22 at Toledo Lakeland, FL
March 24 vs. Gwinnett Viera, FL
March 25 vs. Toledo Viera, FL
March 26 at Gwinnett Lake Buena Vista, FL
March 27 at Oklahoma City Kissimmee, FL
March 28 vs. Toledo Viera, FL
March 29 vs. Oklahoma City Viera, FL
CHIEFS OFFER BUS TRIP TO YANKEES/NATIONALS EXHIBITION IN D.C.
See Major Leaguers in action before the season starts
Syracuse, NY—The Syracuse Chiefs, Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, announce a fan bus trip to Washington, D.C. on Friday, March 29th to see the Chiefs’ parent club, the Washington Nationals, take on the New York Yankees. The game will be held at Nationals Park and is scheduled for a 2:05 P.M. first pitch.
The bus will leave Alliance Bank Stadium at 6 A.M. and is slated to arrive at Nationals Park at approximately 1 P.M. The bus will return to the home of the Chiefs after the game. The trip includes a game ticket, bus fare, snacks and a Syracuse Chiefs winter hat. The trip costs $150 per person.
Join other Chiefs fans in cheering on former Syracuse players in their final tune-up for the regular season. For more information about the trip, contact Desiree Ellison at desiree@syracusechiefs.com or 315-474-7833.
CHIEFS ANNOUNCE NEW FAN CLUB, NEW DEALS FOR WOMEN
Smoke Eaters debuts, Ladies of Summer returns
Syracuse, NY—The Syracuse Chiefs, Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, are pleased to unveil their new fan club, the Smoke Eaters. In addition, the Ladies of Summer fan club is back with new perks.
The Smoke Eaters costs just 25 dollars to join and members receive:
*An invitation to a special question and answer session with Chiefs players
*T-shirt
*Ticket to the Wall of Fame induction ceremony
*A 2013 Syracuse Chiefs yearbook
*Special deals on tickets and the Whistlestop souvenir store
*Personalized Smoke Eaters page in the yearbookIn addition to the debut of the Smoke Eaters, the Chiefs are pleased to announce the Ladies of Summer, the team’s fan club exclusively for women, is back. The club costs just 25 dollars for a membership and includes:
*An invitation to a special question and answer session with Chiefs players
*T-shirt
*Ticket to both Ladies Night and Soap Opera Saturday
*A 2013 Syracuse Chiefs yearbook
*Special deals on tickets and the Whistlestop souvenir store
*Personalized Smoke Eaters page in the yearbookTo join, go to the Syracuse Chiefs’ website at www.syracusechiefs.com or call 315-474-7833.
