Reading Phillies Pitching Report

The Reading Phillies had a number of strong pitching prospects on their roster in 2009 and a good chunk of them could be headed to Lehigh Valley and beyond in 2010.   Full Story

The Missoula Osprey posted a 40-36 record and beat Great Falls in three games to take the North Division title before losing in the Championship Series in three games to Orem. They were the primary beneficiary of the fantastic Arizona Diamondbacks June Draft, as the Missoula roster featured 16 prospects selected within the first 20 rounds, including four who were among the top 60 picks overall.   Full Story

It's not good when you sit your season-long starter, because he can't hold onto the ball, which is just what running backs coach Tim Beck said he did. And the debut of freshman running back Dontrayevous Robinson had mixed results. But overall, Beck talked about how he said it was a good start for the young I-back, and they will need his "thump" as they progress through the rest of this season.   Full Story

In Part Two of our two-part interview with Oakland A's minor league pitching coordinator Gil Patterson, we discuss the rest of the pitchers participating in the Instructional League, including a young Dominican right-hander with dynamic stuff.   Full Story

With the 2009 minor league season finally in the books, it is time for us to bestow our awards on the best individual performances for 2009. In the third of our series, we hand out the awards for the top players and pitchers for the Oakland A's short-season affiliates.   Full Story

Two former Phillies relievers are awaiting a call from the big league club to help out the team's beleaguered bullpen. Scott Mathieson and Mike Zagurski have both recovered from injuries, but neither was given a September audition.   Full Story

We continue our review of the 2009 season for the Oakland A's organization by concluding our look at the 2009 draft. In Part Two of our draft review, we check the performances of the A's picks in rounds 16 through 50.   Full Story

In part two of our three-part conversation with Oakland A's Director of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi, we discuss the Matt Holliday trade, the development of Chris Carter and Adrian Cardenas, the definition of a "one-level-a-year" player, negotiating with Scott Boras draftees and more...   Full Story

After splitting the first two games of the Pioneer League Division Series with the Great Falls Voyagers, the Missoula Osprey fell behind 5-0 in the deciding game, and things looked leak. Then the offense exploded and the bullpen stepped up as they have all season, rallying the Osprey to a 16-7 rout and advancing them to the League Championship Series.   Full Story

In Part Two of our lengthy, season-end conversation with Oakland A's Director of Player Development Keith Lieppman, we discuss the progress of some 2009 draft picks, the fall plans for Michael Ynoa, Fautino De Los Santos and Sean Doolittle, some surprising performances, and more...   Full Story

Sometimes the leaders don't even have to be there to lead. That's the message Running Backs Coach Tim Beck likes to convey when he talks about what players no longer here taught the younger players who will be here for two to three more years. It's lessons handed down, and with the maturity of the players they are recruiting, he hopes it's a great combination for the future.   Full Story

When former Chicago White Sox reliever Shingo Takatsu was pitching in Japan, he earned the nickname “Mr. Zero” for being the most dominant closer in JPL history. Kane County reliever Paul Smyth could have earned the same nickname with Vancouver this season, as he set a team record for most scoreless innings to start a career. David Malamut caught-up with Smyth this weekend…   Full Story

Second-year players Gary Banks and Corey Clark were among the eight players who were named to the San Diego Chargers' practice squad on Sunday. Only three rookies were invited to extend their stay in lightning bolts.   Full Story

The San Diego Chargers anticipate playing the starters into the second half of Saturday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. However, the team's youngsters will be under the most scrutiny. Here are five rookies to watch for.   Full Story

A freshman leader. Yeah, you heard that right. True freshman Rex Burkhead has been making noise as a running back, but he's been doing it by not making noise at all. Talented but humble, quiet but confident, Burkhead has impressed throughout the Fall. Running Backs Coach Tim Beck talked about his running back situation and just what makes Burkhead special.   Full Story

If the Stockton Ports make the playoffs, Monday night's game against Bakersfield will be the one they remember. The Ports, who are chasing the Blaze for a spot in the Cal League post-season, earned a most unusual win in 14 innings on the road at Bakersfield on Monday. We have the details and more inside...   Full Story

The Chicago Bears took a weak receiving corps to Bourbonnais for training camp, but two unknowns, Brandon Rideau and Devin Aromashodu, have both taken this opportunity to get noticed. After playing well in a 17-3 preseason win over the Giants, Bear Report's Beth Gorr spent some time with them.   Full Story

Despite the fact that Brandon Rideau has been in the NFL since 2005 and around the Chicago Bears organization for a while, he is yet to make his first catch. Look for all that to change this year. Here is what Rideau told Bear Report after a morning mini practice Wednesday in this exclusive interview.   Full Story

The Monsters of the Midway are looking for help at wide receiver, but some of the lesser-known names currently on the roster are doing great. There were also plenty of turnovers Friday because of the rain. Bear Report had a front-row seat at Chicago Bears training camp and made these observations ...   Full Story

Six Cardinals minor leaguers are on the move, from Memphis to the Gulf Coast League.   Full Story

Brandon Dickson pitched eight shutout innings, Jim Rapoport and David Freese each collected four RBI as the system went 1-6 on Wednesday.   Full Story

Hearne and Additon up, Degerman out and Freeman injured as the Springfield roster sees four changes on Tuesday.   Full Story

San Diego Chargers rookies reported to camp on Monday on a mission. For former Kansas LB James Holt, the objective is to beat out highly touted undrafted rookie Darry Beckwith in the race for Matt Wilhelm's vacated spot.   Full Story

The Vikings released cornerback Charles Gordon on Monday, putting an end to a trying nine months following a gruesome ankle injury.   Full Story

HICKORY, N.C. - Finally getting the chance to play every day, Erik Morrison has proven to be perhaps the best slugger in the South Atlantic League, as he sits among the leaders in every major statistical category. Lone Star Dugout has a question-and-answer session with the 23-year-old.   Full Story