Friday, June 5, 2009

Broncos lead

The Broncos got on the board in a powerful way in the 2nd inning and lead 7-0 heading into the 3rd.

After the Prospects couldn't capitalize after Harris loaded the bases with no outs in the 1st, former United great Andres "El Monkey" Santos drilled a booming shot over the left field wall with one out in the 2nd.

Prospects starting pitcher Luis Chapa then loaded the bases before Miguel Ortiz nailed a long three-run double into the outfield gap.

Not to be outdone, two batters later Mario Mendez added a two-run triple and Angelis Nunez hit a RBI single.

In all, the Broncos hit for the cycle in the inning.

Chapa was relieved in the 2nd, after allowing 4 runs on 4 hits and striking out 1 while walking 2.

Exhibition night

I'm here at Veterans Field for an exhibition game between the Broncos and the Laredo Wood Bat League Prospects, which include a plethora of local prep greats, including Luis Pollorena, Ramon Sandoval, Danny Navarro and Jorge Guarneros.

Ryan Harris, a righty, is starting on the mound for the Broncos.

There are about maybe 50-60 people here right now. Pretty quiet.

In some other news, Pollorena confirmed to me today that he will be playing college baseball at Marion Military Institute in Alabama.

He will join Laredoans and former LBJ standouts Beto Castillo and Alex Salinas.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Broncos to host 2 exhibition games this weekend

On Wednesday, the Broncos announced they will be hosting two exhibition games on Friday and Saturday at Veterans Field.

“This is a great opportunity for the fans of the Laredo Broncos to come out and see the team we have assembled for the 2009 season,” Broncos General Manager Jose Melendez said. “And not only do you get to watch the Broncos, but you get to see them go up against some of the best talent that Laredo has. It should be a very fun weekend.”

On Friday, the Broncos will take on a team of Laredo’s top baseball products from the Laredo Wooden Bat Adult League.

Those prospects include United High standouts Luis Pollorena and Homer Ortiz.

On Satureday, the Broncos will take on a team from the Laredo Adult Baseball League.

The league has been around for 10 years and 98 percent of the league’s talent is local and high school players.

The Broncos are excited to have the opportunity to play against some of the best talent Laredo has to offer.

“We can’t wait to take on both of these squads,” Broncos field manager Ricardo Cuevas said. “Not only does this give the local players a chance to play against the professionals, but it is also a great way for the Broncos to prepare for the 2009 season.”

Both exhibition games will start at 7:30 p.m. at Veterans Field and are sponsored by the City of Laredo Parks & Recreation Department.

Admission will be free and the concession stands will be open.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Game on for Broncos' 4th of July fireworks show

Due to rumors swirling around that they may not be holding their 4th of July fireworks show this year, the Broncos put a stop to the speculation by confirming that they will be holding the show.

On July 4th, the Broncos take on the San Angelo Colts at 7:30 p.m. at Veterans Field.

After the game is completed, there will be a huge fireworks show sponsored by AT&T.

“There is nothing better than watching baseball and fireworks on the 4th of July," Broncos GM Jose Melendez said in a press release. "You are combining two of America’s pasttimes in celebration of America’s birthday. We have had a packed house every year, and this year will be no different.”

Tickets are on sale now.

Fans can buy tickets for the 4th of July fireworks extravaganza by stopping by the Broncos office at 2200 Santa Maria or calling (956) 723-2273.

Broncos' exhibition vs. Laredo Adult Baseball League

Fans will get their first look at the Broncos on Saturday when the Laredo Adult Baseball League’s local talent will have an exhibition game against the Broncos at Veterans Field at 7:30 p.m.

Admission is free.

1st day of practice

The Broncos held their first day of preseason practice on Tuesday at Veterans.

It was a busy day for them, as they also signed starting RHP Ryan Harris, who was the ULB Pitcher of the Year in 2006.

In 10 minor league seasons, Harris, 34, is 64-46 with a 4.30 ERA and 783 strikeouts to 373 walks (2.1 strikeouts per walk).

Harris will compete with Gregorio Martinez for the No. 1 starter's spot.

Maximo de la Cruz is expected to be the No. 3 and Tano Tijerina is slated to be the No. 5. The No 4 spot, obviously, is open.

On Tuesday, 20 Broncos were on hand to begin practice.

Broncos GM Jose Melendez said there are some delays with players, including core players Selwyn Langaigne and Luis Ugueto.

Langaigne is expected to arrive Sunday, while Ugueto is having visa issues and is not expected to be in town until June 12.

Left-handed relievers Edgar Soto and Carlos Alvarez are also having visa issues and are not expected until June 15, the team’s home opener against San Angelo.

“We’re not expecting any serious problems at all,” Melendez said. “They’ll all get approved (to come); it’s just taking a little longer than expected.”

Melendez is fairly confident about his team's pitching this year.

The bullpen boasts depth and power arms and he is expecting strong competition for spots.

One of Melendez's priorities during preseason camp is to search hard for locals with talent.

I'll be at practice on Wednesday so I'll have a better idea of what's going on, who's been doing what and what team management thinks about invitees.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Updated roster

Here's an updated roster of the Broncos so far, as of today.

Keep in mind that practice does not start until June 3:

Catchers
Alexis Osuna (32 yrs. old; 6-2, 210 pounds)
Kylee Hash (21 yrs. old; 6-2, 206 pounds)

Infielders
Robert Moron (1B; 23 years old; 6-0, 205 pounds)
Matt Imwalle (1B/DH; 26 years old; 5-10, 225 pounds)
Cleveland Brownlee (1B/OF)
Miguel Ortiz (2B; 30 years old; 6-1, 175 pounds)
Trever Dimick (3B; 26 years old; 6-2, 195 pounds)
Jaime Morales (INF; 25 years old; 6-1, 165 pounds)
Ryan Flynn (INF; 23 years old; 6-3, 190 pounds)
Luis Ugueto (SS; 30 years old; 5-11, 180 pounds)

Outfielders
Andres "El Monkey" Santos (OF; 23 years old; 5-11, 210 pounds)
Anthony Bennett (OF; 26 years old; 6-0, 195 pounds)
O.J. Garza (OF; 5-11, 190 pounds)
Selwyn Langaigne (OF; 33 years old; 6-0, 190 pounds)

Pitchers
Dan Sausville (RHP; 25 years old; 6-2, 205 pounds)
Gustavo Vasquez (RHP; 31 years old; 6-0, 170 pounds)
Nathan Crawford (RHP; 22 years old; 6-6, 200 pounds)
Tristan Crawford (RHP; 26 years old; 6-3, 180 pounds)
Gregorio Martinez (RHP; 26 years old; 6-1, 160 pounds)
Maximo de la Cruz (RHP; 23 years old; 6-1, 160 pounds)

A few things of note:

The Broncos have NO left-handed pitching. At all. I assume that will be addressed before practices begin.

Also, there are three switch-hitters on the team (Hash, Imwalle and Ugueto). There are four left-handed hitters (Moron, Ortiz, Bennett and Langaigne).

Martinez and de la Cruz are the only noted starters as of now, meaning three spots in the rotation are still up for grabs.