Sailing the Ship

The New Season Is Upon Us

Robert Barga — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 04:51:32 +0000

Welcome back to the new season of AAA Baseball here in Columbus. Starting early next week, I will resume the regular updates (notes, recaps, and features) as well as update everything on the sidebar. Please join me in saying best of luck to our Clippers, both new and old.

Going mobile, take two

Robert Barga — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:38:22 +0000

As many of my readers quickly pointed out to me (god, I love e-mail), the system i was using for mobilizing my site was not working too well. I have now switched to a different system that works perfectly and I really like it. Please let me know if you encounter any issues.

Sarbaugh Named Manager of the Clippers

Robert Barga — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:07:35 +0000

Though I normally like to get this sort of news up quickly, studying for exams kept me from releasing it right away. On Monday, I got an e-mail from Joe (Media and Historian for the Clippers) about their new manager, and wanted to fill you all in.

On Monday, the Cleveland Indians announced that Mike Sarbaugh is taking over for Torey Lovullo as the next manager of the Clippers. Sarbaugh was manager of the year for the Eastern League and he led the AA Akron Aeros to the championship game. In six season as a minor-league manager for the Indians, he has finished in the top two spots and been to the playoffs five times.

Lovullo has moved on to manage the Pawtucket Red Sox.

To give you a sense of the new manager, here is his career record (as provided by the Clippers):

Year Team (Classification; League) Record Notes

2009 Akron (Double-A; Eastern) 89-53 1^st * won league championship

2008 Akron (Double-A; Eastern) 80-62 2^nd * playoff appearance

2007 Kinston (Advanced-A; Carolina) 87-52 1^st * playoff appearance

2006 Kinston (Advanced-A; Carolina) 85-54 1^st * won league championship

2005 Lake County (Low-A; South Atlantic) 72-66 2^nd

2004 Mahoning Valley (Short-A; NY/Penn) 42-34 1^st * won league championship

455-321 (.586)

Tickets on sale!

Robert Barga — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:44:41 +0000

Tomorrow morning, 10/21, Clippers single game tickets will go on sale for the entire season. Tickets will not go on sale until 10 AM. We will have limited Box seats available, along with Reserved, Bleacher, and Lawn. Tickets will be available by phone (614) 462-2757, ticketmaster.com, and in the Center Field Ticket Booth. Prices remain the same as last year.

Brown gets the Batting Title, even though the team couldn’t hit anything

Robert Barga — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:07:45 +0000

Even though the Clippers as an unit could not hit the ball anywhere, Jordan Brown was still able to win the International League Batting Title. Though Brown was just short of the Franchise record, he finished with an amazing .336. I expect him to be moved up to the Bigs either this season or next.

Best Attendence in the Country!

Robert Barga — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:19:23 +0000

Even with the team in the pits and having the worst season ever, Clippers’ faithful came to every gameand represented the city well. With the last game drawing 10,600+ fans, the total attendance for 2009 was 657,800. This means that the Clippers, even with a tiny stadium, led the Minor League Teams in attendance this year.

End of the Season

Robert Barga — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:19:46 +0000

So, the 2009 season for the Columbus Clippers has ended, and we have very little left to show for it. After injuries and most of the players being bumped up, our Home team was left with pretty much nothing, and it was really, really sad.

Anyways, that brings about some updates. I should have one or two more posts up this season, and then I will not be posting until spring (short of anything major happening) practice. I will also be redoing the look of the site.

Hope to see you all here again next year.

9/6/09: Notes for Tonights – Toledo at Columbus

Robert Barga — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 19:39:04 +0000

The Game –Tonight, the Columbus Clippers are facing the Toledo Mud Hens at 5:05 on Huntington Field.

The Stats – Tonight’s game is the second game in a 3-game series between Columbus and Toledo. Toledo is currently leading the series 0-1. This is the second-to-last home game for the Clippers, and tomorrow’s night is the final game of the season for Columbus.

Columbus is 56-84, putting them at last (of 4) in the International League West. Toledo is 72-69, putting them in second (of 4) in the International League West.

Starting Pitchers – Tonight, the Clippers will be sending RHP Yohan Pino (3-2) to the mound. The Mud Hens will be answering with RHP Brooks Brown (3-12). In two showings, one of which was a start, Brown is 1-0 against the Clippers.

Notes –Columbus is just 28-11 after Andy Marte was bumped up to Cleveland. At least he is helping out up there.

Jordan Brown is currently leading the IL in batting at .333.

Michael Brantley is currently tied in the lead for the IL base stealing title, he has 46.

The 2009 Clippers are now the worse team in franchise history.

Columbus is the first team to be eliminated from the playoffs this season.

Promotions – There are four promotions for tonight. Come check them out!

Good Luck Boys!

Minor League Baseball – What a Value

Robert Barga — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:08:09 +0000

With America in a tough economic situation, and the Rust Belt states faring even worse, citizens of this country are spending less and less each day. Among the things that they are cutting back on are sports. There is no pressing need for tickets to hockey, soccer, or even football games when you need to worry about car and house payments. Yet, somehow, in all of this, attendance at baseball parks has soared. Even the Columbus Clippers at Huntington Park, who were the first team eliminated from the playoffs, are still selling out. It can not be because the games are more compelling (they are not) or because there are better stories – it must be for some other reason.

Normally, I get into Columbus Clippers games for free, as I am a member of the press. I pay for parking, but then get a free seat with a good view, free food, and free drinks. Except when I was writing my article about Huntington Park, I never really thought about the cost of going to a game. Last night, however, my father and I headed out for a night on the town, and I realized exactly how great Minor League Baseball really is.

My dad and I pulled up to the park, and paid to leave our car on some pavement – $3. We then got some decent seats in the reserved sections – $12. Next, we grabbed a hot dog each – $6. Finally, as my dad doesn’t drink, I grabbed an icy-cold beer to quench my thirst – $6.50. All together, we spent $27.50 for the night. That’s right, in a large city, a father and son can have a great time out for less than $30.

Then it hit me: this is why people come to the ballpark, even with the economy in the dumps. While tickets cost a lot more at bigger parks, the small parks around this country are easily affordable, and they offer great entertainment. Where else can you got for just $9 (assuming you bring in your own food) and watch some amazing plays and games? The parks are one of the best values for your dollar in today’s America.

Not only do you get this slice of American culture for relatively little money, you also get a slice of the local culture. Every ballpark has its own history, story, and aura. Here in Columbus, we ring cow bells to celebrate our team. In Cleveland, some guy beats on bass drums. All over the country, each and every ballpark has traditions that are native and unique to them. Going to those fields lets you experience a little bit of Americana.

Now, some people might complain about the pricing of food, the location of parking, and a whole slew of other things, but they really are missing the larger picture. Baseball is America’s game, and it is something that our culture is in love with. While prices might be more expensive on the inside than the out (I agree, cotton candy should never be $4.50), the overall trip to the park is well within the family budget.

I really think that Minor League Baseball is one of the great activities for the American people. It allows us to go out as families, friends, and couples, and cheaply enjoy a fun and exciting game. Furthermore, most stadiums offer special deals and discounts, helping to eliminate the costs and strains to your wallet. Finally, almost all Minor League Parks let you bring in your own food and (non-alcoholic) drinks, which means that you can attend a game for next to nothing. So, grab your kids, your coworkers, or that special someone and head to your neighborhood ballpark today!

Three Clippers Called Up Today

Robert Barga — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 23:12:49 +0000

Today, the Cleveland Indians bought out the contract to three former Clippers, moving them up from AAA ball to the majors.

Michael Brantley,who is tied in the IL stolen base race with 46, was called up. He was batting .267, had six home runs, 37 runs batted in, and scored 80 runs.

Pitcher Jose Veras was also called up. Veras had been in Cleveland before, but was sent down last month. He was 0-1 in seven games with a 1.29 ERA and nine strikeouts in seven innings.

The final person pulled up today is Carlos Carrasco. This RHP is 5-1 with a 3.17 ERA. This is in six starts and currently Carrasco leads the IL with 148 strikeouts in 157 innings pitched.

No internet

Robert Barga — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:39:43 +0000

As you might have noticed, I did not post anything on Sunday or Monday. That is because I am in the middle of moving, and thus have no internet. I will not have internet for a while from now on. Whenever I do have access, however, I will update everything

8/29/09: The Columbus Clippers Sneak By the Louisville Bats, 5-3

Robert Barga — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 02:53:54 +0000

Tonight, the Columbus Clippers won in a close game against the Louisville Bats, 5-3. The Clippers started it off, when they scored twice in the first. They then scored twice in the third and once more in the seventh. Louisville answered with a run in the fifth and the sixth. With one run scored in the 9th, Louisville failed on their attempt at a rally.

This was the 3rd in in the last 10 games for the Clippers, and the 11th in the last 15. Unless they go 6-3 for the rest of the season, they will have the lowest record ever in Columbus history. Additionally, they are now the first team to be eliminated from the playoffs this season. This makes them 54-79, putting them at dead last (of 4) in the International League West.

Michael Brantley was the only Clipper to hit a home run, his 6th of the year. Nobody got one for the Bats.

LHP Travis Wood got the loss, making him 4-2 for the season. LHP Chuck Lofgren got the win, making him 6-9 this year. RHP Frank Herrmann got his 6th hold and RHP Greg Aquino got his 15th save.

Tomorrow night, the Clippers will remain in Louisville to play the fourth, and final, game a 4-game series against the Bats. The Clippers currently lead the series, 2-1. The Clippers are also on an 8-game away trip, which they are losing, 3-4. The game will be played at 6:15.

8/29/09: Notes for Tonight – Columbus at Louisville

Robert Barga — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 21:08:38 +0000

The Game –Tonight, the Columbus Clippers are traveling to Slugger Field to take on the Louisville Bats at 6:15.

The Stats –Today’s game will be the third game of a 4-game series between the two teams. All four games will be playing in Louisville. The series is currently tied at 1-1. This is also the seventh game in an 8-game road trip for Columbus; they are behind on the trip, 2-4.

Columbus is 53-79, putting them at last (of 4) in the International League West. Louisville is 77-55, putting them in first (of 4) in the International League West.

Starting Pitchers – Tonight, the Clippers will be sending LHP Chuck Lofgren (5-9) to the mound. Lofgren has been struggling this entire season. The Bats will be answering with LHP Travis Wood (4-1). In his entire career, Wood has never pitched against the Clippers before.

Notes –Since Andy Marte left earlier this season, the Clippers are a dismal 8-23. Thankfully, however, he is helping out in the Bigs, so not all is lost.

Jordan Brown is currently 2nd place for the batting title in the IL, hitting .335. Kevin Russo is currently leading at .336. This is a very tight race, and I will be sure to keep track of it for you.

Unless the Clippers go 7-3 for the rest of the season, they will have the lowest record ever in Clippers history.

Columbus is the first team to be eliminated from the playoffs this season.

Good Luck Boys!

8/28/09: The Louisville Bats Slug Past the Columbus Clippers, 10-4

Robert Barga — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 03:31:17 +0000

Tonight, the Columbus Clippers lost in an easy victory for the Louisville Bats, 10-4. The Clippers started it off, scoring once in the first. They then scored twice in the fourth and once more in the ninth. Louisville quickly answered, as they scored three times in the first, and once in the second. The Bats then moved on to score twice in the fifth, once in the sixth, once more in the seventh, and finally, twice in the eighth. Columbus never really had a chance.

This was the 8th loss in the last 10 games for the Clippers, and the 12th in the last 15. Unless they go 7-3 for the rest of the season, they will have the lowest record ever in Columbus history. Additionally, they are now the first team to be eliminated from the playoffs this season. This makes them 53-79, putting them at dead last (of 4) in the International League West.

Nobody for the Clippers managed to hit one over the wall. For the Bats, however, Chris Heisey hit his 8th of the year and Juan Francisco hit his 5th AND 6th of the season. All were hit off of Hector Rondon.

RHP Hector Rondon was credited with the loss, making him 4-3 this year. RHP Federico Baez got the win, making him 1-1. RHP Ramon Ramirez got a hold, his 4th of the season.

Tomorrow night, the Clippers will remain in Louisville to play the third game a 4-game series against the Bats. They are currently tied in the series, 1-1. The Clippers are also on an 8-game away trip, which they are losing, 2-4. The game will be played at 6:15.

8/28/09: Notes for Tonight – Columbus at Louisville

Robert Barga — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:25:04 +0000

The Game –Tonight, the Columbus Clippers are traveling to Slugger Field to take on the Louisville Bats at 7:05.

The Stats –Today’s game will be the second game of a 4-game series between the two teams. All four games will be playing in Louisville. The series is currently lead by Columbus, 1-0. This is also the sixth game in an 8-game road trip for Columbus; they are behind on the trip, 2-3.

Columbus is 53-78, putting them at last (of 4) in the International League West. Louisville is 76-55, putting them in first (of 4) in the International League West.

Starting Pitchers – Tonight, the Clippers will be sending RHP Hector Rondon (4-2) to the mound. Though he has not pitched long for the Clippers, we expect him to be sent up to Cleveland soon. The Bats will be answering with LHP Tom Cochran, who has no record.This is the AAA debut for Cochran as well.

Notes –Since Andy Marte left earlier this season, the Clippers are a dismal 8-22. Thankfully, however, he is helping out in the Bigs, so not all is lost.

Jordan Brown is currently 2nd place for the batting title in the IL, hitting .334. Kevin Russo is currently leading at .336. This is a very tight race, and I will be sure to keep track of it for you.

Unless the Clippers go 7-4 for the rest of the season, they will have the lowest record ever in Clippers history.

Columbus is the first team to be eliminated from the playoffs this season.

Good Luck Boys!

8/27/09: The Columbus Clippers Fly by the Louisville Bats, 7-2

Robert Barga — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 02:57:10 +0000

Tonight, the Columbus Clippers ended their 3-game losing streak with a win against the Louisville Bats. The Clippers started it off, scoring once in the first. Louisville responded by scoring once in the first as well. They also managed to score once in the sixth. Columbus, however, scored three times in the second, twice in the fifth, and once in the seventh to grab the lead, 7-2.

This was only the 2nd win in the last 10 games for the Clippers, and the 4th in the last 15. Unless they go 7-4 for the rest of the season, they will have the lowest record ever in Clippers history. Additionally, they are now the first team to be eliminated from the playoffs this season. This makes them 53-78, putting them at dead last (of 4) in the International League West.

Even with a combined 9 runs, nobody on either side hit a ball over the fence.

RHP Carlos Carrasco got the win, making him 11-10 for the season. RHP Sam LeCure got the loss, making him 9-7 for the season.

Tomorrow night, the Clippers will remain in Louisville to play the second game a 4-game series against the Bats. They are currently leading the series, 1-0. The Clippers are also on an 8-game away trip, which they are losing, 2-3. The game will be played at 7:05.

8/27/09: Notes for Tonight – Columbus at Louisville

Robert Barga — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:30:22 +0000

The Game –Tonight, the Columbus Clippers are traveling to Slugger Field to take on the Louisville Bats at 7:05.

The Stats –Today’s game will be the first game of a 4-game series between the two teams. All four games will be playing in Louisville. The series is, of course, currently tied 0-0. This is also the fifth game in an 8-game road trip for Columbus; they are behind on the trip, 1-3.

Columbus is 52-78, putting them at last (of 4) in the International League West. Louisville is 76-54, putting them in first (of 4) in the International League West.

Starting Pitchers – Tonight, the Clippers will be sending RHP Carlos Carrasco (10-10) to the mound. Thou Carrasco won his last start, he has been struggling lately. The Bats are answering with RHP Sam LeCure (9-6). LeCure is an even 1-1 in his two starts against the Clippers.

Notes – Jordan Brown is currently 2nd place for the batting title in the IL, hitting .328. Kevin Russo is currently leading at .333.

Last night, Michael Brantley picked up his 40th and 41st steal of the season. While this is his new record, he is looking to increase it more this season. He is currently 8th in most steals in a season for all Clippers players.

Unless the Clippers go 8-4 for the rest of the season, they will have the lowest record ever in Clippers history.

Columbus is the first team to be eliminated from the playoffs this season.

Good Luck Boys!

8/26/09: The Indianapolis Indians Swing by the Columbus Clippers, 4-1

Robert Barga — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:42:06 +0000

Ending their 4-game series with a strong finish, the Indianapolis Indians ran by the Columbus Clippers 4-1. The Indians started it off, scoring once in the first. They then scored twice in the third, and once again in the seventh. The Clippers picked up their only run in the sixth.

This is the 9th loss in the last 10 games for the Clippers, and the 12th in the last 15. Unless they go 8-4 for the rest of the season, they will have the lowest record ever in Clippers history. Additionally, they are now the first team to be eliminated from the playoffs this season. This makes them 52-78, putting them at dead last (of 4) in the International League West.

The Indians’ Brian Myrow hit two home runs today, his 13th and 14th of the year. Nobody for the Clippers managed to knock any out of the park.

RHP Ken Ray got credited with the loss, making him 2-9 for the season. RHP Ty Taubenheim got the win, making him 6-9 for the year. RHP Jeff Sues got his 2nd hold and LHP Corey Hamman got his 4th. RHP Jean Machi picked up the save, his 4th this year.

Tomorrow night, the Clippers will remain head to Louisville to play the first game a 4-game series against the Bats. The game will be played at 7:05.

8/26/09: Notes for This Afternoon – Columbus at Indianapolis

Robert Barga — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:01:28 +0000

The Game –This afternoon, the Columbus Clippers are traveling to Victory Field to take on the Indianapolis Indians at 1:00.

The Stats – Today’s game is the fourth, and final, game of a 4-game series between these two teams. All four games will be played in Indianapolis. The series is currently led by Indianapolis, 2-1. This is also the fourth game in an 8-game road trip for Columbus; they are behind on the trip, 2-1.

Columbus is 52-77, putting them at last (of 4) in the International League West. Indianapolis is 64-66,putting them at 3rd (one above Columbus) in the International League West.

Starting Pitchers – Today, the Clippers will be sending RHP Ken Ray (2-8). Though he had won his last game, Ray has been on a sliding streak lately. The Indians will be answering with RHP Ty Taubenheim (5-9). Starting against the Clippers 7 times, Taubenheim is 1-5.

Notes – Jordan Brown is currently 2nd place for the batting title in the IL, hitting .331. Kevin Russo is currently leading at .334.

Unless the Clippers go 8-5 for the rest of the season, they will have the lowest record ever in Clippers history.

Columbus is the first team to be eliminated from the playoffs this season.

Good Luck Boys!

8/25/09: Yet Again, the Columbus Clippers Lose Late in the Game, 8-7

Robert Barga — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 03:20:03 +0000

Once again, the Columbus Clippers lost very late in the game, this time to the Indianapolis Indians, 8-7. The Clippers started it off, scoring four times in the second inning. The Indians then tied it up, scoring four times in the third. In the seventh, both teams scored, with Columbus scoring three times and the Indians scoring once. Though they thought that they had it locked up, the Indians surprised the Clippers when they scored three times in the bottom of the ninth, grabbing the win from the jaws of defeat.

This is the 8th loss in the last 10 games for the Clippers, and the 11th in the last 15. Unless they go 8-5 for the rest of the season, they will have the lowest record ever in Clippers history. Additionally, they are now the first team to be eliminated from the playoffs this season. This makes them 52-77, putting them at dead last (of 4) in the International League West.

For the Indians,Tagg Bozied hit his 5th homer of the season and Erik Kratz his his 10th. Nobody on the Clippers’ side managed to knock one over the fences.

The Indians’ RHP Jean Machi got the win, making him 1-0. For Columbus, LHP Zach Jackson got his third hold and RHP Jose Veras got his second. RHP Greg Aquino, who normally can be counted on for the save, got a BS (his 2nd) and a loss, making him 1-2.

Tomorrow night, the Clippers will remain at Victory Field in Indianapolis to play the 4th, and final, game of this 4-game series – the series is currenly led by Indianapolis, 2-1. The game will be played at 1:00.