Baseball – Page 17 – North Platte Post Archive

New Baseball in College Game Expected to Help Hitters

Posted on February 10, 2015

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — College baseball has struggled for decades to find the correct balance between offense and pitching.

Vanderbilt coach Tim Corbin said he hopes the latest change — switching to a flat-seam ball — will finally provide some “harmony” for the sport.

The new baseball debuts on Friday, when the season begins throughout the country.

Researchers found that the flat-seam ball could travel as much as 20 feet farther in the air than the previous raised-seam ball.

On the practice field, coaches and players are seeing the same results. Almost all expect at least a modest boost in offensive production. UCLA coach John Savage said he expects to see a “significant jump in offensive numbers across the board, not just in homers.”

Huskers Open 2015 Campaign in Las Vegas

Posted on February 10, 2015

After putting together a 41-21 record and a trip to the NCAA Tournament last season for the first time since 2008, the Nebraska baseball team looks to build on last year’s success in 2015. The process starts on Friday, Feb. 13, at 8:05 p.m. (CT) when the Huskers open the 2015 campaign in Las Vegas, Nev., with the first game of a three-game series against the UNLV Rebels. The Huskers will be looking to avenge a series loss to the Rebels last season in Lincoln, while the Huskers haven’t played in Las Vegas since 1987.

Senior Chance Sinclair is scheduled to start the season opener, and the third-team preseason All-American (Collegiate Baseball) will be looking to pick up his 10th career win after posting a 9-1 record last year. Fellow senior Kyle Kubat is set to take the mound for game two on Saturday at 4:05 p.m., while sophomore Max Knutson is scheduled to make his first career start in the finale on Sunday at 3:05 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 13 – 8:05 p.m. (CT)
Probable Starters: RHP Sinclair (0-0) vs. LHP Qualls (0-0)
TV: None
Stream: Free Radio (Huskers.com) | Video Stream (REBEL TV)
Radio: Husker Sports Network

Saturday, Feb. 14 – 4:05 p.m. (CT)
Probable Starters: LHP Kubat (0-0) vs. RHP Oakley (0-0)
TV: None
Stream: Free Radio (Huskers.com) | Video Stream (REBEL TV)
Radio: Husker Sports Network

Sunday, Feb. 15 – 3:05 p.m. (CT)
Probable Starters: LHP Knutson (0-0) vs. RHP Myers (0-0
TV: None
Stream: Free Radio (Huskers.com) | Video Stream (REBEL TV)
Radio: Husker Sports Network

Regional Matchups Highlight 2015 Houston College Classic Field

Posted on February 9, 2015

HOUSTON, TX — The 15th annual Houston College Classic returns to Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros, from March 6-8 with regional matchups highlighting the three-day, six-team, nine-game tournament. The University of Houston will be making its yearly appearance in the Classic and will be joined by Baylor, Texas A&M and LSU, which is making its first appearance in the tournament. Nebraska, which is coached by former Astro Darin Erstad, and Hawaii, round out the tournament field.

The Houston College Classic once again boasts a strong lineup led by No. 2 LSU and No. 3 Houston, as ranked by Baseball America in their preseason poll. This marks the first time in tournament history that it will host two of the top three teams in the country. This event is regarded as one of the top collegiate baseball tournaments in the nation, as it continues to draw fans, top-ranked programs and scouts from every Major League organization on a yearly basis.

Last year’s Classic, which featured three teams ranked in the preseason top 25, eventually had all six participants make an NCAA Regional. Historically, the Houston College Classic has hosted the No. 1 team in preseason polls six times in tournament history and has hosted two eventual College World Series Champions. Several current Major League players have played in the Classic, including David Price, Michael Bourn, Gerrit Cole, Mike Leake and Anthony Rendon, to name a few.

For local fans or alumni, this year’s tournament represents the only time that Hawaii, LSU and Nebraska will play in the state of Texas this season, while the Houston College Classic will be the only stop in Houston for Baylor and Texas A&M in 2015.

“The Astros are extremely proud to host the Houston College Classic,” said Houston Astros President Reid Ryan. “It’s one of the best preseason college baseball tournaments in the country and represents a great kickoff to our 2015 season.”

Select student and adult daily tickets and three-day tournament passes are now available for purchase online at www.Astros.com/CollegeClassic. Tickets can also be purchased at the Minute Maid Park Box Office (during regular business hours), by calling Ticketmaster at 1-877-9ASTROS, or by visiting any of the Astros regular Houston-area Ticketmaster outlets.

Adult tickets purchased in advance are available for a $16 daily admission, as well as a $36 three-day tournament pass. Tickets for high school and college students, with a valid student ID, and children (ages 4-14) are available now for $10 daily and $24 for a tournament pass.

Season ticket holders (27-game packages and up) are offered a $10 daily ticket and a $24 tournament pass. To purchase general admission group tickets for groups of 20 or more, please call 713-259-8381. Luxury suites can be purchased for the entire tournament or on a daily basis by calling 713-259-8843. Diamond Club tickets are available for purchase by calling 713-259-8333.

Select parking in the Astros controlled lots will be sold for $15 (Diamond Lot) and $10 (Lot A, B).

2015 Houston College Classic Schedule*

Fri., March 6 Baylor vs. Hawaii 12:05 p.m.

Nebraska vs. Texas A&M 3:35 p.m.

Houston (#3) vs. LSU (#2) 7:05 p.m.

Sat., March 7 Hawaii vs. Nebraska 12:05 p.m.

LSU (#2) vs. Baylor 3:35 p.m.

Texas A&M vs. Houston (#3) 7:05 p.m.

Sun., March 8 Nebraska vs. LSU (#2) 11:05 a.m.

Baylor vs. Texas A&M 2:35 p.m.

Hawaii vs. Houston (#3) 6:05 p.m.

Duffy, Royals Agree to 1-Year Contract for $2,425,000

Posted on February 6, 2015February 7, 2015

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Pitcher Danny Duffy has agreed to a one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals worth $2,425,000, avoiding a salary arbitration heading.

The 26-year-old left-hander was 9-12 with a 2.53 ERA in 25 starts and six relief appearances last year for the AL champions and held opponents to a .209 average. He won the AL Division Series opener against the Los Angeles Angels, when he pitched a scoreless 10th inning.

Duffy can earn $25,000 in performance bonuses under Friday’s agreement: $10,000 for 20 starts and $15,000 more for 25. He would get a $50,000 bonus if he’s an All-Star.

Duffy made $526,000 last year and was eligible for arbitration for the first time. He had asked for $3 million when proposed arbitration figures were exchanged last month, and the Royals had offered $1.75 million.

Kansas City has three players remaining in arbitration: relievers Greg Holland and Kelvin Herrera, and first baseman Eric Hosmer.

Rockies, Blue Jays Swap Minor League Left-Handers

Posted on February 4, 2015

TORONTO (AP) — The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired left-handed Jayson Aquino from the Colorado Rockies for lefty Tyler Ybarra in a swap of minor leaguers.

The trade was announced Wednesday.

The 22-year-old Aquino went a combined 5-10 with a 5.13 ERA as a starter in Single-A and Double-A.

The 25-year-old Ybarra was 4-4 with a 4.42 ERA in 38 relief appearances in Double-A.

Toronto designated infielder Chris Colabello for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.

Kendrick Agrees to $5.5 Million, 1-Year Deal with Rockies

Posted on February 4, 2015

DENVER (AP) — Free agent pitcher Kyle Kendrick and the Colorado Rockies have agreed to a $5.5 million, one-year contract.

The 30-year-old right-hander is 74-68 with a 4.42 ERA in eight major league seasons, all with the Philadelphia Phillies, and has won 10 games or 11 games six times.

Kendrick, whose agreement was announced Wednesday, is a durable sinkerball specialist, but has a 5.26 ERA in seven career appearances at Coors Field.

He allowed 25 homers last year, when he went 10-13 for the second straight season. His 32 starts and 199 innings were career highs.

Left-hander Yohan Flande was designated for assignment. He went 0-6 with a 5.19 ERA last year in 10 starts and six relief appearances.

Royals’ Cain ($2,725,000), Moustakas ($2.64M) Reach Deals

Posted on February 3, 2015February 3, 2015

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Postseason star Lorenzo Cain and the Kansas City Royals have agreed to a one-year contract for $2,725,000, just ahead of what would have been Major League Baseball’s first salary arbitration hearing this year.

Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas also settled Tuesday, agreeing to a one-year contract for $2.64 million.

Cain had asked for $3.6 million and had been offered $2 million when the sides swapped figures last month. In addition to his salary, the speedy outfielder would earn a $25,000 bonus for 505 plate appearances.

The sides entered the room for the hearing, which was scheduled to start at 2 p.m., then stepped outside the room and reached the agreement.

Lorenzo-Cain-Kansas-City-Ro — Lorenzo Cain

Cain, 28, hit a team-best .301 with five homers, 53 RBIs and 28 steals in 33 chances last season, when he made $546,000. He was MVP of the Royals’ sweep of Baltimore in the AL Championship Series after batting .533 (8 for 15) with a pair of doubles. He hit .308 in the World Series loss to San Francisco.

The 26-year-old Moustakas would earn a $10,000 bonus if he has 550 or more plate appearances. He hit .212 with 21 doubles and 54 RBIs last year, when he made $549,000. He had asked for $3.1 million in arbitration and had been offered $1.85 million.

Four Royals remain in arbitration: first baseman Eric Hosmer and pitchers Danny Duffy, Kelvin Herrera and Greg Holland.

John Axford Agrees to Minor League Contract with Rockies

Posted on February 3, 2015

John Axford with the St. Louis Cardinals

DENVER (AP) — Reliever John Axford has agreed to a minor league contract with the Colorado Rockies and will try to earn a job as a setup man for closer LaTroy Hawkins.

Axford was 2-4 with a 3.95 ERA in 62 games with Cleveland and Pittsburgh last year, when he struck out 63 and walked 36.

In six seasons in the major leagues, Axford is 24-23 with a 3.40 ERA and 116 saves, including 10 for Cleveland in last year.

He would get a $2.6 million, one-year contract if he’s added to the 40-man roster and have the chance to earn performance bonuses.

Braves Deal RHP David Hale to Rockies in 4-Player Trade

Posted on January 30, 2015

ATLANTA (AP) — The Braves have traded right-handed pitchers David Hale and Gus Schlosser to the Colorado Rockies for minor-league catchers Jose Briceno and Chris O’Dowd.

The deal was announced Friday.

Hale pitched 45 games for the Braves last season, going 4-5 with a 3.30 ERA, and had been expected to compete for a spot in the starting rotation. Schlosser worked 15 games in Atlanta with a 7.64 ERA.

The 22-year-old Briceno played in Class A Asheville, hitting 12 homers with 50 RBI in 84 games. He also threw out 44 percent of attempted basestealers.

O’Dowd split the 2014 season between Class A Modesto and Double-A Tulsa, combining to hit .271 with five homers and 48 RBIs. He is a son of former Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd.

Royals, Dyson Agree at $1,225,000 and Avoid Arbitration

Posted on January 27, 2015

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Royals and outfielder Jarrod Dyson have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract for $1,225,000.

Dyson, who is expected to be the Royals’ fourth outfielder, can also make $25,000 for reaching 350 plate appearances and $50,000 if he’s chosen for the All-Star game.

Dyson earned $530,000 last season, $30,000 over the major league minimum. He had asked for $1.6 million this season and the Royals had countered at $900,000.

The former 50th-round amateur draft pick hit .269 with one homer and 24 RBIs in 290 plate appearances last season. But his real value came on the base paths, where he had a career-high 36 steals.

The deal Tuesday leaves outfielder Lorenzo Cain, first baseman Eric Hosmer, third baseman Mike Moustakas and pitchers Greg Holland, Kelvin Herrera and Danny Duffy as Kansas City’s remaining players in arbitration.