A healthy rainfall postponed tonight's start of a three-game series against Harlingen for the Laredo Broncos.
The game was officially called off around 6 p.m. The teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday starting at 5 p.m.
The Broncos are 24-24 while the WhiteWings are 16-32. Laredo is 5 1/2 games back of first place, and four games ahead of Edinburg for the fourth and final playoff spot.
There is a 60 percent chance of rain heading into tomorrow's July 4 contest between the two clubs. Broncos GM Jose Melendez said the team will try desperately to get the game played, doing whatever it takes.
He mentioned that the loss of revenue from the game would be dangerously costly as the team generally draws 5,000 fans for its July 4 contests due to a fireworks display afterward.
The Broncos are not expected to make too many more moves the rest of the season. Melendez said the 22-man roster that his club boasts now will be given every opportunity to stay as his team the rest of the season, though he is looking at adding another power hitter.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Alexandria's VanAsselberg selected to coach UBL All-Stars
Edinburg, TX- United League Baseball announced Wednesday that Alexandria Aces manager Ricky VanAsselberg will be the skipper of the United League All-Stars for the inaugural United League vs. Golden League All-Star Game on Tuesday July 15 in San Angelo, Texas.
VanAsselberg, who is the two-time ULB Manager of the Year, also led the Aces to a league championship in each of the league’s first two seasons.
In addition, San Angelo Colts manager Doc Edwards, a former Major League player and manager, will serve as VanAsselberg’s bench coach in his home ballpark.
“It’s a great honor for me to be manager but at the same time it’s somewhat odd for Doc to be my bench coach since he is Mr. Baseball to me, with 51 years in the game,” said VanAsselberg. “He always takes care of us younger guys and I’m just looking forward to spending a couple of days with him and pick his brain about the game.”
In the 2007 ULB All-Star Game in Amarillo, Edwards led the Northern All-Stars to a 10-1 victory over Team Rio Grande.
“To me, it’s an honor whenever you take part in any All-Star game but this will be even more special since it’s in front of our great fans here in San Angelo,” said Edwards. “And it’s my honor to be the bench coach for someone like Ricky, who has a tremendous future in this game.”
Former Major Leaguer Mike Busch of the Calgary Vipers will be managing the Golden League Team. This year is the first of two that the independent leagues will play each other with the United League All-Stars visiting the Golden League next season.
“This is a very exciting opportunity for both the United League Baseball and the Golden League,” ULB President Craig Brasfield said. “Ricky and Doc are two of the most respected mangers in our league as well as Independent Baseball. The 2008 All-Star Game should be one to remember.”
The GBL and ULB are two of the most heavily scouted independent leagues in the country and together had over 30 of their players from 2007 acquired by major league organizations. The 20-man rosters will be comprised of players from the eight GBL teams in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and western Canada versus players from the six United League teams in Texas and Louisiana.
VanAsselberg, who is the two-time ULB Manager of the Year, also led the Aces to a league championship in each of the league’s first two seasons.
In addition, San Angelo Colts manager Doc Edwards, a former Major League player and manager, will serve as VanAsselberg’s bench coach in his home ballpark.
“It’s a great honor for me to be manager but at the same time it’s somewhat odd for Doc to be my bench coach since he is Mr. Baseball to me, with 51 years in the game,” said VanAsselberg. “He always takes care of us younger guys and I’m just looking forward to spending a couple of days with him and pick his brain about the game.”
In the 2007 ULB All-Star Game in Amarillo, Edwards led the Northern All-Stars to a 10-1 victory over Team Rio Grande.
“To me, it’s an honor whenever you take part in any All-Star game but this will be even more special since it’s in front of our great fans here in San Angelo,” said Edwards. “And it’s my honor to be the bench coach for someone like Ricky, who has a tremendous future in this game.”
Former Major Leaguer Mike Busch of the Calgary Vipers will be managing the Golden League Team. This year is the first of two that the independent leagues will play each other with the United League All-Stars visiting the Golden League next season.
“This is a very exciting opportunity for both the United League Baseball and the Golden League,” ULB President Craig Brasfield said. “Ricky and Doc are two of the most respected mangers in our league as well as Independent Baseball. The 2008 All-Star Game should be one to remember.”
The GBL and ULB are two of the most heavily scouted independent leagues in the country and together had over 30 of their players from 2007 acquired by major league organizations. The 20-man rosters will be comprised of players from the eight GBL teams in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and western Canada versus players from the six United League teams in Texas and Louisiana.
The bond with Schon
By DENNIS SILVA II
LAREDO MORNING TIMES
To get the most out of yourself, sacrifices often have to be made.
For Andy Schon, the 23-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Laredo Broncos, that sacrifice is plying his trade 1,600 miles away from his home of Akron, Ohio.
When Schon was traded from the Washington WildThings of the Frontier League in late spring, he didn’t know what to expect.
All he was certain of was that it would not sit well with his close-knit family.
He was right.
“I was sad,” said Andy’s mom, Elaine. “We’re very close as a family. We don’t have a big family, but we’re always very supportive of each other. We all were torn because we knew it was a great opportunity.”
After the initial idea of being traded came and went, Andy eventually felt the same way.
“First I was like, ‘Man … I’m going somewhere else,’ ” he said. “And then I knew my mom wouldn’t be happy. She was the first person I called, and she was like, ‘Oh, no!’ But I was fine.
“I’ll play baseball anywhere, and I was ready to go.”
FAST REWARDS
The move has paid off for Schon, who like all minor leaguers is hoping to get brought up by a major league club.
In nine appearances for the 24-24 Broncos this season, Schon has compiled a 5-2 record with a 4.19 ERA.
More importantly, he has struck out 56 and walked 18 in 58 innings pitched.
“He’s very effective,” said Broncos pitching coach Mickey Callaway, who played five seasons in Major League Baseball and won a World Series ring with Anaheim in 2002.
“He’s got great off-speed stuff and it’s tough to hit, especially when you set it up right like he does. He definitely knows how to pitch and what it takes to succeed on the mound.”
Schon has been particularly effective his last two outings, both of which were wins.
In the two games, one of which was a complete-game, nine-strikeout gem, he threw 15 innings and allowed one run while striking out 14.
“I’m a lot more confident,” he said. “Instead of throwing just to get someone out, I’m throwing to places where I want the ball to go.”
Schon’s “go-to” pitches are his slow curveball and changeup, though he’s also working hard on getting his fastball higher and faster.
“I throw a lot of off-speed pitches,” he said. “It keeps hitters off balance and I’ve had success with it, so I’ve kept with it. As long as you don’t throw too many, hitters are out in front of the ball a lot and you can get some ground balls and easy outs, maybe even some cheap pop-ups.
“Pitching slow or fast, it’s a matter of mixing it up and hitting your spots.”
Schon, who was expected to be a long reliever at best coming into Broncos camp in May, has surprised his peers with his efficiency and know-how.
“As a young pitcher, he’s right where he should be,” Callaway said. “He has three or four pitches he can throw as strikes, and that’s something a lot of pitchers have trouble with.”
Schon is one of three Bronco starters yet to miss a start, and he has drawn the respect of his team after playing on a severe stomach virus in his seventh start of the season two weeks ago.
“He’s done what we’ve asked him to do, which is keep us in games,” Broncos Manager Dan Shwam said. “He’s not a power pitcher by any means, and he provides a nice change of pace compared to the other guys we have.
“He competes, he makes good pitches, and he’s a smart guy. He’s done very well for us.”
MAJOR LEAGUE PERSONALITY
But Schon’s best attribute, according to teammates and coaches, is not his curveball or ability to keep his walks down.
It’s his attitude, an element of a player that can be damaged when going through the cyclical nature of minor league baseball.
“Everybody loves Andy,” Broncos General Manager Jose Melendez said. “The players and coaches just feed off his positive attitude. When we go on the road, players are always asking to room with him because he’s just a great guy to be around.
“He makes it enjoyable to come to the park and play baseball every day.”
Schon is always wearing a smile, and his attitude was put to the test a few weeks ago when he surrendered six runs on 11 hits in 5 2/3 innings in a 8-5 loss to San Angelo on June 19, the contest in which he was still feeling the ill effects of a stomach virus suffered the night before.
Still, he shrugged it off and held his head high, never once wavering in emotion.
“Being positive is how I was brought up,” he said. “My parents pretty much instilled (it) in me, and I look at everything as a blessing. I’m blessed to be here playing baseball and that’s why I don’t take anything for granted.
“There’s thousands of guys who would love to be in my position so I appreciate everything that comes my way.”
Added Andy’s father, John: “He’s just got a can-do attitude. Ask him to go through a brick wall and he’ll do it, no questions asked. He’s a very upbeat person, and he gets that from his mother. She’s exactly the same way, and I think he’s carried that on.”
Schon’s uplifting nature could also be because he’s still, in many ways, a wide-eyed fan.
He’s never alone and is almost always chattering away with somebody.
“I love watching our team,” he said with a grin. “I have favorite players, and it’s like I’m a fan. I love watching Dwayne (White) play the outfield. I like watching Luany (Sanchez) hit, and Santo (Hernandez) and Gregorio (Martinez) strike everybody out.
“They’re teammates, but it’s so much fun to watch. They’re so talented.”
Though as strong of a competitor as anyone, Schon’s attitude carries onto the mound as well.
Whether it is a complete game shutout or a bases-loaded jam with no outs, he approaches any situation with poise and control.
“He has a great attitude,” Callaway said. “You have to have a positive attitude at this level. You can’t be negative because it’ll start to wear on you.
“He’s a guy that can shrug off a bad start and come back stronger and even better in his next outing.”
FAMILY FIRST
Schon still is unsure of what the future may bring.
A double major in secondary education and mathematics at Walsh (Ohio) University, where he played four years of NAIA baseball and made the College World Series in his senior year, Schon has started teaching at area schools in Ohio.
He also was an assistant pitching coach at Walsh last season.
He has one more year of school left, and he has no doubts of where his priorities stand.
“The one thing we’ve always preached is to get a good education,” Elaine said.
“Whether he goes on to be a pro player, teaching will always be there. He loves kids, and kids love to be around him.”
After this season, Schon will be a free agent, meaning, unlike many other players in minor league baseball, he will not have an option year due to his two-year contract expiring.
In those two years, however, he has come a long way.
“The biggest adjustment for me has been how to pitch to different hitters,” said Schon, who has been able to attack the inside of the plate better than he used to. “I came from a small college, faced some decent teams, where you can get away with getting people out on 77, 78 miles per hour. Here, if you leave that over the plate, it’s almost always going to leave the yard.
“It’s a matter of adapting, making fewer mistakes, more quality pitches and keeping the ball down. Changing the eye level is a big part of the game here.”
Schon’s synopsis of his short career up to this point comes with an eagerness that often plagues the students he teaches in the offseason.
“It’s been a short career so far, a month last year and two months so far here, but I’m learning every day,” he said. “I’m always asking questions and make sure I soak in as much as I can. I’m sure some guys get annoyed, but I like to know.”
He’s also still as thoughtful as ever off the field, never letting baseball detract from his love for his family.
“We stay in touch every day,” said Elaine, who has one other child, 14-year-old Kristen. “With cell phones, he’ll send me pictures and we will as well. He sends cards to all of us. We follow him online and read the Broncos’ stories and listen to the games.”
Sacrifices.
“I’m extremely proud of him,” Elaine said. “He’s a hard worker, and he just loves baseball. I’m not much of a sports person, but I learned baseball because he loved it.
“It’s wonderful to watch your son do what he loves to do.”
LAREDO MORNING TIMES
To get the most out of yourself, sacrifices often have to be made.
For Andy Schon, the 23-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Laredo Broncos, that sacrifice is plying his trade 1,600 miles away from his home of Akron, Ohio.
When Schon was traded from the Washington WildThings of the Frontier League in late spring, he didn’t know what to expect.
All he was certain of was that it would not sit well with his close-knit family.
He was right.
“I was sad,” said Andy’s mom, Elaine. “We’re very close as a family. We don’t have a big family, but we’re always very supportive of each other. We all were torn because we knew it was a great opportunity.”
After the initial idea of being traded came and went, Andy eventually felt the same way.
“First I was like, ‘Man … I’m going somewhere else,’ ” he said. “And then I knew my mom wouldn’t be happy. She was the first person I called, and she was like, ‘Oh, no!’ But I was fine.
“I’ll play baseball anywhere, and I was ready to go.”
FAST REWARDS
The move has paid off for Schon, who like all minor leaguers is hoping to get brought up by a major league club.
In nine appearances for the 24-24 Broncos this season, Schon has compiled a 5-2 record with a 4.19 ERA.
More importantly, he has struck out 56 and walked 18 in 58 innings pitched.
“He’s very effective,” said Broncos pitching coach Mickey Callaway, who played five seasons in Major League Baseball and won a World Series ring with Anaheim in 2002.
“He’s got great off-speed stuff and it’s tough to hit, especially when you set it up right like he does. He definitely knows how to pitch and what it takes to succeed on the mound.”
Schon has been particularly effective his last two outings, both of which were wins.
In the two games, one of which was a complete-game, nine-strikeout gem, he threw 15 innings and allowed one run while striking out 14.
“I’m a lot more confident,” he said. “Instead of throwing just to get someone out, I’m throwing to places where I want the ball to go.”
Schon’s “go-to” pitches are his slow curveball and changeup, though he’s also working hard on getting his fastball higher and faster.
“I throw a lot of off-speed pitches,” he said. “It keeps hitters off balance and I’ve had success with it, so I’ve kept with it. As long as you don’t throw too many, hitters are out in front of the ball a lot and you can get some ground balls and easy outs, maybe even some cheap pop-ups.
“Pitching slow or fast, it’s a matter of mixing it up and hitting your spots.”
Schon, who was expected to be a long reliever at best coming into Broncos camp in May, has surprised his peers with his efficiency and know-how.
“As a young pitcher, he’s right where he should be,” Callaway said. “He has three or four pitches he can throw as strikes, and that’s something a lot of pitchers have trouble with.”
Schon is one of three Bronco starters yet to miss a start, and he has drawn the respect of his team after playing on a severe stomach virus in his seventh start of the season two weeks ago.
“He’s done what we’ve asked him to do, which is keep us in games,” Broncos Manager Dan Shwam said. “He’s not a power pitcher by any means, and he provides a nice change of pace compared to the other guys we have.
“He competes, he makes good pitches, and he’s a smart guy. He’s done very well for us.”
MAJOR LEAGUE PERSONALITY
But Schon’s best attribute, according to teammates and coaches, is not his curveball or ability to keep his walks down.
It’s his attitude, an element of a player that can be damaged when going through the cyclical nature of minor league baseball.
“Everybody loves Andy,” Broncos General Manager Jose Melendez said. “The players and coaches just feed off his positive attitude. When we go on the road, players are always asking to room with him because he’s just a great guy to be around.
“He makes it enjoyable to come to the park and play baseball every day.”
Schon is always wearing a smile, and his attitude was put to the test a few weeks ago when he surrendered six runs on 11 hits in 5 2/3 innings in a 8-5 loss to San Angelo on June 19, the contest in which he was still feeling the ill effects of a stomach virus suffered the night before.
Still, he shrugged it off and held his head high, never once wavering in emotion.
“Being positive is how I was brought up,” he said. “My parents pretty much instilled (it) in me, and I look at everything as a blessing. I’m blessed to be here playing baseball and that’s why I don’t take anything for granted.
“There’s thousands of guys who would love to be in my position so I appreciate everything that comes my way.”
Added Andy’s father, John: “He’s just got a can-do attitude. Ask him to go through a brick wall and he’ll do it, no questions asked. He’s a very upbeat person, and he gets that from his mother. She’s exactly the same way, and I think he’s carried that on.”
Schon’s uplifting nature could also be because he’s still, in many ways, a wide-eyed fan.
He’s never alone and is almost always chattering away with somebody.
“I love watching our team,” he said with a grin. “I have favorite players, and it’s like I’m a fan. I love watching Dwayne (White) play the outfield. I like watching Luany (Sanchez) hit, and Santo (Hernandez) and Gregorio (Martinez) strike everybody out.
“They’re teammates, but it’s so much fun to watch. They’re so talented.”
Though as strong of a competitor as anyone, Schon’s attitude carries onto the mound as well.
Whether it is a complete game shutout or a bases-loaded jam with no outs, he approaches any situation with poise and control.
“He has a great attitude,” Callaway said. “You have to have a positive attitude at this level. You can’t be negative because it’ll start to wear on you.
“He’s a guy that can shrug off a bad start and come back stronger and even better in his next outing.”
FAMILY FIRST
Schon still is unsure of what the future may bring.
A double major in secondary education and mathematics at Walsh (Ohio) University, where he played four years of NAIA baseball and made the College World Series in his senior year, Schon has started teaching at area schools in Ohio.
He also was an assistant pitching coach at Walsh last season.
He has one more year of school left, and he has no doubts of where his priorities stand.
“The one thing we’ve always preached is to get a good education,” Elaine said.
“Whether he goes on to be a pro player, teaching will always be there. He loves kids, and kids love to be around him.”
After this season, Schon will be a free agent, meaning, unlike many other players in minor league baseball, he will not have an option year due to his two-year contract expiring.
In those two years, however, he has come a long way.
“The biggest adjustment for me has been how to pitch to different hitters,” said Schon, who has been able to attack the inside of the plate better than he used to. “I came from a small college, faced some decent teams, where you can get away with getting people out on 77, 78 miles per hour. Here, if you leave that over the plate, it’s almost always going to leave the yard.
“It’s a matter of adapting, making fewer mistakes, more quality pitches and keeping the ball down. Changing the eye level is a big part of the game here.”
Schon’s synopsis of his short career up to this point comes with an eagerness that often plagues the students he teaches in the offseason.
“It’s been a short career so far, a month last year and two months so far here, but I’m learning every day,” he said. “I’m always asking questions and make sure I soak in as much as I can. I’m sure some guys get annoyed, but I like to know.”
He’s also still as thoughtful as ever off the field, never letting baseball detract from his love for his family.
“We stay in touch every day,” said Elaine, who has one other child, 14-year-old Kristen. “With cell phones, he’ll send me pictures and we will as well. He sends cards to all of us. We follow him online and read the Broncos’ stories and listen to the games.”
Sacrifices.
“I’m extremely proud of him,” Elaine said. “He’s a hard worker, and he just loves baseball. I’m not much of a sports person, but I learned baseball because he loved it.
“It’s wonderful to watch your son do what he loves to do.”
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Broncos hope for the best after roster changes
By DENNIS SILVA II
LAREDO MORNING TIMES
With the second-half of the season underway, the Broncos have been wheeling and dealing the last two days.
In a scurried attempt to get the roster to the league-mandated total of 22, the Broncos (24-24) made two more cuts on Tuesday after releasing three on Monday.
United League Baseball teams must turn in updated rosters today.
“If I had a few more spots open, I’d be in good shape,” Broncos General Manager Jose Melendez said. “But it is what it is and it’s been difficult. Still, I feel we have a team that can compete.”
Broncos Manager Dan Shwam shared Melendez’s sentiments.
“It’s tough but we’ll make do,” Shwam said. “At least the players understand that it’s not my decision, it’s the league’s. They knew this was coming and it’s something we have no control over.”
The Broncos released pitchers John Smith and Justin Staatz on Tuesday.
Smith was 0-2 with an 11.17 ERA in 10 appearances. Staatz was 0-0 with a 7.24 ERA in nine appearances.
“I think they knew it was going to happen,” Shwam said. “We hadn’t played them the last few games and guys generally have a good feel of how things are going.”
On paper, the Broncos are dynamic. On the field is another matter, where three of the team’s top four hitters have combined to miss a total of 36 games.
They have, however, gotten healthier lately with the recent return of veteran infielders Arnoldo Ponce and Ivan Reyes, both of whom produce at the plate and defensively.
Slugger Edgard Clemente is still greatly hindered from a hamstring injury suffered early last week, and if not for the needed help, he would be sitting.
“There’s no way Edgard should even be playing this week,” Shwam said. “But he’s a competitor and he knows we need him out there. He’s a threat in our lineup and even while not at full health, he boosts everybody else around him.”
Still, once Clemente gets healthy and the Broncos add the other power bat they’re seeking, Shwam likes his offense’s prospects.
Even without the fulltime services of Clemente, Ponce and Reyes, the Broncos are third in the league in offense (.302) and first in home runs (53).
“When we get everyone healthy, I like our offense a lot,” Shwam said. “If we can find a power-hitting first baseman, and we are talking to a few guys, I’d really like our team. It would give us the ability to rest a guy like Clemente without really losing too much offensively. We know we can hit, we’ve pretty much out-hit everybody we’ve faced. But we’re not a speed team and we can’t manufacture runs so we need big bats.”
The Broncos have very little team speed despite boasting players who are capable in that regard.
Laredo is last in ULB in stolen bases (31-of-41), 13 behind second-to-last Harlingen.
“I’m very surprised at our lack of speed,” Shwam said. “Last year, Reyes had 15 stolen bags. This year, one. Last year, Ponce had 13 stolen bags. This year, none. Not even an attempt. (Dwayne) White is a good runner but takes bad jumps. (Steven) Wright is fast but runs at bad times, and Matt Lawman, the fastest guy on our team, has only stolen four.
“It is surprising, but that’s why the big bats like Clemente, Ponce and Reyes are important for us. We depend on the power hits.”
A big loss to the Broncos’ speed game was an injury to infielder Mark Lewis early in the season.
Lewis played in eight games before tearing his ACL in late May. In those eight games, however, he stole three bases without being caught.
Unfortunately, the team does not expect him back anytime soon.
“I don’t expect him back at the moment,” Shwam said. “We just don’t have a spot for him. He’s a guy who can definitely add speed, but we don’t know if he’s the same player after the injury. I like the way he used to run, but I won’t know until I see him.
“And right now, there’s just no room for him.”
Laredo’s bullpen and closing situation are also still a concern.
“This is a team that can compete and win when healthy,” Shwam said. “We’re getting back to being healthier, and I know I’m completely content with the lineup now that Ponce and Reyes are back. The bullpen will be addressed, and we’ll go with a closer-by-committee to finish games.
“But I like what we have, I really do. If all things click and we’re able to get our team on the field, we can be a dangerous club.”
BRONCO BITS: The saga of pitcher John Odom is still as mercurial as it has ever been, but there appears to be a dimming light cast upon it. Odom, who was sent home in early June to attend to personal matters, appears to have been overwhelmed emotionally and psychologically from the trade that sent him to Laredo in exchange for 10 maple bats. “I don’t think he’s coming back,” Shwam said. “He told us he’d make a decision in a few days, or by the All-Star break, but I just think the whole trade deal overwhelmed him. All the media attention, all the fans riding him and making fun of it, all the criticism he got when he got here and didn’t pitch well, I don’t think he handled that too well. It was in our best interest and his best interest that he went home. He’s got a great arm, a major-league curveball.” Odom started three games for Laredo, acquiring a 0-1 record with a 6.10 ERA. On the surface, he handled the aftermath of the trade – many interviews and scrutinized attention from the likes of ESPN and the Associated Press – with ease, but it can be assumed all was not so simple. “Absolutely, it probably took a toll on him,” Shwam said. “He got so much attention for something he really had nothing to do with. So he didn’t know if it was a good thing or a bad thing. I think what really bothered him is he had no idea how he’d be perceived in other towns, by other teams and players. He didn’t know where he fit.”
LAREDO MORNING TIMES
With the second-half of the season underway, the Broncos have been wheeling and dealing the last two days.
In a scurried attempt to get the roster to the league-mandated total of 22, the Broncos (24-24) made two more cuts on Tuesday after releasing three on Monday.
United League Baseball teams must turn in updated rosters today.
“If I had a few more spots open, I’d be in good shape,” Broncos General Manager Jose Melendez said. “But it is what it is and it’s been difficult. Still, I feel we have a team that can compete.”
Broncos Manager Dan Shwam shared Melendez’s sentiments.
“It’s tough but we’ll make do,” Shwam said. “At least the players understand that it’s not my decision, it’s the league’s. They knew this was coming and it’s something we have no control over.”
The Broncos released pitchers John Smith and Justin Staatz on Tuesday.
Smith was 0-2 with an 11.17 ERA in 10 appearances. Staatz was 0-0 with a 7.24 ERA in nine appearances.
“I think they knew it was going to happen,” Shwam said. “We hadn’t played them the last few games and guys generally have a good feel of how things are going.”
On paper, the Broncos are dynamic. On the field is another matter, where three of the team’s top four hitters have combined to miss a total of 36 games.
They have, however, gotten healthier lately with the recent return of veteran infielders Arnoldo Ponce and Ivan Reyes, both of whom produce at the plate and defensively.
Slugger Edgard Clemente is still greatly hindered from a hamstring injury suffered early last week, and if not for the needed help, he would be sitting.
“There’s no way Edgard should even be playing this week,” Shwam said. “But he’s a competitor and he knows we need him out there. He’s a threat in our lineup and even while not at full health, he boosts everybody else around him.”
Still, once Clemente gets healthy and the Broncos add the other power bat they’re seeking, Shwam likes his offense’s prospects.
Even without the fulltime services of Clemente, Ponce and Reyes, the Broncos are third in the league in offense (.302) and first in home runs (53).
“When we get everyone healthy, I like our offense a lot,” Shwam said. “If we can find a power-hitting first baseman, and we are talking to a few guys, I’d really like our team. It would give us the ability to rest a guy like Clemente without really losing too much offensively. We know we can hit, we’ve pretty much out-hit everybody we’ve faced. But we’re not a speed team and we can’t manufacture runs so we need big bats.”
The Broncos have very little team speed despite boasting players who are capable in that regard.
Laredo is last in ULB in stolen bases (31-of-41), 13 behind second-to-last Harlingen.
“I’m very surprised at our lack of speed,” Shwam said. “Last year, Reyes had 15 stolen bags. This year, one. Last year, Ponce had 13 stolen bags. This year, none. Not even an attempt. (Dwayne) White is a good runner but takes bad jumps. (Steven) Wright is fast but runs at bad times, and Matt Lawman, the fastest guy on our team, has only stolen four.
“It is surprising, but that’s why the big bats like Clemente, Ponce and Reyes are important for us. We depend on the power hits.”
A big loss to the Broncos’ speed game was an injury to infielder Mark Lewis early in the season.
Lewis played in eight games before tearing his ACL in late May. In those eight games, however, he stole three bases without being caught.
Unfortunately, the team does not expect him back anytime soon.
“I don’t expect him back at the moment,” Shwam said. “We just don’t have a spot for him. He’s a guy who can definitely add speed, but we don’t know if he’s the same player after the injury. I like the way he used to run, but I won’t know until I see him.
“And right now, there’s just no room for him.”
Laredo’s bullpen and closing situation are also still a concern.
“This is a team that can compete and win when healthy,” Shwam said. “We’re getting back to being healthier, and I know I’m completely content with the lineup now that Ponce and Reyes are back. The bullpen will be addressed, and we’ll go with a closer-by-committee to finish games.
“But I like what we have, I really do. If all things click and we’re able to get our team on the field, we can be a dangerous club.”
BRONCO BITS: The saga of pitcher John Odom is still as mercurial as it has ever been, but there appears to be a dimming light cast upon it. Odom, who was sent home in early June to attend to personal matters, appears to have been overwhelmed emotionally and psychologically from the trade that sent him to Laredo in exchange for 10 maple bats. “I don’t think he’s coming back,” Shwam said. “He told us he’d make a decision in a few days, or by the All-Star break, but I just think the whole trade deal overwhelmed him. All the media attention, all the fans riding him and making fun of it, all the criticism he got when he got here and didn’t pitch well, I don’t think he handled that too well. It was in our best interest and his best interest that he went home. He’s got a great arm, a major-league curveball.” Odom started three games for Laredo, acquiring a 0-1 record with a 6.10 ERA. On the surface, he handled the aftermath of the trade – many interviews and scrutinized attention from the likes of ESPN and the Associated Press – with ease, but it can be assumed all was not so simple. “Absolutely, it probably took a toll on him,” Shwam said. “He got so much attention for something he really had nothing to do with. So he didn’t know if it was a good thing or a bad thing. I think what really bothered him is he had no idea how he’d be perceived in other towns, by other teams and players. He didn’t know where he fit.”
Broncos win 4-0 in shortened contest
By DENNIS SILVA II
LAREDO MORNING TIMES
On a miserable and dreary afternoon which brought heavy rains sandwiched between isolated breaks, the Broncos were able to provide some sunshine.
Behind Luany Sanchez’s three-run blast in the third inning, the Broncos muddied the Edinburg Coyotes with timely hitting and steady pitching to earn a 4-0 win in 4 1/2 innings before a crowd of 860 at Veterans Field on Tuesday.
The contest was called off due to poor field conditions after Sanchez tripled to lead off the fifth inning. It was an official game as soon as the top of the fifth was completed.
“The footing out there was cakey,” said Broncos left-hander Sean Donlin, who earned the Mini-Me version of a complete-game shutout by throwing four innings, surrendering seven hits while striking out five and walking one.
“So after every other pitch, you had to shake your shoe and get the cake off. The field definitely wasn’t up to par.”
Added outfielder Dwayne White, “It was pretty bad around first base, and the turn around first. It’s bad footing for all of us and it could have been pretty dangerous.”
The Broncos take a 24-24 record into today’s much-needed off day after playing 36 consecutive games.
Their last day off was on May 26.
“It’s definitely nice to be able to get some rest and then keep the momentum going,” said White of the Broncos’ second consecutive win. “It’s good that we get a win going into an off day and then we can get right back to work.”
The Coyotes fell to 20-28 and are now four games behind the Broncos for the fourth and final United League Baseball playoff spot.
The Broncos got all the offense they needed in a four-run, two-hit third inning.
White’s RBI single to shallow center with one out put the Broncos on the scoreboard first before Sanchez, who has homered in the last four games, drilled his 12th bomb of the season on a booming three-run shot to left field in the following at-bat.
Donlin (2-2) scattered the seven hits he allowed but escaped a couple of jams late as the Coyotes stranded six runners.
He made timely pitches, however, and never lost his poise and control despite a sloppy environment.
“Luany and I were on the same page,” Donlin said of his catcher. “He called the right pitches and I felt good out there. I was able to hit my spots.”
Coyotes right-hander Carlos Jan (1-1) got the loss, throwing five innings and allowing four runs on three hits while striking out one and walking five.
The Broncos will have today off before starting a three-game home series against Harlingen on Thursday.
LAREDO MORNING TIMES
On a miserable and dreary afternoon which brought heavy rains sandwiched between isolated breaks, the Broncos were able to provide some sunshine.
Behind Luany Sanchez’s three-run blast in the third inning, the Broncos muddied the Edinburg Coyotes with timely hitting and steady pitching to earn a 4-0 win in 4 1/2 innings before a crowd of 860 at Veterans Field on Tuesday.
The contest was called off due to poor field conditions after Sanchez tripled to lead off the fifth inning. It was an official game as soon as the top of the fifth was completed.
“The footing out there was cakey,” said Broncos left-hander Sean Donlin, who earned the Mini-Me version of a complete-game shutout by throwing four innings, surrendering seven hits while striking out five and walking one.
“So after every other pitch, you had to shake your shoe and get the cake off. The field definitely wasn’t up to par.”
Added outfielder Dwayne White, “It was pretty bad around first base, and the turn around first. It’s bad footing for all of us and it could have been pretty dangerous.”
The Broncos take a 24-24 record into today’s much-needed off day after playing 36 consecutive games.
Their last day off was on May 26.
“It’s definitely nice to be able to get some rest and then keep the momentum going,” said White of the Broncos’ second consecutive win. “It’s good that we get a win going into an off day and then we can get right back to work.”
The Coyotes fell to 20-28 and are now four games behind the Broncos for the fourth and final United League Baseball playoff spot.
The Broncos got all the offense they needed in a four-run, two-hit third inning.
White’s RBI single to shallow center with one out put the Broncos on the scoreboard first before Sanchez, who has homered in the last four games, drilled his 12th bomb of the season on a booming three-run shot to left field in the following at-bat.
Donlin (2-2) scattered the seven hits he allowed but escaped a couple of jams late as the Coyotes stranded six runners.
He made timely pitches, however, and never lost his poise and control despite a sloppy environment.
“Luany and I were on the same page,” Donlin said of his catcher. “He called the right pitches and I felt good out there. I was able to hit my spots.”
Coyotes right-hander Carlos Jan (1-1) got the loss, throwing five innings and allowing four runs on three hits while striking out one and walking five.
The Broncos will have today off before starting a three-game home series against Harlingen on Thursday.
We are officially official
Ladies and gentlemen, we are official.
The Coyotes tally one hit in the 5th and threaten by putting two on with two out before Donlin struck out Daryl Jones to end the threat.
4-0 Broncos into the bottom of the 5th.
Still 4-0
The Broncos put two on with two outs but come away with nothing.
4-0 Broncos into the 4th. Once (if) we get through the top half of this inning, it becomes an official game.
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