Travelerocity

Yellow line has been crossed at Dickey-Stephens Park for good

Have you noticed it? The yellow line on top of the fence in front of the indoor batting cage in deep center field. It just, well, appeared.

 

This is how that same area looked last season, and it was controversial. The lack of a yellow line, that is.

    

It didn't seem like it should have been a big deal. But it was. It all began when then Travs' third baseman, Corey Smith, who is now with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, hit a huge home run to the deepest part of the park in early July. Or was it?

 

Corey, seen taking a cut against his old team last week at Dickey-Stephens, had to stop at second after the umpires ruled his blast hit off the front of the batting-cage gutter facing. Many disagreed including: Corey, of course; Travelers broadcaster, Phil Elson; many people in the stands; and this observer...all who felt the ball had hit on the roof, which would then have been a home run. But it was so hard to tell. Roof, home run. Gutter, no.

The solution, paint a damn yellow line as Travelerocity suggested publicly in a post on July 2, 2008.

Am I saying the club decided to paint the line because of our suggestion? Well, no. I'm just saying Travelerocity was on record back last July as being the first to say publicly it was needed. Let me put it another way. It was ridiculous not to have it. A yellow line like that is used in countless parks as a natural way to help discern the home-run boundary.

Which now brings us to the obvious. Why? Why the controversy over something so simple and necessary. One name. Bill Valentine.

You see, Bill was on record as not wanting his pristine new ballpark painted up. It's fine the way it is and that's that is more-or-less the story I got on Mr. Valentine's stance regarding an important need (yellow line) that could save his team a win. What if Arkansas had lost the playoffs last year over a similar ruling? No championship.

So take another look.

 

Common sense has prevailed. Above the line, gone. Below or on the line, not.

Now, Pete, how about some more paint on top of those dugouts? "Arkansas Travelers" on the home; "Texas League" on the visitors. Just a thought. Couldn't hurt to ask.

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Nice event coming to Dickey-Stephens on Thursday, May 14, as part of the Jim Elder Good Sport Fund.

   

It's called "Home Plate Heroes Night" and painted home plates such as those above will be auctioned off for various charities like PARK, Miracle League, and RBI at Lamar Porter Field.

Tickets are $25 and the event will last from 5-8 p.m. For more information go to www.jimelder.org or call 501-766-6444.

-- Lonesome Traveler

Five questions with Travs catcher/DH Hank Conger

Starting a new feature we hope you like, the first victim of "Five Questions" is catcher Hank Conger. The Angels' #7 prospect signed in '06 out of high school from Huntington Beach, Calif., for $1.35 million and helped boost the Travelers to the Texas League championship last season after joining the team for the playoffs.

 

During the Hot Stove in February, Player Development Director Abe Flores announced Conger would not be coming back to Dickey-Stephens Park to start '09 because it was thought he needed more work behind the plate with younger pitchers. Hank has suffered several injuries and caught only 10 games in '08. But that didn't stop his bat.

  

The switch hitter was a force from both sides of the plate during the '08 Texas League playoffs, collecting 13 RBI in eight playoff games on the way to the Travelers' title.

 

So it was quite a pleasant surprise when the Arkansas roster was released for '09 and #24 was issued to Hyun Choi "Hank" Conger, a second-generation Korean-American.

  

The Travs' DH/catcher started off the season in a slump but has been on a tear lately. He went 3 for 4 last Saturday in a win over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals and came back the next day and homered and drove in three runs during an 8-1 victory. He also had another base hit on Sunday, which made him 5 for 8 over the final two games of the series against NWA.

Recently Conger met with Travelerocity before a game to good-naturedly answer "Five Questions" at random. Here they are:

Q: What was your Little League team's name?

A: Ocean View Reds, and we ended up making it to the championship regionals on ESPN.

Q: California girls or Arkansas girls?

A: Both are beautiful.

Q: Who is the toughest big-league pitcher you've faced in spring training?

A: Last year it was Brandon Morrow for the Mariners. [Note: When healthy, the reliever's fastball averages 95 mph with movement.]

Q: What's the best restaurant you've been to in the area since you've been here?

A: Benihana Japanese Steakhouse

Q: Who has the worst table manners on the team?

A: (laughs) Uh, not sure, I'll have to find that one out.

[So we'll hold him to that last one for a full report later.]

-- Lonesome Traveler

Reckling and Conger wreck Naturals to win series 3-1

When 19-year-old Trevor Reckling stepped on the mound and struck out big Corey Smith, a former Traveler, to complete a first-inning trifecta of strikeouts in his first Double-A start, you knew you were seeing something special.

 

Using pinpoint location and mixing his pitches masterfully, the youngest player in the Texas league and the Angels' #4 prospect never seemed rattled in his debut win for the Travelers on a beautiful sun-splashed Sunday afternoon at Dickey-Stephens Park.

 

The lefthander didn't blow the hitters away. He hit the gun consistently in the high 80s, but he kept the ball down and his smooth-as-silk approach along with a great changeup had NWA hitters off balance all afternoon. He completed his Texas League debut after six innings, throwing 94 pitches with four strike outs, three walks, and no runs.

     

In a pitching duel of top prospects, Reckling's counterpart didn't fare as well. Kansas City's #3 prospect, righthander Daniel Cortes, took the loss and is now 0-3 to start the season.

 

A sun-seeking Sunday crowd saw Cortes and three other Northwest Arkansas pitchers give up eight runs and 11 hits in Arkansas' 8-1 victory.

 

The big blow came in the bottom of the sixth off Naturals' reliever Carlos Sencion. DH Hank Conger (above), who has been on fire the last two games, lofted a soaring three-run drive over the left-field wall high on the berm against a stiff breeze for a 4-0 lead.

Third baseman Wil Ortiz, who had a great game in the field as well as at the plate, later drove in Ryan Mount for a 5-0 lead and after that the Travs never looked back.

  

The Travelers added three more in the bottom of the eighth to breeze to the win and a 3-1 series victory over the intrastate rival Naturals.

 

Throughout the series, Arkansas' relief pitching looked very good at times. One standout was Ryan Brasier (below), who took over for Reckling in the seventh Sunday and finished the game allowing one run with three strike outs.

Arkansas how hits the road for two four-game series at Tulsa and Springdale (NWA), before returning to D.S. against the Tulsa Drillers on May 5.

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Before the game, Travelers players worked with kids down on the field during the Jim Elder Good Sport Fund clinic. Besides instruction, the kids get a free ball at the annual clinic named after the late Travs broadcaster.

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Special Travelerocity Post Note--Coming SOON!--a new feature--"Five Questions" where one Traveler  will be asked five questions at random.

  

First up.......Catcher/DH, Hank Conger.

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Special note to self---Never forget the hand that feeds you. Thanks Damgoode Pies for the pizza!

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Name This Caption

Caught this shot of a conversation Sunday in the outfield before the game between Travelers Manager Bobby Magallanes and General Manager Pete Laven. How about comments on what you think they might have been talking about. (Oh, and Pete says the fireworks after a home win as first reported by Travelerocity are here to stay as we had hoped.)

 

And finally... this is what happened to Shelly when I told him about the beautiful dance team (The Halos) coming to Dickey-Stephens in May (also a Travelerocity exclusive) and suggested he dance on top of the dugouts with them.

-- Lonesome Traveler

Two balks add to odd and rare type loss against NWA Naturals

To heck with three Travelers pitching a combined one hitter and losing the game 2-0 to Northwest Arkansas!

Something happened at Dickey-Stephens Park Friday night so rare, it may not happen at any professional ballpark anywhere this summer. And has it ever happened is what I wanted to know, and if so, how often?

In the top of the second, Travelers starter Michael Anton issued back-to-back balks on consecutive pitches.

 

I talked to the local George Kell Chapter president of SABR (Society of American Baseball Research) about the rarity of such a sequence. He said he had never heard of it happening and that it was such an odd occurrence he "wouldn't know where to start," to find out. Huh. If this guy, "Mr. Stats Research," is stumped, then it's an extremely odd, if not very rare sequence.

The Naturals didn't get a hit until the top of the fifth when shortstop Chris McConnell doubled on a looping fly behind first that second-baseman Ryan Mount juggled and dropped after a spectacular sliding effort to get to it. The Naturals never got another hit.

If Mount catches it and everything else had stayed the same, NWA would have won the game with no hits!

How is that possible? Here's HOW:

Top of 1st--Lead off walk, sac bunt/runner advances to second, attempted steal at third... catcher (Ben Johnson) throws ball in to left field, runner scores.  1-0

Top of 2nd--Walk, balk, balk, sac fly.  2-0

 

In the bottom of the third, outfielder Coby Smith got the first of the Travelers' five hits for the night. Smith, the club's leading hitter, entered the game batting .409 with two home runs and 6 RBI.

Even though the Travelers helped him out a lot, Naturals starter and #10 prospect Blake Wood looked good in the outing leaving with one out in the bottom of the seventh after throwing only 87 pitches for the win.

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Friday night prior to the game, Arkansas' P.A. announcer introduced the Lantz Family of the Game as "originally from Houston but now native Arkansans."

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Oh, and we were all treated to a surprise when the Naturals' mascot showed up for the game.

Players rub his foot for luck before every game.

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Travelers fans will be in for a real treat Sunday afternoon as two top pitching prospects will duel against each other.

 

Nineteen-year-old sensation and #4 Angels prospect Trevor Reckling (LHP) will make his first start for Arkansas. Reckling was just called up to the Travelers and is the youngest player in the Texas League.

 

Reckling will go up against righthander and #3 Kansas City Royals prospect, 6'6", 225 pound Daniel Cortes.

-- Lonesome Traveler

Fireworks and good play equal Traveler home win versus NWA

The Travs looked good Thursday night. Real good.

 

Timely hitting, solid pitching, great relief, and good defense can almost always guarantee a win. It did Thursday night against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals before a big crowd.

 

 

After its early funk, the prospect laden team seems to be coming around. Maybe it was the eighty degree temperatures with a nice breeze that stoked the team up at Dickey-Stephens, but whatever it was several players stood out in this win.

First baseman Mark Trumbo (above) is making solid contact again and drove in the winning run in the sixth to break up a tie with the Nats.

   

Center fielder Peter Bourjos kept up his all-around steady play at bat, on the bases, and in the field. Bourjos made the best defensive play of the game when he threw a strike from center field to catcher Hank Conger to nip Naturals' second baseman Kurt Mertins at the plate for the third out of the second inning.

 

But the most impressive performance to me last night overall was the relief pitching, especially the job newcomer Ryan Brasier did.

 

Brasier seen before the game with the dreaded newcomer honor of carrying the bullpen purse, was outstanding to close the game and earned the save. He retired the side in order mostly slinging high heat, with one pitch reaching 96 on the Dickey-Stephens gun.

Brasier joined the team on the road in Midland and had a 1.35 ERA at Rancho before being called up to replace Robert Mosebach, who was promoted to Salt Lake.

  

In all the pen retired the last 14 Naturals batters it faced.

One interesting sidebar to this home series with NWA invloves the Naturals' third baseman Corey Smith, who spent most of the year at Arkansas last season playing the same position.

 

You get to know players well when they spend time here, and it was just odd seeing Corey back at third at Dickey-Stephens but in the state rival's uniform. Even stranger to see him announced on the big board for the Nats, wearing his former Traveler gear.

 

And finally what a surprise to see fireworks shoot off on the right field berm after the home win.

 

What a great idea, and let's hope it's the start of a continuing home tradition for wins.

-- Lonesome Traveler

Rave reviews and cable woes

Home is good. And apparently the new Travelers like it. Here's a sampling of what some of the players think of Dickey-Stephens and their new surroundings.

Reliever Bobby Cassevah says the area reminds him of his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida. (Minus the ocean, of course.)

   

Starter Trevor Bell (#22) from L.A. says he "Loves it!" Bell says he has taken the "fifty-cent tour" of the River Market and thought it was very cool. Facing the Arkansas humidity is a concern, though, since he now resides in Arizona. I politely expressed my view that it sucks, and he would never get used to it.

  

#3 prospect and speed-merchant Peter Bourjos said he thought the facilities were "nice," but he's also worried about the Natural State's humidity after the pleasant days of spring have passed. I told the center fielder from Scottsdale, Arizona, it sucks and he will never get used to it.

 

Starter and #5 prospect Sean O'Sullivan (#40 above) said, "The facilities are great...everything is great!" Maybe we ought to take Sean by Ray Winder to see what his predecessors had to deal with.

 

The team's top prospect, right-handed starter Jordan Walden, echoed his teammates enthusiasm for their new digs, calling Dickey-Stephens, "Fantastic, really nice."

Let's see what they all think if still here in July when it's 106 in the shade with 90 percent humidity. They'll probably say something like, "This sucks, and how do you ever get used to it?"

Coming home in last place and licking its wounds from a 2-4 road trip, let's hope the team enjoyed the beautiful Wednesday off before beginning a home series against in-state rival NWA Thursday night.

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Have a little Comcast tale of woe myself. No, it has nothing to do with Cardinal games on channel 96 or lack of. My story involves the Cardinals' arch enemy and my favorite team, the Cubs.

 

It goes something like this:

Friday a week ago after a long day I settle down in my easy chair for a late afternoon Cubs/Cardinals contest on WGN. It's a great, exciting, tense game with a playoff atmosphere when about the eighth inning, Comcast cable goes away. Nothing. I sit in stunned silence. 

Only after it's back on hours later do I see on Baseball Tonight Alfonso Soriano's bottom of the ninth walk-off homer. Are you kidding me?

Saturday, same teams...same deal. I'm in to this game. Really in to to it on a cold, rainy Saturday afternoon made for staying inside watching baseball. Along about the seventh inning, the game goes bye-bye. Only this time it's WGN only. (Some of you may have had the same experience.) All the channels are available, except WGN. I see later on Sportscenter how Aramis Ramirez won another incredibly exciting game in extras with his walk-off blast.

That brings us to Sunday. OK, thank goodness for Sunday Night Baseball featuring the sport's greatest rivalry, Cardinals vs. Cubs again. I got in just in time to tune in and to see...what? World Poker Championship! The game, sadly, had been rained out. No broadcast.

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Football is King!

Out of Baseball America's Top 100 prospects each in college and high school for '09, not one is from Arkansas.

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What's a five o'clock hitter?

-- Lonesome Traveler

On deck: Guide to the home series with the NWA Naturals

Former Travelers third baseman Corey Smith has turned nWa, and he and the rest of the franchise that got swept by the Travs in last season's North Division playoffs return to Dickey-Stephens Park so the Travs can rub it in their faces with two "coincidental" promotions celebrating last season's Texas League championship, which happened to be just a little more important than the Car-Mart Cup that goes to the season winner of this in-state rivalry.

The Naturals have the fewest prospects rated in the organization's top 30 of any team in the Texas League with just three (compared to the Travelers' eight). The Nits also have probably the most returnees from last season as any team in the league.

While these two factoids might indicate a stagnant farm system, the Royals have several prospects in Single A waiting in the wings, including third-baseman Mike Moustakas (the Royals' '07 top draft pick signed for $4 million) and first-baseman Eric Hosmer (the Royals' '08 top draft pick signed for a franchise record $6 million).

Maybe those two guys can make it to Dickey-Stephens in the second half, but as for now, NWA isn't much to look at, just like that long stretch of Highway 71 that runs through Springdale.

Here we go with the promotions for this home stand and the top players to watch...

Thursday, April 23 -- 7:10 p.m. (NWA Naturals)
First 2,000 adults get a Travelers schedule pen. Plus, it's "College Night" with any student getting in for $1 with a valid college ID card, so look out for the bleachers tonight.

Friday, April 24 -- 7:10 p.m. (NWA Naturals)
First 2,000 adults get a Travelers Texas League championship hat. Kids get to run the bases after the game.

Saturday, April 25 -- 7:10 p.m. (NWA Naturals)
First 2,000 adults get a miniature Texas League championship trophy. The Corona/Dos Equis (one beer is not enough) postgame concert series kicks off in the Hookslide Corner bleacher section after the game. Again, it should be a wild night in the bleachers.

Sunday, April 26 -- 2 p.m. (NWA Naturals)
A free kids clinic presented by the Jim Elder Good Sport Fund will be held at 12:30 p.m. on the field. The first 200 kids to the clinic get a free baseball. Fans can get in on a two-for-one special with three Lance snack-food wrappers or receipt showing proof of purchase. And as always on Sunday, you are rewarded for going to church and saving the bulletin with $10 family admission. Kids get to run the bases after the game.

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NWA Naturals (Kansas City Royals) top prospects
No. 3 prospect - Daniel Cortes, starting pitcher, ranked No. 90 in Baseball America's Top 100 prospects in the minors, part of trade from White Sox for Mike MacDougal, projected  future starter in Royals' rotation, '08 Texas League all-star
No. 10 prospect - Blake Wood, starting pitcher
No. 24 prospect - Joe Dickerson, right field, named to Arizona Fall League Rising Stars team, '08 Carolina League all-star

Arkansas Travelers (Los Angeles Angels) top prospects
No. 2 prospect - Jordan Walden, starting pitcher, ranked No. 70 in Baseball America's Top 100 prospects in the minors, signed for $1 million bonus
No. 3 prospect - Peter Bourjos, center field, projected future starter at center field for Angels, led California League last season with 50 steals
No. 5 prospect - Sean O'Sullivan, starting pitcher, led California League last season with 16 wins
No. 7 prospect - Hank Conger, catcher, projected future starting designated hitter for Angels, Angels' '06 top draft pick, signed for $1.35 million bonus, has MLB all-star potential
No. 8 prospect - Mark Trumbo, first base, projected future starter at first base for Angels, signed for $1.42 million bonus, led Angels farmhands last season with 32 home runs, made 22 errors at first base last season
No. 14 prospect - Ryan Mount, second base
No. 28 prospect - David Herndon, closer
No. 30 prospect - Hainley Statia, shortstop
Others - Ben Johnson was all everything for the Travs last year and looks to be even more lethal at the plate as the Angels move him out of the catcher spot to help aid his ascent to the majors, and pitcher Trevor Bell was the Angels' top draft pick in '05.

-- Travelerocity reporter and Lonesome Traveler

Halos dance team set to debut May 9 at Dickey-Stephens Park

Move over Shelly, hello Halos! It's official. As first reported exclusivley by Travelerocity last week, a lady dance team is coming for your entertainment to Dickey-Stephens Park.

Called the Halos (great name), the ladies will perform only on Saturday nights at home games.

Yes they will perform on top of the dugouts in between select innings but there's more.

Unlike the Razorback RBI Girls, who only perform on top the dugouts, the Halos will perform one dance routine per game on the field.

I'm told the first practice was Sunday.

So for the purists who commented negatively about this new entertainment venture for the Travelers, come on. So you'd rather just have Shelly and some drunk fans trying to knock over beer cans with a croquet ball and mallet in between innings?

It's all about fun at the ballpark, and a "Saturday Night Special" will be a welcome and refreshing change.

-- Lonesome Traveler

Hallelujah! Comcast to show Cardinals games on FSN Midwest

Comcast customers, turn to channel 96 on Tuesday night if you want a nice surprise.

Word is filtering in that Comcast has finally reached an agreement with Fox Sports to end the siege on Central Arkansas Comcast customers who have been unable to watch the first two weeks of St. Louis Cardinals games on Fox Sports Midwest.

The package this season also includes a limited number of Kansas City Royals games, which I guess is to help our friends from Royals Country (AKA northwest Arkansas) not feel homesick when they are visiting civilization.

Thanks to all the Travelerocity readers for calling Comcast to voice your opinion about the Cards. The feedback they got in the last two weeks may have helped speed up these negotiations.

And I must thank Comcast for nearly doubling readership of this web site the last two weeks just from people doing searches on Google for some explanation of why the Cardinals weren't on their televisions.

Some other quick points:
• The deal is only through 2009. So this drama will repeat itself next season and the season after that and the season after that...
• It isn't clear if this deal has been in the works for sometime, or if it came as the result of subscriber pressure.
• How soon will the changes be reflected in the Democrat's TV listings?

-- Travelerocity reporter and Crash Davis

For those who missed it: SI writer visits Literary Festival

Scott "S.L." Price was in town last Saturday for the Arkansas Literary Festival.

Price, a senior writer for Sports Illustrated, covered the Mike Coolbaugh tragedy for his magazine and the experience inspired him to write a book about it — Heart of the Game.

"I've been at the magazine for 15 years and this the first time I felt that I had to write a book about a story I did," Price told the crowd.

Price read a couple of chapters from the book and told some personal anecdotes about his writing process. He also talked about just gathering the material for the book — going to Puerto Rico, traveling around the country — but he said something that struck me, "I was on this story and I didn't have any competition."

Made me kind of wonder. In this era of ESPN and 24 hours a day of sports coverage, why wasn't anyone else out there pursuing the story?

Then I pick up the paper on Sunday and, unless I missed it, I didn't see a word about Price's appearance, despite a Democrat reporter and columnist being there.

Maybe Phillip Martin will crank out a column two weeks after the fact or something, but it just seemed that with Little Rock being Ground Zero for the Coolbaugh story, the fact that the local daily didn't even acknowledge his existence is, I guess, a little disappointing.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I've come to live with the daily disappointment that is the Democrat's coverage of baseball. Well, that and almost anything that happens in Little Rock.

-- Crash Davis

Are dancing dolls coming to Dickey-Stephens Park soon?

 

A very good source has confirmed to Travelerocity a lady dance team similar to the Razorback RBI Girls at Baum Stadium in Fayetteville (above) is in the works for Dickey-Stephens Park, an idea first floated by Travelerocity back in July '07 during Dickey-Stephens' inaugural season.

According to the source, a dancer or dancers from the Sirens, the dance team for the Arkansas Twisters indoor professional football team, approached Travelers General Manager Pete Laven and he gave the idea the "green light."

 

Since, as I've said before, you can land a small plane on the tops of those huge dugouts, we've always pleaded for them to be used for more entertainment. If the source is correct, it looks like that may now happen.

Now if we could convince some sponsor to come forward and paint the Travelers' logo on top of the home dugout, and the Texas League logo on the visitor's, then along with the ladies you could really warm the park up!

-- Lonesome Traveler

Home-stand scenes to start '09

The first home stand of '09 didn't turn out well for the Arkansas Travelers. Pitchers got pounded, bats were anemic, and in some cases the Travs threw the ball wildly all over the lot. Along with some really lousy weather, it was not the start the defending Texas League Champions had hoped for.

After a rousing Opening Night victory, the Travelers lost both series to the Midland RockHounds and Frisco RoughRiders, with the only other win coming Monday in extras on a Mark Trumbo walk-off homer.

 

But there were some bright spots. Even though he was the loser in the final game of the home stand Tuesday night against Frisco, the Angels' #5 prospect Sean O'Sullivan looked very good at times.

 

O'Sullivan's strength is his control and location. He led the California League in victories in '08, and won ERA titles in his two professional seasons prior to that. Showing a nice, easy delivery, he mixes his pitches beautifully and has an excellent change-up. At one point on opening night he retired sixteen Midland hitters in a row and was the winner in that game.

  

Another thing I noticed about O'Sullivan that could go a long way in progressing his pitching career is his temperament. He just seems...well, relaxed.

  

Center-fielder and #3 prospect Peter Bourjos is leading the team in hitting and is the fastest player in the farm system. I had heard about his speed, but until you see it in person it's hard to imagine. Opening night, he legged out a triple and looked like a tracer going around the bases.

   

Bourjos led the Cal League with thirty stolen bases at Rancho last year and had 150 hits.

 

Arkansas' lead-off man is also considered the best defensive outfielder in the system by Baseball America.

 

Outfielder Coby Smith has looked good at the plate and has sparkled on defense. Smith was up with the Travs for a while last season before being sent to Salt Lake prematurely. He looks like he's ready now to establish himself in Double-A.

 

Out of the pen, 6' 5" right-hander David Herndon has been very steady.

 

Herndon, the #28 prospect, has started off the season as the Travs' closer and has fared well. Monday night he pitched 1.1 scoreless innings for the win.

 

Despite the really crappy weather, attendance was as good as could be expected and enthusiasm was high for the start of season three at Dickey-Stephens. Here are some more "Home-Stand Scenes" from opening series play of '09.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a day off Wednesday, the Travs open a six game road trip Thursday night against the exact two teams they just played...Midland and Frisco. They will be back home a week from today for the first renewal of the intra-state rivalry against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.

  

It will be a short home stand with only four games to hear this guy, radio man Phil Elson, sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the stretch.

-- Lonesome Traveler

Editorial: Ray Winder Field property must go toward expansion of the Little Rock Zoo

Yes, UAMS probably needs more parking spaces (which I remind you that it charges you for when you visit a patient there unlike the other two hospitals in town), though probably not as much as its neighbor to the south, the VA, which it doesn't seem to share with very well.

And, yes, as in its latest proposal, maybe UAMS does indeed need more land for a child-care center for employees and surrounding businesses. Maybe, though, that need has more to do with making a bigger profit for UAMS, which I remind you receives millions annually from your state tax money.

Guess what? None of that is our problem, UAMS.

So why do some members on the Little Rock City Board feel any obligation toward selling the land Ray Winder Field sits on to UAMS when the obvious better choice is to sell the land to the Little Rock Zoo, which is offering $500,000 more than UAMS for the purchase?

I'd like to hear a clear answer to that question at the April 21 City Board meeting.

Nothing against UAMS, a world-class health-care center we are lucky to have in Little Rock, but when it comes to which offer will benefit the community more, the answer is clearly at the zoo. If UAMS wants to find some more property to engulf for parking or whatever, let it look elsewhere other than virtually the only place the zoo will ever be able to expand.

As a bonus, as a zoo property we may be able to still pay tribute to Ray Winder Field with a commemorative display at the actual home-plate site, and perhaps they can keep the old urine trough up as well. Already, the zoo has indicated a desire to leave the grandstand standing as a viewing point for the elephant sanctuary.

For these reasons, Travelerocity strongly endorses the Little Rock Zoo's offer to buy the Ray Winder Field property.

Let your city director and the mayor know that you feel the same way.

Also: Arkansas Times poll shows public heavily in favor of zoo expansion.

-- Travelerocity reporter

Trumbo stops Travelers home losing streak with walk-off shot

There were two breakthroughs almost simultaneously at Dickey-Stephens Park late Monday afternoon. The sun finally broke through after almost two days of dreary, rainy weather that canceled Easter Sunday's contest against the Frisco RoughRiders, and Mark Trumbo hitting only .125 going in to the game finally made contact.

His solo walk-off shot cleared the left field wall in the first extra inning of Monday's late game to give the Travelers a 4-3 win and a split of the day's doubleheader. Tumbo's deep fly ended a three game home losing streak, and he was mobbed when he reached the plate.

  

  

The Travs lost 8-2 to the Riders in the matinee game of Monday's special promotion. This is one of two such promotions where the Club sets up an early game (11:00 a.m.) for businessmen(women) to sneak away from work, swill a beer or two, watch the game and head back like nothing happened.

 

It's also a day kids get out of school to come to the ball park, and they show up in droves. The dreary morning didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the kids who came, especially after eating some of the good stuff.

 

A barrage of runs in the late-innings of the seven inning contest sealed the win for Frisco in the early game. The Riders scored four times in the fifth on four walks, and two hits combined off starter Michael Anton, who took the loss, and lefthanded reliever Barret Browning. Most of the runs came with bases loaded.

 

As in recent games, the Travs couldn't get much going after the first few innings and when they did they gave it back, like when Mark Trumbo got picked-off in the bottom of the fifth.

 

But the Angels' #8 prospect would have the last laugh in the night cap. Funny though, when he hit his blast over the left field wall to win the second game, probably less than a hundred people were left in the park to see it. No matter. It still counts.

 

 

Here are a few more scenes from Monday's doubleheader--

 

 

 

The Travs will meet Frisco again Tuesday night for the final game of the first home-stand of '09. Here's what Mr. Weatherman says we can expect.

 

-- Lonesome Traveler

Central Arkansas held hostage: Comcast in week two of not carrying Cardinals' FSN games

Just about every other cable system in the state and elsewhere has come to terms with Fox Sports to carry St. Louis Cardinals games this season -- except Comcast in Central Arkansas.

Comcast is nickel and diming the customers who are paying $65 a month and up for the privilege of viewing its product, which for the last 10 or so years has included all St. Louis Cardinals games broadcast on Fox Sports Midwest.

According to a post on The Birdhouse, the issue in these "contract negotiations" is money -- that our local Comcast office doesn't want to pay so that its customers can see the product we are paying for. The Birdhouse report says that Fox Sports Midwest increased its fees two years ago when it upped the number of games it carries from 110 to 130 (now 135 this season). And while 90 percent of cable companies in Cardinal country have complied, including other cable systems in the state and Central Arkansas, cable customers in the Little Rock Metro are being left out in the cold thanks to Comcast.

Yes, you can try to call the local Comcast office at 375-5755 only to be redirected to a call center outside the state that will have no idea what you are talking about and make no effort to resolve anything. A better idea -- go to a Comcast office at 1020 W. 4th St. or 2724 Shackleford Road in Little Rock, or 120 Main St. in North Little Rock, and raise your voice loud enough that a manager has to come out from the back.

And be sure to threaten to switch to DirecTV, Dish Network, or U-Verse.

Postscript: Attention restaurants and bars, are you showing St. Louis Cardinals games? Let us know so that we can come to your establishment and spend money for two to three hours.

-- Travelerocity reporter

On deck: Guide to home series with the Frisco Roughriders

Sunday, April 12 -- 4 p.m. (Frisco Roughriders)
Rained out -- Gates open at 2 p.m. for an Easter service courtesy of the Church at Rock Creek followed by an Easter egg hunt on the field at 3 p.m. In a Sunday tradition, a church bulletin gets everyone in the door for $10. Kids run the bases after the game.

Monday, April 13 -- 11 a.m. (Frisco Roughriders)
Doubleheader to make up for Sunday's rain out -- Yes, it's the first Screaming Kids Day, better known as Anti-Tobacco Day to the Office of Oral Health. But the Travs have added a twist this year to promote the day game to adults as well. This may be one of my favorite promotions of the year -- bring a note from your boss allowing you to skip work and watch the Travelers and you get in the reserved seats or bleachers for $3. Note that they do sell beer at these games. Some people hate Screaming Kids Days, but I love them.

Tuesday, April 14 -- 7:10 p.m. (Frisco Roughriders)
No promotion tonight, but I love these no-promotion Tuesdays that are the last game of the home stand as well. It's a little quieter atmosphere that is quite a contrast from the previous day.

-

Frisco Roughriders (Texas Rangers) top prospects
No. 3 prospect - Justin Smoak, first base, ranked No. 23 in Baseball America's Top 100 prospects in the minors, Rangers '08 top draft pick who signed for $3.5 million (second-largest signing bonus in Rangers history behind Mark Teixeira), potential to be MLB superstar who has drawn comparisons to Teixeira, expected to be entrenched in the big leagues by next season, set South Carolina Gamecocks record with 62 home runs
No. 17 prospect - Tommy Hunter, starting pitcher, made three starts for the Rangers last year, played for Alabama Crimson Tide, expected to return to the Rangers this season
No. 18 prospect - Jose Vallejo, second base, stole 89 bases in last two seasons
No. 19 prospect - Kasey Kiker, starting pitcher, Rangers '06 top draft pick
No. 23 prospect - Guillermo Moscoso, starting pitcher, expected to reach Rangers this season
No. 24 prospect - Omar Poveda, starting pitcher
No. 30 prospect - John Bannister, relief pitcher
Others - Craig Gentry, center field, played for Arkansas Razorbacks

Arkansas Travelers (Los Angeles Angels) top prospects
No. 2 prospect - Jordan Walden, starting pitcher, ranked No. 70 in Baseball America's Top 100 prospects in the minors, signed for $1 million bonus
No. 3 prospect - Peter Bourjos, center field, projected future starter at center field for Angels, led California League last season with 50 steals
No. 5 prospect - Sean O'Sullivan, starting pitcher, led California League last season with 16 wins
No. 7 prospect - Hank Conger, catcher, projected future starting designated hitter for Angels, Angels' '06 top draft pick, signed for $1.35 million bonus, has MLB all-star potential
No. 8 prospect - Mark Trumbo, first base, projected future starter at first base for Angels, signed for $1.42 million bonus, led Angels farmhands last season with 32 home runs, made 22 errors at first base last season
No. 14 prospect - Ryan Mount, second base
No. 28 prospect - David Herndon, closer
No. 30 prospect - Hainley Statia, shortstop
Others - Ben Johnson was all everything for the Travs last year and looks to be even more lethal at the plate as the Angels move him out of the catcher spot to help aid his ascent to the majors, and pitcher Trevor Bell was the Angels' top draft pick in '05.

-- Travelerocity reporter

Anemic hitting, double plays sink Travs in loss to Hounds

If you wanted to put together a sure formula for your offense to lose a game, it might go something like this:

1st inning--hit in to a inning-ending double play

2nd inning--get caught stealing ending inning

3rd inning--inning-ending double play after runner sliding in to second is called for interference therefore automatically making the runner at first out, who was safe.

4th inning--another double play to snuff out the inning

5th inning--strike out to end an inning with a runner on second

6th inning--line-out, tag-'em-out on an attempted hit and run

Anemic hitting--don't get a hit until the fifth(a single) and get only two for the whole night

And using that formula is exactly why the Travelers went down in defeat to the Midland RockHounds 4-0 Friday on a blustery cold night.

Traveler starting pitcher and #2 prospect Jordan Walden took the loss and was finished after five. He gave up two runs on five hits with 4 K's, and two walks on 81 pitches.

Three more Traveler pitchers finished out the game, with a bright spot #28 prospect David Herndon (best control in the farm system) finishing the 9th in order.

 

Walden looked very good in spots and regularly hit the mid-90's on the Dickey-Stephens gun, while twice registering 96. But the RockHounds pecked away at him for two and with Midland's starter Jason Fernadez in full command, two was plenty.

  

The Hounds finished the night with eleven hits led by third baseman Yung Chi Chen, who had a great game, going 3-for-4 with a double, two singles, and three runs scored.

Did I mention how cold and windy it was Friday night? Bobby Mags even stopped the game at one point and came out and asked the umpire if he could borrow his jacket.

Anyway...I did see and hear some things I liked Friday night, including this picture.

And here are some more in no particular order:

#1--There were still plenty of die-hard fans left in the stands at the end of a poor performance loss on....yes, a cold and blustery night. Yes, yes I know it was the first chance of '09 for the kids to run the bases after the game, but the fact of the matter is the parents stayed.

#2--Shelly can tumble. That's right, I said Shelly (the '09 version) can tumble. It was a startling sight actually, and I'm still not sure how he can keep his costume head on.(Oops now I've gone and done it and spoiled it for the kids that he's not real.)

 

#3--Newcomer Patrick Breen's batting stance. It's so...well, casual. An observer said it reminded him of someone ordering a drink at a bar.

 

#4--The same observer's comment that the Hound's DH, burly Tommy Everidge looks like a softball player.

#5--At last a readable autograph on a card. Check out the penmanship of Oakland's #5 prospect, infielder Adrian Cardenas, who is also a helluva nice guy.

#6--One of the most intelligent and enlightening conversations I've had in a long time. It was with "Cold Beer" Johnny, an institution and vendor at the new and old park.

#7--Broadway star and local native Lawrence Hamilton's version of "God Bless America."

#8--Despite the loss, the enthusiasm and hustle of all the new players.

 

#9--The bunting. I love bunting.

#10--There are a 138 more games to play.

--Lonesome Traveler

O'Sullivan outstanding for the Travelers in '09 opener

Getting stronger by the inning, opening night starter and #5 Angel's prospect Sean O'Sullivan stifled the Midland RockHounds Thursday night in route to a 6-1 Travelers' win.

 

The 6' 2" 230-pound right hander allowed only three hits and one run in his six innings of work. He struck out six and retired the last sixteen batters he faced. The RockHounds did not get a hit after the first and were held in check after O'Sullivan left by strong relief in the 7th and 8th from Robert Mosebach, with Barret Browning closing out the 9th in order.

The Angel family lost one its brightest young stars earlier in the day when 22-year-old pitcher Nick Adenhart was tragically killed in an auto accident near L.A. along with two other occupants. Adenhart, the system's #1 prospect, had spent all of 2007 pitching for Arkansas during the inaugural season at Dickey-Stephens. Before Thursday's game with both teams on the field, a tribute of silence halted the normally upbeat Opening Night ceremonies.

 

 

If ever there was a lighter moment needed, almost on cue, guess who appeared to throw out the first pitch? The recently retired former face of the Travelers, Bill "Short Pitch" Valentine.

  

The hitting star of the night was Traveler center fielder and #3 prospect, Peter Bourjos.

 

Batting lead-off, Bourjos went 2-for-3 with three RBI and two runs scored. After the two teams halved the first with one apiece, the big blow of the night came in the Travs' second when Bourjos, the fastest runner in the system, showcased his speed with a bases clearing three-run triple.

   

The Travelers scored four in the second and tacked on one more in the fifth to coast to the win, the first on opening night in three years. And ironically for the second year in a row strong storms, hail, and tornado warnings rumbled across the state and through Central Arkansas, but the game was completed before an announced paid crowd of 5,103.

Here are some more scenes from the start of the third season at one of the best parks in the minor leagues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Friday night the Angels' #2 prospect, 6' 5" 220-pound RHP Jordan Walden will take the mound to face Midland.

    

Walden struck out 141 hitters last season, which led the Angel's farm system.

-- Lonesome Traveler

Angels' #1 prospect and former Traveler Nick Adenhart killed

 

22-year-old Nick Adenhart was killed early this morning in a felony hit and run accident in Fullerton, California. Adenhart had pitched Wednesday night for the Angels. He spent the entire 2007 season at Arkansas.

Nick Adenhart Killed

 

 

-- Lonesome Traveler

Budweiser, Flying Burrito's, and Ump's headline what's new at Dickey-Stephens for 2009

There's peace at Dickey-Stephen's park at last. A war that started long ago at Ray Winder has ended. I don't know what started it really, but all I know is Mr. Valentine got pissed at the folks distributing Budweiser products, and well when Bill got P.O.'d there was hell to pay except the park patrons were the ones paying it for years. Until now. Exit Bill, hello Bud.

 

 

This rumored and major revelation was unveiled during tonight's five inning exhibition game between the newly arrived Travs and the UALR Trojans. A game dominated by the prospect-laden Travelers where Arkansas pitchers and catchers handled the battery for both sides in the early going.

 

 

After a seven-run barrage by the Travelers in the bottom of the fourth, the exhibition was halted with Arkansas leading 8-1, a nice warm up for opening night against Midland on Thursday. Fans coming out for the first game of '09 will be pleased at the addition of a new restaurant behind the right field berm, the very popular Flying Burrito.

   

Also added this season is a new picnic area in the right-field corner.

 

Also a nice touch, white boards line the wall of the entrance across from the parking lot that will have each day's lineup and the current Texas League standings.

 

But the biggest splash, besides the return of the King of Beers, is the revamping of Bill Valentine's Italian restaurant into Ump's, a sports bar. 

     

 

And business was good tonight. A sampling of the menu had everything from the Travs' Burger at $7.95 (with fries) to St. Louis Ribs at $16.95.

  

Talked to several of the new Travelers on their reactions to Dickey-Stephens, like opening night starter and #5 prospect RHP Sean O'Sullivan, and will have those comments in a future post. (Hint: they love it!)

Here are some more scenes from Wednesday night's Trojan/Traveler exhibition.

 

 

 

 

 

Peace is good. This Bud's for you.

-- Lonesome Traveler

On deck: Guide to promotions and players to watch in the first home stand of the season

The countdown is over, the season is here, and it's time to return to Dickey-Stephens Park. Here's a quick guide to the first home stand's upcoming promotions and players to watch.

Thursday, April 9 - 7:10 p.m. (Midland Rockhounds)
There are two reasons to go to this game: It's the pomp of opening night, and the game is sponsored by our favorite cable company -- Comcast. Many of us have been looking for ways to voice our opinion about Comcast's decision not to broadcast St. Louis Cardinals games this season. I'm not sure what role Comcast is playing as the sponsor of the opener, but there is bound to be some opportunity for cable customers to show our appreciation via Bronx cheers. Also, magnet schedules to the first 5,000 fans.

Friday, April 10 -- 7:10 p.m. (Midland Rockhounds)
More magnet schedules to the first 5,000 fans, and kids run the bases after the game.

Saturday, April 11 -- 7:10 p.m. (Midland Rockhounds)
This is the first "Party at the T" Saturday night, which is a pregame block party starting at 4 p.m. that is designed to attract fans going to the Travelers game and Twisters game at Alltel Arena down the road. There will be a live band and alleged specials at nearby restaurants and taverns. Even if you are not planning to check this out, it might be important to note that the 300 block of Main Street will be closed if you typically come that way. And oh yes, they still have magnet schedules to hand out to the first 5,000 fans, although many of them will already have gotten some the previous two nights so it will be more like everyone goes home happy with a magnet schedule tonight.

-

Midland Rockhounds (Oakland A's) top prospects
No. 5 prospect - Adrian Cardenas (#23), second base, ranked No. 74 in Baseball America's Top 100 prospects in the minors, projected future starter at third base for A's, Baseball America's '06 high school player of the year, part of Joe Blanton trade with Phillies, logged each of his at-bats last season and studied observations of pitchers he faced
No. 6 prospect - Chris Carter (#33), first base, ranked No. 76 in Baseball America's Top 100 prospects in the minors, projected future starting designated hitter for A's, part of trades for Carlos Quentin and Dan Haren with White Sox and Diamondbacks, hit 44 home runs last season in Class A, raw power ranks among best in minors
No. 13 prospect - Josh Donaldson (#55), catcher, went to Auburn so please heckle, part of Rich Harden trade with Cubs
No. 16 prospect - Corey Brown (#25), center field, hit 30 home runs last season in Class A
No. 26 prospect - Sam Demel (#18), closer, broke Josh Beckett's strike-out record at Spring (Texas) High, holds TCU career record for saves
No. 29 prospect - Arnold Leon (#24), relief pitcher
Others - Outfielder Danny Putnam (#7) is still hanging around for his fourth year with Midland, and speedy second-baseman Corey Wimberly (#25), who played the last two years with Tulsa, is now with the Rockhounds

Arkansas Travelers (Los Angeles Angels) top prospects
No. 2 prospect - Jordan Walden (#15), starting pitcher, ranked No. 70 in Baseball America's Top 100 prospects in the minors, signed for $1 million bonus
No. 3 prospect - Peter Bourjos (#8), center field, projected future starter at center field for Angels, led California League last season with 50 steals
No. 5 prospect - Sean O'Sullivan (#40), starting pitcher, led California League last season with 16 wins
No. 7 prospect - Hank Conger (#24), catcher, projected future starting designated hitter for Angels, Angels' '06 top draft pick, signed for $1.35 million bonus, has MLB all-star potential
No. 8 prospect - Mark Trumbo (#25), first base, projected future starter at first base for Angels, signed for $1.42 million bonus, led Angels farmhands last season with 32 home runs, made 22 errors at first base last season
No. 14 prospect - Ryan Mount (#9), second base
No. 28 prospect - David Herndon (#35), probable closer
No. 30 prospect - Hainley Statia (#16), shortstop
Others - Ben Johnson (#7) was all everything for the Travs last year and looks to be even more lethal at the plate as the Angels move him out of the catcher spot to help aid his ascent to the majors, and pitcher Trevor Bell (#22) was the Angels' top draft pick in '05.

-- Travelerocity reporter and Lonesome Traveler

Top prospects Walden, Bourjos, O'Sullivan, and Conger headed to Little Rock for season opener

I must give credit to Abe Flores and the Los Angeles Angels -- a first glance at the Travelers' opening-day roster reveals a virtual stockpile of top prospects listed in Baseball America's top 30 (see the full review in the Travelerocity archives posted on March 2). In fact, it's the largest number of top 10 prospects I can remember being with the Travs in I don't know how long.

The roster features the following players rated among the Angels organization's top 30 --
#2 Jordan Walden, starting pitcher
#3 Peter Bourjos, center field
#5 Sean O'Sullivan, starting pitcher
#7 Hank Conger, catcher
#8 Mark Trumbo, first base
#14 Ryan Mount, second base
#28 David Herndon, probable closer
#30 Hainley Statia, shortstop

Beyond the rated prospects, we are also getting some great players with MLB potential in returnees Ben Johnson (who will seemingly play more of everywhere), outfielder Coby Smith (I told you he was called up too early last season), and Bobby "the Moose" Mosebach (now moved to reliever).

One surprise is Chris Pettit going straight to Salt Lake (though not a surprise if you saw the Bees' roster released on Saturday). Another is no Brian Walker.

The full news release from the Travs:

NORTH LITTLE ROCK - The Arkansas Travelers, in conjunction with the Los Angeles Angels, announce their opening day roster for the 2009 season. Under third-year manager Bobby Magallanes, the Travs will attempt to defend their 2008 Texas League championship with a team that boasts many of the top prospects in the Angels organization.

The Travs should feature one of the most dynamic offenses in the Texas League. Mark Trumbo returns to hold down first base for the Travs after leading all Angels minor league players with 32 home runs and 93 RBI in 2008. Trumbo also ranked in a tie for second in the minor leagues with 286 total bases. One of the top hitting prospects in baseball, Hank Conger is slated to be the everyday catcher. Conger recovered from a torn labrum to post a strong second half in 2008 (.303-13-75) at Rancho Cucamonga, then led the Travs in the playoffs with 13 RBI. Ben Johnson also returns to play the outfield as well as catcher and first base. Johnson had the best season of his career posting a .262 batting average and 20 homers plus 77 RBI in 106 games at Arkansas.

Second baseman Ryan Mount also put together a great second half after an injury at Rancho Cucamonga (.290-16-49). Hainley Statia begins the season with the Travs at shortstop for the second year in a row. The slick-fielding Statia was limited to 59 games in 2008 due to hamstring injuries. Wilberto Ortiz, one of the Travs 2008 playoff heroes, will take over at third base. Ortiz batted .266 between Arkansas and Rancho Cucamonga, then collected a team-high 10 hits during the postseason.

The outfield is anchored by centerfielder Peter Bourjos, who led the California League with 50 stolen bases while posting a .295 batting average, 9 home runs, 51 RBI and 83 runs scored. Patrick Breen will be at one of the corner outfield spots after signing with the Angels in October as a free agent. Breen was named the 2008 Most Valuable Player of the independent Golden Baseball League when he hit .396 with 28 homers and 94 RBI.

Also returning to the Travs are outfielder Coby Smith (.275-2-16 in 61 games), utilityman Nate Sutton (.276-7-44) and catcher Flint Wipke. Gary Patchett will be the infield utilityman after spending the last two seasons at Salt Lake.

On the mound the Travs feature two of the Angels' top starting pitching prospects with opening day starter RHP Sean O'Sullivan and RHP Jordan Walden. O'Sullivan led the California League in wins in 2008 (16-8, 4.73 ERA), whle Walden (9-8, 2.76 ERA between Rancho Cucamonga and Cedar Rapids) led all Angels farmhands with 141 strikeouts. Midwest League All-Star LHP Mike Anton (13-9, 3.87 ERA between Rancho and CR) is the only lefty in the rotation. RHP Amalio Diaz (10-8, 4.32 ERA at Arkansas and RC) returns while RHP Trevor Bell (7-8, 3.91), the Angels' 2005 first round draft choice, rounds out the rotation.

In the bullpen, the Travs find RHP David Herndon as the probable closer. After a switch to relief midway through the 2008 season Herndon saved 17 games, second most in the Angels' system. LHP Barret Browning returns to the Travs after a strong 2008 campaign where he struck out 73 batters in 65.1 innings. RHP Bobby Mosebach (9-12, 4.62 ERA) has made the switch to relief after leading the Texas League with 177.1 innings pitched. Mosebach was returned to the Angels in March after being selected by the Phillies in the Major League Rule draft.

RHP Jeremy Hill is the elder statesman (31) on the club after posting 23 saves in the Mexican League in 2008. Hill also is the only member of the opening day roster with experience in the Major Leagues pitching 11 games with the Royals in 2002 and 2003. RHP Marco Albano, RHP Chad Blackwell and RHP Bobby Cassevah round out the relief corps.

The Travs arrive at Little Rock National Airport Monday afternoon and will hold a public practice at Dickey-Stephens Park on Tuesday beginning at 5:00 p.m.

The regular season opens Thursday night against the Midland RockHounds with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m.

-- Travelerocity reporter

A Monday tribute: Read before watching opening day baseball

It is played everywhere. In parks and playgrounds and prison yards. In back alleys and farmer's fields. By small boys and old men. By raw amateurs and millionaire professionals.

It is a leisurely game that demands blinding speed. The only game in which the defense has the ball.

It follows the seasons, beginning each year with the fond expectancy of springtime and ending with the hard facts of autumn.

Americans have played baseball for more than 200 years, while they conquered a continent, warred with one another and with enemies abroad, struggled over labor and civil rights and the meaning of freedom.

At its heart lie mythic contradictions: a pastoral game, born in crowded cities; an exhilarating democratic sport that tolerates cheating and has excluded as many as it has included; a profoundly conservative game that often manages to be years ahead of its time.

It is an American odyssey that links sons and daughters to father and grandfathers. And it reflects a host of age-old American tensions: between workers and owners, scandal and reform, the individual and the collective.

It is a haunted game in which each player is measured by the ghosts of all who have gone before.

Most of all, it is about time and timelessness, speed and grace, failure and loss, imperishable hope... and coming home.

-- As narrated by John Chancellor in "Baseball"

What does Dickey-Stephens need to make it complete?

How about a spring game for once between the Angels and Travelers? Wouldn't this year have been the perfect time as a reward for its Texas League Champion affiliate and the fans who've supported the new park in record numbers? Yes it would have been nice, but since it didn't happen again why not travel a couple of hours northeast where the fans of the Memphis Redbirds got it all this weekend. I mean, got it all!

   

From the famed Clydesdales to Albert smashing a long one, the fans at AutoZone were treated to a two game set Friday night and Saturday between the Cardinals and its Triple A Redbirds. Here are some more scenes from today's game won by St. Louis.

 

 

 

 

   

 

Cardinal center fielder Rick Ankiel (above) hit one out on the first pitch he saw Saturday and is seen below rounding third after his blast.

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Former Razorback and #4 prospect Jess Todd, who is being converted from a starter to a reliever,  worked several batters for Memphis.

 

#1 prospect Colby Rasmus made the team this spring and started Saturday's exhibition in left field for the Cardinals.

 

Jose Oquendo, Cardinal third base coach and most recently manager of Puerto Rico in the WBC, was sent in to hit late in the game by manager Tony La Russa to the delight of the crowd. He drew a walk and worked around to third.

 

 

 

Yes it sure would be nice to see something special like this at Dickey-Stephens, but since the Angels on the club's official web site still have its affiliate Travelers' home park listed as Ray Winder Field (as below), it doesn't seem like the big league club cares a whole lot about its little ole Texas League Championship Team way down in Arkansas.

Arkansas Travelers (AA)
Ray Winder Field at War Memorial Park
Little Rock, AR, 72215
Phone: 501-664-1555
Fax: 501-664-1834

-- Lonesome Traveler

Travs scrimmaging with UALRat 7 p.m. on Wednesday at DSP

That's the news according to "Scotto" on the Trojan Town message board. He says he got this information from Travs ticket manager David Kay. Not sure why this hasn't been announced yet by the Travs office. Scotto reports that all pitching will be done by the Travelers, so it makes you wonder how many innings they plan to play. Should be a good chance to go to the park for a preview if you are so inclined.

Now if we can just get that roster from Abe Flores. If you are in Springfield you basically already know your roster thanks to the updates from the farm director provided to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and if you are in NWA they have already printed a story in the paper about the roster.

-- Travelerocity reporter

Fun with news releases:Shelly's Kids Club edition

Shelly's Kids Club Accepting New Members Money Now
Kids Age 14-&-Under Join For $25 Your Soul

Independent City-State of NORTH LITTLE ROCK -- Just in time for the start of the baseball season increase in summer gas prices, Shelly, the fun-loving pro-slavery horse mascot of the Arkansas Travelers who sold out to big oil, is inviting all kids aged 14-and-under to help out the oil industry by joining his kids club (and sending in their allowance to benefit big oil). Any kid who loves the Travs and supports the oil industry and slavery will want to take part in this club, but parents have to contact the Travs in order to sign them up make sure every kid pays up.

For just $25, or however much more you feel indebted to pay big oil for helping power your summer lawn-mowing job, all members get 12 coupons good for a kids general admission ticket spot in the berm to any Travs game, plus a membership card and a Shelly Kids Club T-Shirt advertising big oil. Club members will also have a chance to participate in fun on-field contests throughout the season (but stay off Valentine’s grass and no touching home plate), and will get a special meet and greet session with Travs players before a game, which is more than season ticket holders will get at the annual cookout. Shelly will stay in touch with spam you all season long with an E-newsletter delivered right to your e-mail account that your parents don’t know you set up on Google mail.

You can pick up a Shelly's Kids Club Minions registration sheet for your son or daughter at the main office inside Dickey-Stephens Park if you are not afraid that they will hear Valentine cursing over an employee's walkie talkie, or by logging on to travs.com. Registration over the phone is available by calling (501) 664-1555 and asking about Shelly's Kids Club selling out your kid to big oil.

 

-- Travelerocity reporter