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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jun 25, 2022 15:51:49 GMT -5
Just have to say that if you've ever considered visiting Greenville you should absolutely come here. Both the ballpark and the city are terrific. It totally is! Gone to quite a few minor league parks, and I;ve loved the many times I went to Greenville while living in the Carolinas.
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steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jun 24, 2022 9:55:48 GMT -5
Sign me up, if he gets to us. Normally I would always prefer a positional player in the first round (maybe because I still have a Trey Ball hang-over). Kumar may eventually have Tommy John, but few guys like this grow on trees.
I remember going to Port Charlotte to see Trey Ball debut. There were 3 or 4 cars from Indiana in the parking lot. Immediately I was NOT blown away! In the GCL (FCL), 1st impressions are often wrong, but nothing screamed outstanding and I drove home somewhat worried. I had wanted Frasier or Meadows that year. We still had the chance when we came up for Meadows. Oh the pain!
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steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jun 24, 2022 9:43:26 GMT -5
FCL usage check: Everyday (or close to it):SS Ahbram Liendo (this may be out of necessity given how thin the IF is) RF Juan Chacon CF Miguel Bleis 3B Lyonell James (same comment as Liendo but even moreso) Regulars:C platoon of Enderso Lira and Daniel McElveny Platoons:2B: Alex Zapete (also some 3B) and Johnfrank Salazar (backup SS) LF: Jhostynxon Garcia and Allan Castro Note that anyone below here might just be hurt or something and we don't knowSporatic:LF Eduardo Vaughan (I could see him working into the LF platoon) 1B/RF Alexis Hernandez (I think it's a matter of just not having enough at-bats for him) C/1B Ronald Rosario (here and not below basically because he plays 1B sometimes) DH Bryan Gonzalez (4 starts at DH, 1 in LF) 1B Albert Feliz IF BJ Vela Bench:C's Naysbel Marcano, Juan Montero, Diego Viloria OF Freddy Valdez I've only seen the FCL team twice but I would love someone else to tell me what they thought of how Bleis looks jogging out to center and back. He reminds me of someone (like Deion Sanders?). Luckly when he sprints he is really rambling (Lol). Also, he sort of looks like a young Eric Davis. Tall and skinny. He can look really impressive one time and very raw the next. Sort of what we should expect!
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steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jun 24, 2022 9:35:47 GMT -5
I'm just a box score scouter, but at some point we need some excitement for Mr. Blaze correct? The young man certainly seems to have put his early season struggles behind him, and is just crushing it. When does the promotion come? I would imagine it doesn't, for two reasons: 1. He's still 19, and will be for the rest of the year, so letting him get his feet firmly planted on the ground and acclimated to a full professional season will probably be a good developmental foundation for him. If he continues to perform very well next year and in the years after, maybe you can get a little more aggressive. 2. Between Kavadas who is way higher on the list of priority promotions, Binelas, Joe Davis, and Northcut, the number of guys that should be playing first base in the lower levels of full-season ball has created a logjam already, there just wouldn't be space for Jordan to get consistent reps. Kavadas should be up in Greenville soon for sure, and I can definitely see two of Binelas, Northcut, or Davis moving up to Portland, so maybe they give him a short cup of coffee late in the season to at least see another level of pitching, but I would prefer him to just be an everyday regular for the time being. Same with Mayer. You beat me to this thought. We have WAY to many firstbase types and all are somewhat intriguing. I'm high on Blaze myself as he started slow and didn't let it get to him. He has made solid adjustments and that K rate is really good. My problem for him, and Binelas, is where do you put them on the field. Probably Casas is our 1st baseman of the future. I was hoping the organization would have started giving them reps in the outfield. Neither is probably going to be at third. These two, along with Rafalea, are the guys I'm always searching the box scores for. None of us is crazy for a full time DH (unless it is necessary). Throw them in left and start the transition. JDM has never been great, and one of these guys may have an elite bat down the road.
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steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jun 11, 2022 19:14:37 GMT -5
I know this is about 2023, but the guy I'm really excited about is, at least, a couple years away. His name is Ceddanne Rafaela. Sure I love the top 4 or 5, but this guy is so intriguing. Just love that supplies outstanding defense and both short and center. He will, almost certainly, hit 20 plus homers and swipe 25 to 30 bases. And THAT is on top of him being so skilled and instinctive at two of the most important defensive positions on the field. I'm hoping, at mid-season, that Ceddanne gets promoted to Portland. He is my new blinky. Actually...the players in Portland all better start looking behind them. Love following Greenville and Salem this year. This kid, as I mentioned earlier in this thread, is the real deal. The way he is going, he may not be in Boston to start next year, but don't bet against him for showing up later in the season. He will be a top 100 player next season. When you can play defense like him, run like him, and NOW hit like him...you've got a winner! I believe he deserves to be in OUR top 10 right now.
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steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jun 9, 2022 12:47:44 GMT -5
Bleis, Chacon and...Liendo are the only players to start all three FCL games. Liendo is good. Also they're very thin in the infield right now, especially with Ravelo hurt. Appears they like Salazar better at 2B, and given that Vela still hasn't played I wonder if he's dinged up. I was at this game until started raining. Chris is right about Liendo. VERY impressive athletically. Solid build, excellent speed, and made some excellent plays at short before the rain came. Keep an eye on him! I saw two at bats for Bleis. He walked the 1st time and showed great speed. He stole 2nd and got to 3rd on the ball going into short leftfield. 2nd time, he struck out and look bad on a breaking ball. Like Chacon!! Hoping to get to the game in Sarasota next week.
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steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on May 24, 2022 17:35:29 GMT -5
Rafaela is interesting for sure and definitely seems to have the floor of a major league bench piece with his ability to apparently play almost every position above average defensively but id pump the breaks on saying he certainly will hit 20 hrs and swipe 25+ bags. By my count I see 10 players in the MLB to have done that last season. That's really dang hard to do. I'm not saying he can't but I'd imagine it's unlikely he does. Also, how many 5'8" guys are consistent 20+ homer per year threats? We all know one, but him even developing reasonable MLB power would be a huge win. OK. I'm talking about this year. I did not say MLB. But this guy is very interesting. Love what he is doing now. Will it project into the majors? Who knows, but he has several skills that look well above average? He has made some great strides.
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steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on May 24, 2022 12:28:43 GMT -5
I know this is about 2023, but the guy I'm really excited about is, at least, a couple years away. His name is Ceddanne Rafaela. Sure I love the top 4 or 5, but this guy is so intriguing. Just love that supplies outstanding defense and both short and center. He will, almost certainly, hit 20 plus homers and swipe 25 to 30 bases.
And THAT is on top of him being so skilled and instinctive at two of the most important defensive positions on the field. I'm hoping, at mid-season, that Ceddanne gets promoted to Portland. He is my new blinky.
Actually...the players in Portland all better start looking behind them. Love following Greenville and Salem this year.
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steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on May 24, 2022 12:18:54 GMT -5
Jay Groome has been somewhat forgotten. All of us are excited about Bello, Walter, and Gonzalez. But Jay has finally got healthy and is showing his true potential. The pitching in the system has definitely taken a step in the right direction. Exciting to see!!
One unearned run in 6-innings is just the latest strong effort.
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steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Apr 4, 2022 17:44:19 GMT -5
We need to extend both Devers and Xander. Devers is a non-discussion. Give him 8 years for 240 Million with a team option on another year. Xander is the soul of this team. Letting him go would be a travesty. He took a team friendly contract because he wants to be here. I'd offer a 7-year contract at an average of $25 mill a year. Even at 36, he would be a super DH. I do believe in Xander about doing what is best for the Sox. Story will eventually be the shortstop for 3 to 4 years with Mayer then taking over. Love the Story signing. Saw Mayer several times last year, and he is the real deal.
Keep them both. Xander is someone who will age well and give us lots of versatility. Sign them both and wait for Mayer, Casas, and Yorke to make us a consistent contender!
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steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Apr 4, 2022 17:28:08 GMT -5
I saw him twice last year and both times came away quite impressed. Great body, made some nice plays in the field, and hit the ball hard. He is one player I'm looking forward to seeing if he is a solid prospect this year or not. Two games is not enough to jump on his band-wagon, but there is some potential there. This year will tell us a lot!!
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steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jan 18, 2022 14:31:06 GMT -5
Hey Steve, Wife is my wheels now since unable to drive last several years any longer. Probably one of the FSL teams close to you 2 as home team would be best over the summer, tho we have been talking about this meet for years. HAHA. We've got to make it happen 1 day. Didn't catch but *1* FSL Tigers game all last year, tho did see a bunch of afternoon GCL tiger games. Hope u guys had better luck with local teams. Thanks LongJohn..... Yep let's you, Steve and I make it happen this summer! Count me in!! This year's team actually looks quite interesting and that is before the draft.
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steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jan 16, 2022 17:30:35 GMT -5
And we finally have our first, "They don't spend on IFA guys" complaint of the year! Thanks for coming out everyone. Same time next year? Pathetic personal attack towards Sarasoxer.. He sees the kids 1st hand who manage to make it past the DSL league a LOT faster than most everyone else here does and was just asking a simple question, not asking for some knucklehead to show how non brilliant they are.. Hope u and Steve from Bradenton doing ok Sarasoxer.. One day we'll all get together for a game somewhere close, or down at the Fort. Thanks JohnSilver52, appreciate your defense for Sarasoxer. Love to get together this year with you both. Some folks on here can be quite sarcastic. We love watching and following these kids, but some can be quite negative. I understand where Sarasoxer is coming from my self. Hopefully their system works, spending on lots of kids for less, but I'd have loved them going all-out like the Yanks to sign a Dominguez.
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steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Nov 4, 2021 7:58:39 GMT -5
I think JD WILL opt-out. The news on Nick Castellanos is not surprising for me. www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/11/nick-castellanos-reds-opts-out-contract-free-agent.htmlHe will get a longer contract than JD (5-years?) but this probably is the last time JD will get multiple years at a real high salary. I see him for 3-years at maybe $18 million per year. He is 34 compared to Nick C's 30. Both of them are defensive liabilities. It would surprise me if JD doesn't opt-out and take advantage of universal DH.
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steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Oct 8, 2021 13:07:28 GMT -5
Hoping JD opts out. The Rays show how much athleticism is important. At least, a trio of Devers, Casas, and Dalbec can take turns at DH. To me, a major importance of Dalbec developing is his ability to do what Youk could do....move between 3rd and 1st. Devers may be a better 3rd basemen if he could just DH 30-40 times a year. I like Schwarber but I'm torn, if JD opts out. Hoping after playing in Arizona, Casas may be ready by July next year.
I marvel at how the Rays outfielders get to balls in the gaps. Not sure how or who to target, but I'd love to see better defense next year. Our pitchers need to be too fine and would benefit greatly if they had more confidence in the D behind them.
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steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Oct 6, 2021 17:25:38 GMT -5
"Red Sox prospects heading to the Arizona Fall League: 1B Triston Casas, 2B/SS Jeter Downs, Cs Connor Wong and Kole Cottam, Ps Josh Winckowski, Connor Seabold, Andrew Politi, Brendan Cellucci 11:21 AM · Oct 6, 2021" Cellucci is unlike the others--not Rule 5 this year and didn't play in Worcester or Portland this year. Why's he on this list and not Feltman who is Rule 5 eligible this December? How many innings do you see Seabold throwing? Glad Casas is there and pushing to hit Boston late next year.
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steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Sept 2, 2021 14:23:54 GMT -5
Pretty sure Ugueto must be pissed, hitting .350 BA and .900 OPS as an 18 year old (19 tomorrow) in the FCL, and unranked. Seen him just once, which is not enough to make much of a judgement, but I was VERY impressed! Planning to see him again next week.
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steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Aug 17, 2021 18:58:03 GMT -5
I was at the game and have a few thoughts. First it was dam HOT! Second, Pirate City is an OK set-up but it is difficult to get photos because of the fencing and no entering areas. It is a field with restrictions and not a stadium. I had to remember how Derek Jeter started with 40+ errors in his pro debut. Mayer has so much room for physical development and he is 18. So, I need to take all of that into account. To me, he wasn't at his best today. He made one outstanding play while the infield was in by snaring a bullet in the hole between 3rd and short with a dive and then having the know-how to throw to 3rd for an out in a close play. Otherwise, not a good day in the field! At bat, he started with a sharply hit grounder up the middle for a hit. The other times he made contact, they were grounders. He did not put the ball in the air. I thought his bat speed looked real good, but he was a little too passive. And one more thing, he can easily add 20+ pounds. He is one tall dude. I got to the field 40-minutes early and watched them do "infield". That was quite impressive. Bonaci was very athletic. Throws were crisp and on site. Marcelo looked good, but I was surprisingly impressed with Nico at first-base. He looked quite good and could become an above average fielder there. His throws and footwork were pretty smooth! Ugueto in left is just 18 and has a really good athletic body and he made some nice plays in left. Very athletic and I could see him being someone to watch. I liked what I saw of Bonaci as he is real twitchy and very confident. He made several acrobatic plays. He showed his speed also. I have been to many GCL games over the last 15 years, and I may be too optimistic, but I thought there was a higher amount of talent on the field for us than most other years. Oh, in case I didn't say it, it was dam hot!! Great synopsis! I look forward to many more. Steve in your opinion how was the pitching? Velo? Movement? Curious how the newbies looked today. It’s too bad the lower levels don’t have video available. At Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota it is easy to walk over behind the plate and ask about mph, but this set-up was impossible. Both guys that you all had interest in looked good, threw strikes, and repeated their deliveries...but no idea what velo was. A FCL (GCL) game is very different. Lots of wildness, pass balls, and balls in the dirt. Was hoping to see one of the several young starters we all have interest in, but no luck. Loved the crispness of the infield and outfield before the game, but was not quite the same during the game. Looking forward to seeing Mayer and company on a better day. At least they played....Lol!
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steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Aug 17, 2021 16:51:31 GMT -5
I'm assuming the "E" in the FCL box score is for error, correct? If so, Mayer had three today I was at the game and have a few thoughts. First it was dam HOT! Second, Pirate City is an OK set-up but it is difficult to get photos because of the fencing and no entering areas. It is a field with restrictions and not a stadium. I had to remember how Derek Jeter started with 40+ errors in his pro debut. Mayer has so much room for physical development and he is 18. So, I need to take all of that into account. To me, he wasn't at his best today. He made one outstanding play while the infield was in by snaring a bullet in the hole between 3rd and short with a dive and then having the know-how to throw to 3rd for an out in a close play. Otherwise, not a good day in the field! At bat, he started with a sharply hit grounder up the middle for a hit. The other times he made contact, they were grounders. He did not put the ball in the air. I thought his bat speed looked real good, but he was a little too passive. And one more thing, he can easily add 20+ pounds. He is one tall dude. I got to the field 40-minutes early and watched them do "infield". That was quite impressive. Bonaci was very athletic. Throws were crisp and on site. Marcelo looked good, but I was surprisingly impressed with Nico at first-base. He looked quite good and could become an above average fielder there. His throws and footwork were pretty smooth! Ugueto in left is just 18 and has a really good athletic body and he made some nice plays in left. Very athletic and I could see him being someone to watch. I liked what I saw of Bonaci as he is real twitchy and very confident. He made several acrobatic plays. He showed his speed also. I have been to many GCL games over the last 15 years, and I may be too optimistic, but I thought there was a higher amount of talent on the field for us than most other years. Oh, in case I didn't say it, it was dam hot!!
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steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Aug 17, 2021 8:37:57 GMT -5
The forecast in Bradenton looks good. I will be heading to "Pirate City" to take in the game today. DOES ANYONE HAVE THE FCL PLAYER UNIFORM NUMBERS?? I know what Niko and Marcelo look like, but I'd like to give some info on others. Here you go: www.milb.com/roster/index.jsp?cid=471THANKS SO MUCH!!!!!!!
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steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Aug 17, 2021 7:11:28 GMT -5
The forecast in Bradenton looks good. I will be heading to "Pirate City" to take in the game today.
DOES ANYONE HAVE THE FCL PLAYER UNIFORM NUMBERS?? I know what Niko and Marcelo look like, but I'd like to give some info on others.
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steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Aug 16, 2021 13:46:00 GMT -5
Folks, it is 2:43 pm and we have had NO RAIN at all in the Sarasota area. Maybe they don't want to put those poor kids on a bus for 90-minutes IN CASE of a down pour. They call them quick in this here part of the woods!
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steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Aug 16, 2021 9:21:22 GMT -5
FCL and DSL games have been postponed. Thank you for being so quick with the status. I was going to head out the door at 10:40 to head over to Ed Smith Stadium. It is amazing how quick they make these decisions as it is fine here currently.
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steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Aug 5, 2021 8:03:31 GMT -5
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steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Aug 5, 2021 7:58:32 GMT -5
Looking at the weather, it is hard to see games happening in Sarasota. BUT, just in case, I'm heading to Ed Smith Stadium and hope to see Meyar. I will attempt to get some photos, etc. IF the game(s) are CALLED, can someone send me an email to seedreamhome@hotmail.com and say "GO HOME"!! I missed Blaze and I don't want to miss Marcelo. Rain, rain, go away!!!! I think the games are at Jetblue today. That would make sense. Anyway that is verified before I head out the door?
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