Edmonton Sun articles

Check out these two articles about Jose Lima and the Long Beach Armada in the Edmonton Sun. Very well written...

'IT'S STILL LIMA TIME'

WISDOM IN THEIR WORDS

Armada at Seals preview

VICTORIA, British Columbia -- The Long Beach Armada (3-4) travels to Victoria, British Columbia, to take on the franchise’s first ever manager Darrell Evans and his expansion Victoria Seals (1-6) in a three game series. Current Armada manager Garry Templeton managed against Evans’s Armada from 2005-2007 when Templeton served as skipper of the Orange County Flyers.

The Armada is coming off of its first series win of the season, winning two of three games in Edmonton against the Capitals. Long Beach broke a tied ballgame in the top of the 9th to beat the caps in the first game on Friday night. Tuesday night the Capitals rallied in the bottom of the ninth to beat Long Beach, 3-2. The Armada took the series on Wednesday with a 5-3 win. The Armada went 0-7 at Telus Field in 2008, making the series win in Edmonton all the more impressive.

Manager Garry Templeton’s Fleet looks to return to the United States with a .500 or better record by taking the first of two series against the Victoria Seals in 2009. These teams meet again during the final week of the GBL season at Blair Field (Aug. 28-31).

Games will be broadcast live by Josh Feldman through Free Teamline accessible via www.longbeacharmada.com. Broadcast begins 15 minutes prior to scheduled first pitch.


PITCHING MATCH-UPS (LGB vs. VIC)
Friday, May 29 – Royal Athletic Park – 7:05pm PDT
RHP Scott Lonergan (0-1, 27.00) vs. RHP Isaac Hess (0-0, 4.26)
Saturday, May 30– Royal Athletic Park – 7:05pm PDT
LHP Keith Ramsey (0-1, 17.18) vs. RHP Eduardo Baeza (1-0, 3.27)
Sunday, May 31– Royal Athletic Park – 1:35pm PDT
LHP Jamie Arneson (0-0, 8.10) vs. RHP Travis Wade (0-1, 7.20)

Look who's available

Just dug up this story about former OC Flyers and last year's GBL MVP Pat Breen being released by the Angels. Any chance this guy makes a return to the GBL? I know one thing, he's certainly not looking forward to seeing that outfield wall at Blair Field any time soon. That still gives me chills. Ouch.

Lima's meets the press in Edmonton

Sprinklers

The Armada scored 4 runs in the 9th inning at Telus Field against the Edmonton Capitals.  I guess the Caps had only one way to stop the moment, turn on the sprinklers and see what happens.



Video of the sprinklers...

Pictures from Edmonton

Here's a few snapshots from the first game in Edmonton.  Check 'em out...

Photos by Andy Devlin/Edmonton Capitals Baseball Club

Starting pitcher Jamie Arneson

Leadoff man Josh Womack works part time as a ninja

Justin Segal on the mound in his longest outing with the Armada

Omar Bramasco turns two

Justin Segal pitched 3.0 innings for the Fleet on Monday

Ryan Tacker came in to pitch the 9th inning and preserve the Armada win

Hi fives all around as the Fleet gets its first win in Edmonton.

Armada-Capitals preview

EDMONTON, Alberta -- The Long Beach Armada (1-3) continues its season-opening 10 game road trip north of the border with a three-game series against the newly named Edmonton Capitals.  Both teams won their respective 2nd half division titles and lost in the divisional playoff round in 2008.  The Armada went 8-10 against the then-Edmonton Cracker Cats in 2008, with all 8 wins coming at home.  The Fleet was 0-7 at Telus Field.  

The Armada dropped the first game of 2009 to the Calgary Vipers, 4-0.  Jose Lima pitched 8 innings giving up 6 hits, recording 6 strike outs without walking anyone.  Long Beach got its first win the following night as Chad Miller hit a 3-run homerun in the first inning en route to a 10-9 Armada win.  Miller hit another 3-run round-tripper in the third game of the series on Saturday in Calgary, part of a 7-run Armada 3rd inning.  The Vipers retaliated with a 9-run 4th inning, and despite the Armada getting 2 runs in the top of the night, they stranded 3 in the final frame, losing 12-10 on Saturday.  On Sunday, the Armada led 4-0 going into the bottom of the 3rd, but the Vipers tied the game at 4-4 with home runs by Terry Mermer and ehlandt Lentini in that frame.  Long Beach’s Casey Garrison put the Fleet back on top, 5-4, with a solo homerun in the top of the 4th, but the Vipers stormed back en route to a 14-8 win.  

All three games in Edmonton will be broadcast live by Josh Feldman through Free Teamline accessible via www.longbeacharmada.com.

PITCHING MATCH-UPS
Monday, May 25– Telus Field – 7:00pm MDT
RHP Jamie Arneson (0-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Paige Dumont (1-0, 9.00)
Tuesday, May 26– Telus Field – 7:00pm MDT
RHP Jose Lima (0-1, 4.50) vs. RHP Lou Pote (1-0, 0.00)
Wednesday, May 27– Telus Field – 7:00pm MDT
LHP Ben Fox (0-0, 10.38) vs. RHP Justin Jordan (0-0, 3.86)

MEDIA RELEASE:
http://www.goldenbaseball.com/Files/F462/ArmadaRelease2009-05-25.pdf

View from Calgary Press Box

Here's the view from the Calgary Vipers press box, an overhung setting that's 200ft above the playing surface and about 200ft back. Check it out...

PROJECTED LINE-UP (CALGARY)

Here's a peak as to who will be in the field for the Vipers when the Armada open the season against Calgary tonight.

LF: Drew Miller
CF: Fehlandt Lentini
RF: Mark Okano
3B: Carlos Duncan
SS: Nelson Castro
2B: Jorge Mejia
C: Rick Guarno
1B/DH: Colin Moro, Terry Mermer, Ivan Reyes.

Opening Day

CALGARY, Alberta -- The Long Beach Armada (0-0) begins the season on the road making the organization’s only trip to Calgary for the 2009 season followed by the first of two trips to Edmonton. Long Beach opens with back-to-back series against the Calgary Vipers (0-0) and Edmonton Capitals (0-0), last year’s North Division first- and second-half champions respectively, before a series against the expansion Victoria Seals (0-0). All 10 games will be broadcast through Free Teamline accessible via longbeacharmada.com.

PITCHING MATCH UPS
Thursday, May 21– Foothill Stadium – 7:05pm MDT
RHP Jose Lima (0-0, 0.00) vs. LHP Joe Sergent (0-0, 0.00)

Friday, May 22 – Foothill Stadium – 7:05pm MDT
LHP Ben Fox (0-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Evan Greusel (0-0, 0.00)

Saturday, May 23 – Foothill Stadium – 5:05pm MDT
RHP Scott Lonergan (0-0, 0.00) vs. LHP Dallas Mahan (0-0, 0.00)

Sunday, May 24 – Foothill Stadium – 1:35pm MDT
LHP Keith Ramsey (0-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Hideki Nagasaka (0-0, 0.00)

PROJECTED STARTERS
1B - Daryl Jones
2B - Steve Young
SS - Omar Bramasco
3B - Chad Miller
OF - Casey Garrison
OF - Josh Womack
OF - J.J. Sherrill
C - Andy Bouchie
DH - Matt Edgecombe

Lima sings at LAX

Jose Lima sings Sweet Home Alabama - or was it Sweet Home Dominicana ? - at LAX before the team gets on the plane for Calgary. LHP Keith Ramsey accompanies Lima on guitar as other members of the team listen.

Training Camp Day 5

The list of training camp invitees is being trimmed down today as the competition heats up. We'll work to have updates on the guys still at camp for yall as soon as we get the official word. To keep the mood light, however, here is some funny clips of the guys at camp. Should have some of that strong baseball goodness for you later in the weekend.

David Ramirez does his "Go Ninja" catchers dance


Watching Jose Lima pitch


Josh Womack demonstrates his crazy bat skills


Hitting coach GT2 tries to duplicate Womack's bat-spinning magic

Training Camp Day 3: You gotta Love it

You never know who will show up at Armada training camp this season. With more than twice as many players as there are roster spots at this years camp, there's bound to be a few two-sport athletes in the mix, including Minnesota Timberwolf and former UCLA Bruin Kevin Love.

The 5th overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft stopped by this morning to throw a bullpen session and see the guys. No word yet if he's looking for a contract, but with all the big names joining the Armada this season, it doesn't seem that far-fetched, does it?

Training Camp Underway

Day 1 of training camp is in the books, and what a day it was. Nearly 50 ballplayers worked out at Cal State Dominguez Hills for Manager Garry Templeton and his coaches as the Armada looks to narrow the group down to the final 22.

The players, highlighted by former NL All-Star Jose Lima, practiced in the morning session before playing games in the afternoon. Training camp will continue into next week, and over the next few days Templeton and his staff will begin to trim down the list of invitees.

One surprise name that showed up to camp, former Armada player Johnny Kaplan, who set a GBL record with 51 stolen bases for the Armada in 2007. Could he make the team and be back in Long Beach this season? Stay tuned...

PICTURES FROM CAMP

Batting practice


Lima gets his new hat


Don't forget to set your watch to LIMA TIME


Templeton throwing BP


Templeton and Lima during the morning session

Tijuana out of GBL for '09

It seems the Tijuana Project is once again going adios for now. The GBL announced today that due to health risks, the Tijuana Potros will not participate in the 2009 Golden Baseball League season.

While this does alter the Armada's 2009 schedule, it's not as bass-ackward now as you might think. Yes, the games that were originally scheduled against Tijuana are off, but the majority of the schedule is still in tact. I'm sure players will be disappointed that they won't have a chance to catch the swine flu ... darn. And, yes, I realize this announcement makes a previous post seem a little cavalier.

Here's the official word from the GBL:

Tijuana Potros Put on Hold For 2009 Season in GBL
Health Risk Issues Scuttles Team's Launch and Facility Too Close To Season Start

San Ramon, CA. May 7, 2009 – The Golden Baseball League announced today that the expansion Tijuana Potros have been forced to shelve their plans to participate in the upcoming 2009 Golden Baseball League season due to the impact of the health risk issues that have erupted throughout Mexico in the last few weeks. Sports facility closings, uncertainty of stadium availability, and government mandates limiting public gatherings have all contributed to an impossible business environment to launch and operate a professional sports franchise with the start of the season less than two weeks away.

"The H1N1 virus health risk and the necessary government response and actions have wreaked havoc with the economy and businesses small and large throughout the country," said Tijuana Potros President Jose Manuel Pena. "It is not possible to operate with this uncertainty that keeps sponsors from committing, fans from buying tickets, and the stadium unavailable to host public events. We know this will pass and the Potros will be ready for next year to bring exciting professional baseball back to the people of Tijuana, but realize the timing of this natural disaster has left us with no other choice."

With so little time left prior to the start of the season, the Golden Baseball League has amended the schedule to play with nine teams for this year. This solution leaves the schedules for all teams unchanged, with a few very slight modifications, with the exception of series that were to be played versus the Potros. Those series, which average just four home contests per team, are now open dates and will be used either for off days or may be filled with special games played outside of the official schedule -- such as fundraiser games with military teams, or for other organizations that are suffering in these difficult economic times such as school districts, police and fire departments, and charitable organizations.

The GBL South Division will now be composed of the Long Beach Armada, Orange County Flyers, St. George Roadrunners, Tucson Toros, and Yuma Scorpions. The GBL North Division will be made up of the Calgary Vipers, Chico Outlaws, Edmonton Capitals, and Victoria Seals. The dates of the season remain unchanged, but due to the unbalanced nature of the original schedule some teams will have a few more games than others each half. The split season format remains the same, first half and second half champions will be decided upon by winning percentage and will advance to playoffs as already scheduled.

"We understand and our very sympathetic to the plight of the Potros in these challenging times," said GBL Commissioner Kevin Outcalt. "We are disappointed to not have the Potros with us this year, but look forward to the health and economic recovery that is already underway that will enable the Potros to have a strong entry into the league next season."

What Manny should do

As reports surface of Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez taking steroids, the baseball world is once again being flung into a frenzy. As if the 50-game suspension isn't bad enough, how livid must the Dodgers be to know they supported this guy, and essentially built the majority of their recent marketing around this guy. The Manny-wigs sold in the merch shops. "Mannywood." The guy was the marketing piece of the Dodgers, and everyone in LA was fine with it ... until now when it appears to be collapsing.

The perspective from the No Joshin' blog about how Manny should handle the situation:

Manny Ramirez has one chance - just one chance - at redemption. As reports surface that the savior of the Dodgers tested positive for steroids and will be suspended 50 games effective immediately, the slugger must follow the footsteps of past perpetrators and apologize NOW!

Don't go down the road that Roger Clemens took, firm denial with a dash of rage. Don't try to shut out the outside world like Barry Bonds and as a result become vilified. Don't even attempt to move on without talking about it because it happened in the past, a la Mark McGwire.

No. Manny must apologize - even if he's not specific - to his fans, to the Dodgers, to baseball for letting them all down.

As my girlfriend, a Dodger-diehard said this morning upon hearing the news, "I'm just disappointed. ... It's like finding out Santa Clause isn't real." How true that is.

The man who seemingly single-handedly lifted the Dodgers from the middle of the pack to the champions of the NL West last summer after a blockbuster trade is now on the fast track out of the game unless he can do the necessary damage control.

Look at how Andy Pettitte or Jason Giambi and others were able to bounce back from similar reports. Learn from that and repeat.

Mannywood will never again have the same glitz, glamor or glory that fans came in LA came to enjoy last season. At this point, Ramirez can only diffuse the situation by coming clean, taking his lumps, and admitting what he did.

Just because Santa Clause isn't real doesn't mean you can't celebrate Christmas. But it certainly ruins some of the magic.

44 invited to training camp

Training camp 2009 starts Sunday, May 10 at Cal State University Dominguez Hills. Manager Garry Templeton along with pitching coach Jerry Spradlin, hitting coach Garry Templeton II, and bullpen coach Sean Buller will use the 10-day training camp to determine which of the 44+ training camp invitees will make the 22-man roster. The Armada season begins May 21 on the road with three series in Canada. Long Beach opens at home at Blair Field on Tuesday, June 9 against the Tijuana Potros.

**Not all players who will be attending training camp are listed below. Be on the look out for a few other names at camp this season. Check the website for the latest details!

Here's the list (returning players in bold):

Position players:
1B - Daryl Jones
1B - Chad Miller
1B/OF - Matt Edgecombe
2B - Steve Young
INF - Michael Glomb
SS - Omar Bramasco
SS - Brandon Howard
SS - Ryan Selden
UT - Jim Davenport
UT - Jimmy Rohan
OF - Casey Garrison
OF - Matt Hirsh
OF - Josh Jennings
OF - Isidro Perez
OF - JJ Sherrill
OF - Doug West
OF - Josh Womack
C - Josh Banda
C - Bryan Beres
C - Andy Bouchie
C/INF - Jack Chapman

Pitchers invited:
P - Jamie Arneson
P - Zach Beal
P - Dustin Birosak
P - Sean Buller
P - Ryan Claypool
P - Brian Daly
P - Ryan Foss
P - Ben Fox
P - Dustin Gober
P - Hideki Irabu
P - Juan Jimenez
P - Rusty Jones
P - Andrew Layfield
P - Jose Lima
P - Scott Lonergan
P - Shane Maguire
P - Keith Ramsey
P - Darmey Sanchez
P - Justin Segal
P - Andrew Soto
P - Eddie Spychalski
P - Ryne Tacker
P - Marcus Taylor

Could Barry Bonds join the Armada?

Independent and Minor League baseball teams are constantly searching for the "draw" - that season-long hook that will undeniably pack the seats with fans anxious to see someone or something. It's easy to have a "draw" for one game (like when the Armada sent starting pitcher Jose Canseco to the mound in 2006), but finding the lightening rod who can bring that energy to the ballpark every single night is much rarer. I think Ricky Henderson served that role for the San Diego Surf Dawgs in 2005, but there hasn't been anyone of that Hall of Fame caliber in the GBL since.

And now there's a rumor that intertwines Barry Bonds and the Long Beach Armada. The LA Times reported yesterday that Bonds - who says he hasn't "retired" - and his agent are still looking for a job for the all-time homerun king. And while his agent says that Bonds "shouldn't have to" play for the Armada just to prove to big-league clubs that he can still get it done, it doesn't necessarily mean it's out of the question.

Bonds would be that "draw", that hook fans would absolutely undeniably turn out in droves to see at the Blair Field for as long as Bonds put on an Armada jersey. Don't get me wrong, Jose Lima and Hideki Irabu are big signings for the organization. But they play once every five days and combined don't have a fraction of the clout that Barry Bonds has. No one in baseball does outside of possibly Alex Rodriguez as a result of a book that has him thrown under a bus. But with Bonds, it would be a frenzy.

The team's Assistant GM is already trying to figure out the process of roping off extra lockers and moving a recliner into the club house ... just in case.

So while the LA Times has our club reportedly sailing on without Barry Bonds, I would hope it's something that Mr. 762 would at least consider. Whether you love Bonds or absolutely hate him, it's undeniable that you'd come out to see him. And if he autographed your kid's baseball or cap, you'd love it.

So I guess there is just one question...

Will Mr. 762 join the team in (562)?

This Too Shall Pass

This too shall pass

As speculation over what the "swine flu outbreak" will mean for the 2009 GBL season, there is one possibility that seems to be the most rational and simple: hunker down and ride it out.

No, I'm not a doctor, but from all the reports in the media, the swine flu doesn't appear to be any more harmful that the regular flu that kills 36,000 Americans every year.  So if there is concern about swine flu in Tijuana - as evidenced by the cancellation of other sporting events for now - one must consider if those same concerns will realistically exist one month from now when the GBL season kicks off.

Doubtful.

Just let this thing blow over, and let's move on with the season.  By July, the talk will be more about the dynamic duo of Lima-Irabu leading Long Beach past opponents rather than pig-flu embattling the Potros.

Swine Flu in TJ?

This season the GBL added a team in Tijuana. Now the swine flu has organizers of an under-17 international soccer tournament held in Tijuana cancelled as a precaution it seems.

This leaves a few questions for the Golden Baseball League to answer as the 2009 season looms:

Will it affect the season schedule?
Will games be rescheduled/relocated?
Does this mean we still shouldn't drink the water in Mexico?

Not really sure of the answers to any of those (except #3, never drink that stuff). But we'll definitely keep you posted here. Also Mexican baseball league officials that some games involving Torreon, Minatitlan, Saltillo, Veracruz, Quintana Roo, Yucatan and Nuevo Laredo will be "played behind closed doors" according to USA Today.

What do yall think should be done:
1. as a precaution?
2. if it is determined to be a threat to players?

Discuss...