The Sporkball Journals

Archive for August, 2008

Shane Loux: Update

An update to the Lady’s Choice for July.

• UPDATE •

August 31, 2008 — I love passing along the news on all the good things that have been happening for Shane Loux this season. Most recently, Shane was named to the 2008 All-PCL Team, an end-of-the-season honor voted upon by league managers and media representatives. Shane was joined on the All-PCL Team by three of his teammates: Matt Brown/3B, Brandon Wood/SS and Jason Bulger/Relief Pitcher. One day later, the league announced Shane had been named the 2008 PCL Pitcher of the Year.

Photo credit | Brent Asay©2008
Used with permission

Of course, the biggest news of 2008 was Shane being added to the Angels’ 40-man roster on August 5th. Since then, he has pitched very well out the bullpen. And he’s doing what it takes to stay up there, by relying on his proven formula for success—groundball outs. Here are his line scores through August 31th:

W	L	ERA	G	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	NP-S*	GO-AO**
0	0	2.31	5	11.2	10	4	3	1	2	3	172-106	27-4

*NP=Number of Pitches, S=Strikes
**GO=Ground Outs, AO=Fly Outs

The aforementioned mental toughness (scroll down to “Comments”) came in handy during two long-relief appearances less than a week apart (3.2 IP on August 22nd, and 3 IP on August 27th). It also appeared in a sparkling defensive play against Oakland on August 27th. The batter hit a rocket shot that came off the bat so quickly, Shane fell backwards onto his rump while gloving the ball at face level. Realizing the baserunner had broken for second base, Shane quickly turned and from his knees threw to first, turning a very pretty 1-3 double-play to end the inning.

Not a bad for a guy who, less than a year ago, was playing beer-league softball. I hope Shane takes a little time on his birthday to reward himself for his perseverance and hard work. Wearing a major league uniform may the best present ever, but we know it certainly wasn’t a freebie for the man from South Dakota. Here’s to many more seasons to come, Big Leaguer. Bye for now!

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Add comment August 31st, 2008

Link of the Week (or Whenever): Heads Up!

August 27, 2008 — For those who enjoy watching baseball live and in-person, you understand how startling (and frightening) it can be to hear those two words. Someone has turned this experience into a funny, and thankfully harmless, little prank.

The next time you’re at the ballpark, remember, “Beware of objects leaving the playing field.” Bye for now!

Add comment August 27th, 2008

2008 Olympians, Part 3

See Part 1

See Part 2

• WRAP-UP•

August 24, 2008 — Congratulations to the USA Baseball Team for winning the Bronze Medal at the Beijing Olympics by defeating Japan, final score 8-4. Japan took the lead in the top of the third inning after a three-run homer by center fielder Norichika Aoki. The lead was short-lived, however, thanks to Matt Brown’s three-run tater in the bottom of the third that tied the game 4-4. In the fifth inning, the U.S. forged ahead with another four runs and never looked back. Japanese phenom, Yu Darvish, pitched two scoreless innings, numbers eight and nine; however, Japan’s hitters couldn’t plate any runs to close the gap. Putting a nice bow on the package was Kevin Jepsen, who closed out the ninth inning to end the game.

Here are how the final numbers for Kevin and Matt add up:

Matt Brown

AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	SLG%	BB	HBP	SO	GDP	OB%	SF	SH	SB- ATT	PO	A	E	FLD%
.281	9	32	4	9	3	0	2	10	18	.563	6	1	8	1	.390	2	0	2-2	30	14	1	.978

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Kevin Jepsen

ERA	W-L	APP	GS	CG	SHO/ CBO	SV	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	2B	3B	HR	AB	B/ AVG	WP	HBP	BK	SFA	SHA
0.00	0-0	4	0	0	0/0	1	5.2	3	0	0	2	5	0	1	0	19	.158	1	0	0	0	0

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Matt had a particularly good showing as an Olympian—leading the team in RBI, TB (tied with Terry Tiffee), SLG% and BB. Good job Brownie! Can’t wait to see you kick some Sacramento you-know-what this September.

And of course, we gotta have pix. Bye for now!