No Rhubarb!

With a much-needed off day on Wednesday, we here at No Rhubarb! feel it a good opportunity to check up on the hometown nine. So here we go with our first Rainier Report of the season.

Yeah, we know the name sucks. You come up with something better.

The Tacoma Rainiers currently stand at 10-8, good for second place in the Pacific North Division, but the Rainiers stand a staggering seven games behind the first-place Salt Lake Bees. The Bees are 17-1, which is just unbelievable in of itself, but the Bees are undefeated (11-0!) on the road. We knew that Salt Lake would be good - the Bees feature the Angels' best hitting prospect Brandon Wood and best pitching prospect Nick Adenhart - but this is ridiculous. The Beavers and Sky Sox are bunched up behind the Rainiers, but everybody in the division is looking up at Salt Lake.

Rockin'
Jeff Clement - The power-hitting catcher has proved all that he can in Triple-A. Sporting a whopping .367/.500/.650 line with four homers and 15 walks, Clement could be heading to Seattle any day now.

Bryan LaHair -Tied with Clement for the team lead in homers and slugging a robust .522. Still can't hit lefties though.

Matt Tuisasosopo - When Tui was named Our Favorite Rainier, he was really scuffling along, sporting an awful .212/.297/.333 line. Well, being named Our Favorite Rainier has been quite the tonic. Currently at .262/.338/.392, Tui has been red-hot lately, hitting .368 his past 10 games.

Ryan Feierabend - It would be difficult be more important to a team than the Rainier ace. He leads the team in wins, ERA, innings pitched and strikeouts.

Not Rockin'
Yung-Chi Chen - We are willing to cut Chen some slack after missing nearly the entire 2007 season, but .212/.255/.302 is just sad. He's particularly helpless behind in the count, where his average slips to .071. Yikes

Tug Hulett - Chen's partner at second, Hulett has hit even less, if that's possible. Tug's playing time has been limited, but .124/.263/.156 doesn't really call for more.

Rob Johnson - The defensive side of the Reff Clemtson double-headed catching monster leads the team in errors. You figure it out...

Joe Woermann - We at No Rhubarb! are somewhat inclined to like Joe, beings as he's from the Puget Sound and went to school down in San Diego, but his start has been terrifyingly bad. Pick a number, and its terrible. No wins, two losses, ERA of 18.62, 20 runs in 9 2/3 innings, 14 walks... just awful.

Yes, we know: It's still early!

Posted by frinklin at 1:40 PM | 0 comments Links to this post    
Labels: Colorado Springs Sky Sox, Portland Beavers, Salt Lake Bees, Tacoma Rainiers

Brodie Downs – the 27-year old rookie – picked up his first win as a Tacoma Rainier on Saturday, and that strikes us as just being incredibly cool. Brodie, in his second appearance as a Rainier, worked two scoreless innings to pick up the win in relief of Horacio Ramirez. Ho-Ram, as he is annoying called, is the Mariners' Quadruple-A starter that cost the team the services of Rafael Soriano in one of the more lopsided trades in baseball this past year. Ho-Ram was Ho-Awful, giving up six runs over four innings in his first of three scheduled rehab starts.

Tomorrow: Zooperstars. Run while you can.

Box

Posted by frinklin at 12:46 AM | 1 comments Links to this post    
Labels: Game Results, Salt Lake Bees, Tacoma Rainiers

Tacoma dropped their third in a row, as Salt Lake starter Kasey Olenbarger carried a shutout into the ninth inning. Mike Morse stopped the shutout bid, but the Rainiers were unable to close the gap. Olenbarger finished with 8 1/3 innings, giving up two runs on seven hits.

The Rainiers are on the road starting Tuesday night, with a 7:05 start against Round Rock in Texas. Jorge Campillo (2-3, 3.00) takes the hill for Tacoma, the Express have not announced a starter

Box

Posted by frinklin at 12:47 AM | 0 comments Links to this post    
Labels: Game Results, Salt Lake Bees, Tacoma Rainiers

The Week That Was: An uneven week for the Rainiers, going 3-4, but losers of three out of their last four. After splitting with Colorado Springs, the Rainiers have lost two in a row against Salt Lake, and they haven’t really been competitive in either game. If the Rainiers expect to contend, they have to better than a game under .500 at home. Currently Tacoma stands 14-17, good for third place in the Pacific North division.

On Deck: The series finale against Salt Lake is on Monday Night. The Rainiers will be glad to see the Bees in the rearview mirror. Tacoma and Salt Lake don’t meet again until the last game in June. Starting on Tuesday, the Rainiers hit the road and head for Texas for four games against the Round Rock Express. The Express find themselves with the same record as Tacoma, but they sit in last place of the PCL American South division.

In The Hole: After Round Rock, the Rainiers head to Albuquerque, for four games in gorgeous Isotopes Park. The Isotopes are at .500, just one game back of Oklahoma in the American South division.

Posted by frinklin at 6:02 AM | 0 comments Links to this post    
Labels: Albuquerque Isotopes, Review/Preview, Round Rock Express, Salt Lake Bees, Tacoma Rainiers

Salt Lake took their second in a row over Tacoma, as Joe Saunders - seen just last month handcuffing the Mariners - went eight strong innings. Saunders struck out eight, and gave up solo home runs by Jeff Clement and Brent Ust. That was it for the Rainiers, as Tacoma’s only other hit was a ninth-inning single by Rob Johnson. Jake Woods took the loss, giving up five runs in six innings.

The four game series with the Bees wraps up Monday evening, first pitch at 6:05. This will be the rematch of the touted Really Long Names Bowl of two weeks ago: Kasey Olenberger (3-1, 2.86) against Ryan Feierabend (1-1, 3.16). Perhaps one of these teams can sign Tim Spooneybarger or trade for Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

Box

Posted by frinklin at 11:15 PM | 0 comments Links to this post    
Labels: Game Results, Salt Lake Bees, Tacoma Rainiers

The Jim Parque Experiment was whacked for seven runs on 10 hits over 4 1/3, and Salt Lake buried Tacoma this afternoon. The second man up for Salt Lake was Terry Evans; he homered – the first of his three hits – and the Bees were off to the races. The Rainiers were down 9-0 before Wladimir Balentien hit his eight homer to at least get Tacoma on the scoreboard.

Same two teams tomorrow afternoon at 12:35. Joe Saunders (0-1, 3.55) – who really should be an Angel by now- against Jake Woods (1-1, 6.41).

Box

Posted by frinklin at 2:18 AM | 0 comments Links to this post    
Labels: Game Results, Salt Lake Bees, Tacoma Rainiers

While we were pleasantly surprised to see the Salt Lake Bees launch an official blog, we are far more interested in the Blog of Bees run by a Salt Lake fan. We are constantly on the lookout for fellow PCL fanblogs. Eventually we would like to see a blogroll made up of PCL fans.

We just have to find the damned things.

Finally, every time I think of the Bees, this classic Eddie Izzard bit pops into my head. Enjoy.

Posted by frinklin at 12:19 AM | 0 comments Links to this post    
Labels: Blogs Much Better Than This One, Salt Lake Bees, Tacoma Rainiers

It isn't every day that a starter can come into a game with an ERA of 7.94 and make it worse, but that is what Pedro Liriano did, giving up six runs in just 4 1/3 innings. Tacoma jumped out to a 1-0 lead, lost it as Justin Lehr gave up a deuce on Matthew Brown's second-inning homer, but took it back with a four-spot in the fourth. Adam Jones hit a two-run double, Lehr settled down and went seven full innings, and the Rainiers take the series opener on Friday Fireworks Night.

The same two teams tomorrow afternoon at 1:35. The Jim Parque Experiment (1-1, 6.41) continues for the Rainiers, against the unspellable Jonathon Rouwenhorst (2-0, 5.60)

Box

Posted by frinklin at 11:16 PM | 0 comments Links to this post    
Labels: Game Results, Salt Lake Bees, Tacoma Rainiers

The Salt Lake Bees have an official team blog called Bees Wax. How cool is that?

Posted by frinklin at 11:50 PM | 0 comments Links to this post    
Labels: Blogs Much Better Than This One, Salt Lake Bees, Tacoma Rainiers

So, remember last week when we lauded Jason Mackintosh for coming up from West Tennessee and making a spot start against Fresno? He basically went directly from the airport to Cheney Stadium, threw five scoreless innings against the Grizzlies in a losing effort. That was nice,wasn't it?

Today, not so much.

Jorge Campillo started this one for Tacoma and he had a fairly normal Jorge Campillo day. He did leave the game down 4-1, but he did go six innings. Mackintosh came in for the last three innings and managed to give up eight runs on eight hits in those three little innings.

Hope the weather is nice in Jackson.

Tomorrow night, a four-game series starts against Salt Lake. First pitch is 6:05. Justin Lehr (2-0, 2.79) against Pedro Lirano (1-3, 7.94). Life against the Bees just got a bit easier, as star infielder Brandon Wood has been called up to the major league Angels.

Box

Posted by frinklin at 10:45 PM | 0 comments Links to this post    
Labels: Colorado Springs Sky Sox, Game Results, MegaSuperBeatDowns, Salt Lake Bees, Tacoma Rainiers

The Week That Was: The Rainiers saw their first off-day of the season and – more importantly – their first series win on the road. The week started ugly as Tacoma dropped back to back games in Salt Lake in ugly fashion, then salvaged the finale. Tacoma then moved on to Las Vegas, and took three out of four from the 51s. Tacoma stands at 11-13, all alone in second place of the Pacific North division, three games behind the Bees.

On Deck: The Rainiers head home for an eight game home stand, kicking off with a visit from the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. The Sky Sox – great name, ain't it? - find themselves at the bottom of the division with a 7-13 mark. Colorado Springs is one of the more veteran teams in the PCL.

In The Hole: Division-leading Salt Lake comes to Tacoma for the first time this season for a four-game series starting on Friday. The Bees star is a bit dimmed now, as star thirdbaseman Brandon Wood has been called up to the parent Angels. We have to admit a certain fondness for the Bees, partly because they are the Los Angeles – California – Anaheim – Los Angeles Angel farm club. We lived behind the Orange Curtain for some time and took in many games at Angel Stadium. Also – and the depth of our obsession with uniforms will come out soon – we love the Bees throwback look.

Posted by frinklin at 12:17 AM | 0 comments Links to this post    
Labels: Colorado Springs Sky Sox, Review/Preview, Salt Lake Bees, Tacoma Rainiers

This was a bit of slugfest, now wasn't it?

SLUG-FEST.

This kind of win is never pretty, never easy, but almost always tons of fun. Tacoma jumped out to a five-run lead in the second, battering Salt Lake starter Jonathon Rouwenhorst. Jim Parque couldn't hold the lead though, giving up seven runs (four earned) in four innings before being pulled in favor of Sean Green. Green pitched three hitless innings to notch the win. The bullpen didn't really help the matter though. With the Rainiers up 8-7 in the eighth, Brad Thomas gave up a run to tie. Mike Morse hit a homer in the ninth to power the Rainiers to a 12-8 lead. Jon Huber gave up three in the ninth before Byron Embry finally closed it out with the winning run on base.

Like we said, these are never easy.

We have to give a special No Rhubarb shout-out to Wladimir Balentien. He pushed his hitting streak to 17 with a 4-for-5, 2 HR, 5 RBI day. Wlad is now at .380/.430/.648 and making a concerted effort to wrest Our Favorite Rainier status from Mr. Jones. You're on notice AJ.

Tomorrow? Nothing. After 20 straight game days, the Rainiers have a much-deserved day off. A day off in Las Vegas, no less. Thursday at the 51s; Jake Woods (0-0, 9.00) against Greg Miller (1-0 , 1.98).

Box

Posted by frinklin at 12:12 AM | 0 comments Links to this post    
Labels: Game Results, Our Favorite Rainier, Salt Lake Bees, Tacoma Rainiers

Damn it.

As close to an offensive explosion as this team comes, and they still can’t win. Tacoma beats up on Salt Lake’s pitching to the tune of 15 hits, six doubles and a Jeremy Reed homer, but it just isn’t enough. Renee Cortez took the loss after a dreadful inning where he gave up four earned runs without notching an out. Wladimir Balentien stretched his hitting streak to a PCL-best 16 games, going 2-5 with an RBI double.

Again: DAMN IT!

The Rainiers attempt to avoid the sweep tomorrow afternoon at 12:05. Jim Parque (1-1, 5.94) continues his comeback against the great unknown. Salt Lake has yet to announce a starter.

Minor League Baseball Box Score

Posted by frinklin at 11:03 PM | 0 comments Links to this post    
Labels: Game Results, Salt Lake Bees, Tacoma Rainiers

The Week that Was: The Rainiers finished with another losing week, going 3-4 against Sacramento, Fresno and Salt Lake. After dropping Sunday's series finale against the River Cats, the Rainiers did manage to pick up three in a row against Fresno. Tacoma missed a chance at the sweep though, and have since lost consecutive games against the Bees. The Rainiers now find themselves at 7-11, four games back of the Salt Lake.

On Deck: The Rainiers have two more tough games in Salt Lake, a night game on Monday and an afternoon tilt on Tuesday. After that game it's on to Sin City (yes, we're deeply ashamed at using that nickname) for a four-game series against the Las Vegas 51s. The 51s stand at 10-6, a game back of Sacramento in the PCL Pacific South.

In The Hole:After the series in Las Vegas, the Rainiers have another only-in-the-minors travel situation; after a 12:05 game in Las Vegas, Tacoma heads to Colorado Springs for a series against the Sky Sox. They play on Saturday, travel Saturday night and play a 6:05 game against the Sox on Sunday. Colorado Springs is las in the Pacific North, currently at 5-10.

Posted by frinklin at 4:00 AM | 0 comments Links to this post    
Labels: Colorado Springs Sky Sox, Las Vegas 51s, Review/Preview, Salt Lake Bees, Tacoma Rainiers

Who needs offense anyway?

Well, the Rainiers do, if they fancy winning any baseball games. Jorge Campillo again pitched just well enough to lose, going 6 innings and giving up 4 runs. A desultory day in Salt Lake; the only highlight was Wladimir Balentien running his hitting streak to 15 games, only to find himself ejected at home in the eighth. Again, Campillo pitched a competent game, but nothing short of Bob Gibson circa 1968 would have won this one for the Rainiers..

Salt Lake again tomorrow night, 6:05 first pitch. Justin Lehr (0-1, 3.71) against Pedro Liriano (0-2, 8.25).

Minor League Baseball Box Score

Posted by frinklin at 7:35 PM | 0 comments Links to this post    
Labels: Game Results, Salt Lake Bees, Tacoma Rainiers

It just wasn't Tacoma's evening in Salt Lake tonight. The Rainiers dropped their second in a row, this time in tough, tough fashion to the first-place Bees. Starter Ryan Feierabend gave up a run in each of the first two innings, and Salt Lake starter Kasey Olenberger kept the Rainiers under wraps for the first six. Wladimir Balentien hit a two-run homer in the seventh to tie, but Salt Lake grabbed the lead right back, getting two off of reliever Brad Thomas. The Rainiers fall to 7-10, the Bees stay in first place of the Pacific Northern Division at 10-7.

A day game tomorrow, 1:05 first pitch. Jorge Campillo (1-1, 2.37) against Henry Bonilla (2-0, 4.80).

Box from Minor League Baseball

Posted by frinklin at 11:45 PM | 0 comments Links to this post    
Labels: Game Results, Salt Lake Bees, Tacoma Rainiers

The modern-day Pacific Coast League is a massive enterprise consisting of 16 teams stretching from Tacoma and Portland in the Pacific Northwest to New Orleans of the Deep South. These are the teams our hometown nine will face throughout the long season.

The Team: Salt Lake Bees

The Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

The Affiliation: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (ridiculous, I know)

The Website: SLBees.com

The Ballpark: Franklin Covey Field. Opened in 1994, Franklin Covey was one of the first double-decker minor league fields. Set in a commercial area of Salt Lake, the stadium features a view of the Wasatch Mountains

The History: Salt Lake City first hosted a PCL franchise in 1915, hosting the former Sacramento Solons, a team that had already found itself in Tacoma and Fresno in addition to three separate stays in Sacramento. The Salt Lake Bees lasted until 1925, when other PCL owners tired of the long travel, moved the team to Southern California. That team – the first version of the PCL Tacoma Tigers – spent the majority of the century as the San Diego Padres. The PCL would return to Utah in 1958, with the Hollywood Stars move. That lasted until 1965, when that version of the Bees moved to Tacoma, replacing the departing Giants. The PCL would return again in 1970 as the Salt Lake Angels, then as the Salt Lake Gulls. That team left in 1985 and moved to Calgary. Finally, the current team arrived in 1994, when the former Portland Beavers were moved into the brand-new Franklin Covey Field.

The Name: This PCL team was originally named the Buzz (which is awful), then changed to the Stingers (which is a tiny bit better) in 2002 to avoid a lawsuit from Georgia Tech. In 2005, the team revived the Bees moniker and brought back these gorgeous throwback uniforms.

Whew….That was far more complicated than it needed to be.

The Prospects: Brandon Wood, Jeff Mathis, Terry Evans

Posted by frinklin at 5:06 AM | 0 comments Links to this post    
Labels: Know The Enemy, Salt Lake Bees, Tacoma Rainiers