Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Lamb and Naturals nearly get no-hitter
Springfield, MO - Last night the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, John Lamb and Rowdy Hardy took a combined no-hit bid into the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs and a 3-2 count on Andrew Brown. The pitch was deposited over the home run fence by Brown to spoil what would have been the first no-hitter in Naturals history. That record is safe for another game now.
John Lamb (1-1, 5.79, 9-7, 2.22) did exceptionally well last night over his six and one-third innings of work. Not uncommon for young pitchers to come out of the game whenever they reach their pitch count, no matter what is currently happening. Lamb handed the ball over the Rowdy Hardy without having allowed a single hit, striking out five and walking three during his 86 pitch performance. Hardy took the special evening into the 9th before his focus shifted into maintaining the 6-1 win.
Lamb picked up his first win since being called up to the Double-A level Naturals. His first four starts in the Texas League were far form the same type of result, but he insisted through phone calls home that he was making the necessary adjustments to improve his starts. That became very clear on Thursday night against the Springfield Cardinals, Texas League affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Clint Robinson may have been overshadowed slightly by the no-hit bid, but surely shouldn't have based on his franchise record performance at the plate. Robinson provided nearly all the run support for the Naturals by driving in 5 runs off of his two home-runs and a triple. Robinson now holds the record for the Naturals single season mark of 27 homers with a few more games left to the regular season schedule.
The exhale from the Lamb family is the result of holding our breath during the past few starts in the Double-A level for my son. He's young but adamant that he knows he can compete at this level and last night he clearly proved to a few skeptics he belongs in the Texas League at this early stage of his professional baseball career. Thanks again to the Kansas City Royals for the continued support and opportunity they have provided my son, John Lamb.
John Lamb (1-1, 5.79, 9-7, 2.22) did exceptionally well last night over his six and one-third innings of work. Not uncommon for young pitchers to come out of the game whenever they reach their pitch count, no matter what is currently happening. Lamb handed the ball over the Rowdy Hardy without having allowed a single hit, striking out five and walking three during his 86 pitch performance. Hardy took the special evening into the 9th before his focus shifted into maintaining the 6-1 win.
Photo credit - Tony Piazza
Lamb picked up his first win since being called up to the Double-A level Naturals. His first four starts in the Texas League were far form the same type of result, but he insisted through phone calls home that he was making the necessary adjustments to improve his starts. That became very clear on Thursday night against the Springfield Cardinals, Texas League affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Clint Robinson may have been overshadowed slightly by the no-hit bid, but surely shouldn't have based on his franchise record performance at the plate. Robinson provided nearly all the run support for the Naturals by driving in 5 runs off of his two home-runs and a triple. Robinson now holds the record for the Naturals single season mark of 27 homers with a few more games left to the regular season schedule.
The exhale from the Lamb family is the result of holding our breath during the past few starts in the Double-A level for my son. He's young but adamant that he knows he can compete at this level and last night he clearly proved to a few skeptics he belongs in the Texas League at this early stage of his professional baseball career. Thanks again to the Kansas City Royals for the continued support and opportunity they have provided my son, John Lamb.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Three days home from Arkansas trip to see Lamb
Orange, CO - With three days having gone by since our return home from seeing my son, John Lamb, in Springdale, AR it is time to add some content to the site. Our trip was somewhat spontaneous in the sense that we needed to work around my scouting responsibilities and John's anticipated starts to make the journey worth while.
We simply hoped for the best to see John get his first Texas League win with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals game against the Frisco RoughRiders, Texas Rangers affiliate. Our two games worth of experiences at the beautiful Arvest Ballpark, were more than accommodating thanks to the Naturals staff and facility. We were very happy to arrive the day before his set start and spend a little time with John and his girl-friend, Paige.
Game went relatively well for four of the five innings of work, but not enough for the Naturals, Kansas City Royals affiliate, to secure the win. Issues not really worth mentioning, based on my professional baseball opinion, continue to impact his current statistics at the Double-A level of his young baseball career. I have complete confidence that John will make the necessary adjustments for improvement and look forward and not dwell on the past results and challenges during his third move in the season.
We were eager to hear tonight's game of the Naturals last road trip for the regular season based on the anticipated start of Lamb, but last night John fell victim to some food poisoning during the game at Arvest Ballpark. The team's doctor confirmed the diagnosis and Lamb was promptly removed from tonight's start on the road versus the Springfield Cardinals, Texas League affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals.
John Lamb should still get another start in the Springfield series, but for now the West coast side of his family and friends will patiently have to wait for some confirmation of his next Texas League appearance.
Photo credit - Colleen Lamb
We simply hoped for the best to see John get his first Texas League win with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals game against the Frisco RoughRiders, Texas Rangers affiliate. Our two games worth of experiences at the beautiful Arvest Ballpark, were more than accommodating thanks to the Naturals staff and facility. We were very happy to arrive the day before his set start and spend a little time with John and his girl-friend, Paige.
Game went relatively well for four of the five innings of work, but not enough for the Naturals, Kansas City Royals affiliate, to secure the win. Issues not really worth mentioning, based on my professional baseball opinion, continue to impact his current statistics at the Double-A level of his young baseball career. I have complete confidence that John will make the necessary adjustments for improvement and look forward and not dwell on the past results and challenges during his third move in the season.
We were eager to hear tonight's game of the Naturals last road trip for the regular season based on the anticipated start of Lamb, but last night John fell victim to some food poisoning during the game at Arvest Ballpark. The team's doctor confirmed the diagnosis and Lamb was promptly removed from tonight's start on the road versus the Springfield Cardinals, Texas League affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Photo credit - Colleen Lamb
John Lamb should still get another start in the Springfield series, but for now the West coast side of his family and friends will patiently have to wait for some confirmation of his next Texas League appearance.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Naturals loss sweep on short start by Lamb
Frisco, TX - The Northwest Arkansas Naturals, Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals plated six runs with the first seven players to start the game before recording the first out Friday night against the Frisco RoughRiders. A shocking way for John Lamb to take the ball wearing his shortened sleeves to start the game attempting to stay cool during the Texas evening heat. Lamb promptly walked the lead off hitter on four consecutive balls out of the zone. Yet another first of his career but I'm sure will not be the last of his career.
The text message earlier on Friday indicated John’s upbeat attitude about the game and honestly came at a shock to us out here on the West coast. More than likely it was the surprise he had received from the Naturals staff about the opportunity to wear shorter sleeves and expose his arms filled with tattoos at an attempt to stay cool.
The night for the Naturals continued to shock the 10,207 Frisco fans at Dr. Pepper Ballpark with the less than average performance during the third Double-A start for John Lamb. The Naturals could not collect another run throughout the game and Lamb was tagged with his shortest professional appearance of his young career. Lamb faced four batters in the 3rd inning without recording an out. Rowdy Hardy inherited 3 runners whom all scored tying the game at 6-6.
Lamb finished his shortest evening ever in professional baseball with 2 plus innings. He faced a total of 15 batters, threw 56 pitches, 29 strikes, 3 ground-ball outs, 2 fly outs, allowed 7 hits, 6 runs (6 earned runs), 3 walks and 1 strike-out before handing the ball to the Naturals bull-pen.
Rowdy Hardy did a great job for 5.0 innings after allowing the 3 inherited runs to cross in the 3rd. The recently returned Naturals pitcher, Barry Bowden, took the loss following the 8th inning earned run by the RoughRiders who went on to win 7-6. The Naturals did however win the series as they head out of town to Midland, TX to take on the Rockhounds, Texas League affiliate of the Oakland A’s, Saturday evening.
The following paragraphs are going to be extremely difficult to write because it will be filled with some gut instincts about the three Double-A appearances from my son.
The first batter he faced in this recent promotion to the Texas League he struck out, yet he hasn’t had more than a handful since. The first three innings, in that same debut, Lamb didn’t allow a run and than the wheel seemed to be reinvented. Why?
I have heard enough accounts of his performances from scouts and professional baseball minds to know something is wrong. The last time I checked a box score, the pitcher’s name is listed for the win, or loss, and there lies the basis for the active opinion with how to get outs for his team.
I am convinced that the recent results are not due to any changes in his mechanics, but rather the approach at attacking professional minor league hitters. Some guys can get outs by working off of a fast-ball, while others work backwards, as some might say. Both ways get outs and that is the ultimate goal for a pitcher. Right?
If you can’t tell I am losing my mind over the recent results of John Lamb, than you aren’t very perceptive. The sad thing is I know exactly what is happening and there is nothing I can do about the ongoing problem in the Texas League. All I can do is watch an unbelievable second professional minor league season turn to _ _ _ _ over changes in a pitching approach.
I believe with all my heart the Kansas City Royals management and John Lamb will determine the problems…I can only hope sooner, rather than later.
The text message earlier on Friday indicated John’s upbeat attitude about the game and honestly came at a shock to us out here on the West coast. More than likely it was the surprise he had received from the Naturals staff about the opportunity to wear shorter sleeves and expose his arms filled with tattoos at an attempt to stay cool.
The night for the Naturals continued to shock the 10,207 Frisco fans at Dr. Pepper Ballpark with the less than average performance during the third Double-A start for John Lamb. The Naturals could not collect another run throughout the game and Lamb was tagged with his shortest professional appearance of his young career. Lamb faced four batters in the 3rd inning without recording an out. Rowdy Hardy inherited 3 runners whom all scored tying the game at 6-6.
Lamb finished his shortest evening ever in professional baseball with 2 plus innings. He faced a total of 15 batters, threw 56 pitches, 29 strikes, 3 ground-ball outs, 2 fly outs, allowed 7 hits, 6 runs (6 earned runs), 3 walks and 1 strike-out before handing the ball to the Naturals bull-pen.
Rowdy Hardy did a great job for 5.0 innings after allowing the 3 inherited runs to cross in the 3rd. The recently returned Naturals pitcher, Barry Bowden, took the loss following the 8th inning earned run by the RoughRiders who went on to win 7-6. The Naturals did however win the series as they head out of town to Midland, TX to take on the Rockhounds, Texas League affiliate of the Oakland A’s, Saturday evening.
Photo credit - Keith Lovett
The following paragraphs are going to be extremely difficult to write because it will be filled with some gut instincts about the three Double-A appearances from my son.
The first batter he faced in this recent promotion to the Texas League he struck out, yet he hasn’t had more than a handful since. The first three innings, in that same debut, Lamb didn’t allow a run and than the wheel seemed to be reinvented. Why?
I have heard enough accounts of his performances from scouts and professional baseball minds to know something is wrong. The last time I checked a box score, the pitcher’s name is listed for the win, or loss, and there lies the basis for the active opinion with how to get outs for his team.
I am convinced that the recent results are not due to any changes in his mechanics, but rather the approach at attacking professional minor league hitters. Some guys can get outs by working off of a fast-ball, while others work backwards, as some might say. Both ways get outs and that is the ultimate goal for a pitcher. Right?
If you can’t tell I am losing my mind over the recent results of John Lamb, than you aren’t very perceptive. The sad thing is I know exactly what is happening and there is nothing I can do about the ongoing problem in the Texas League. All I can do is watch an unbelievable second professional minor league season turn to _ _ _ _ over changes in a pitching approach.
I believe with all my heart the Kansas City Royals management and John Lamb will determine the problems…I can only hope sooner, rather than later.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Clearly an unlikely Lamb start in AA home debut
Springdale, AR - John Lamb had an unlikely performance, in comparison to early starts this year, during his Northwest Arkansas Naturals home field debut at Arvest Ballpark Sunday night. It has never been easy to digest a broadcast, or game, that exposes the human side of sports. Defensive errors and balls put into play, as hits, can be a bad formula if a pitcher is not missing bats. Lamb has not experienced many of these types of games during his career, let alone back-to-back performances since his promotion to the Texas League, Class AA level. I can’t remember the last time Lamb pitched without a single strike-out.
Lamb finished his five innings of work with a 5-3 deficit and allowing 10 hits, 5 runs (2 earned runs), 1 walk, 0 strike-outs, 0 home-runs and lowers his Texas League ERA to 4.50. Ben Swaggerty and Henry Barrera followed Lamb with two scoreless innings each and Brandon Sisk took the loss during his two innings of relief to conclude the extra inning contest with the Arkansas Travelers.
Although the Naturals banged out a total of 11 hits during the extra inning game and pretty much negated my theory of concern following last night’s slug fest, the Royals Class AA level team struggled playing catch with the start of the game. Both runs that were allowed by Lamb in the first inning were unearned based on two errors. Not sure who committed the errors based on the fact that the box and article on the Northwest Arkansas Naturals site have conflicting accounts of the miscues.
Johnny Giavotella, Manuel Pina and Chris McConnell were the only multiple hit Naturals for the night. Giavotella provide some ninth inning heroics with a two run big fly that tied the game and sent the game into extra innings. Arkansas went on to win the game in the eleventh with a couple of extra base hits which plated one run. The Naturals were not up to the challenge of any more runs during the bottom half of the inning.
I realize that the game of baseball is not fair, at times. I also understand that pitchers are not going to dominant every time they touch the mound. Anyone that thinks otherwise has not watched enough baseball. However, I can say with complete confidence this will not be his last unlikely performance of his professional baseball career. The only time to start worrying is if, and when, a player can’t make the adjustments necessary to eliminate multiple and consecutive below average outings. It is clearly not time to start freaking out over the last couple of starts, at least not for this baseball prospect’s dad.
Photo credit - Keith Lovett
Lamb finished his five innings of work with a 5-3 deficit and allowing 10 hits, 5 runs (2 earned runs), 1 walk, 0 strike-outs, 0 home-runs and lowers his Texas League ERA to 4.50. Ben Swaggerty and Henry Barrera followed Lamb with two scoreless innings each and Brandon Sisk took the loss during his two innings of relief to conclude the extra inning contest with the Arkansas Travelers.
Although the Naturals banged out a total of 11 hits during the extra inning game and pretty much negated my theory of concern following last night’s slug fest, the Royals Class AA level team struggled playing catch with the start of the game. Both runs that were allowed by Lamb in the first inning were unearned based on two errors. Not sure who committed the errors based on the fact that the box and article on the Northwest Arkansas Naturals site have conflicting accounts of the miscues.
Johnny Giavotella, Manuel Pina and Chris McConnell were the only multiple hit Naturals for the night. Giavotella provide some ninth inning heroics with a two run big fly that tied the game and sent the game into extra innings. Arkansas went on to win the game in the eleventh with a couple of extra base hits which plated one run. The Naturals were not up to the challenge of any more runs during the bottom half of the inning.
I realize that the game of baseball is not fair, at times. I also understand that pitchers are not going to dominant every time they touch the mound. Anyone that thinks otherwise has not watched enough baseball. However, I can say with complete confidence this will not be his last unlikely performance of his professional baseball career. The only time to start worrying is if, and when, a player can’t make the adjustments necessary to eliminate multiple and consecutive below average outings. It is clearly not time to start freaking out over the last couple of starts, at least not for this baseball prospect’s dad.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
AA debut by Lamb...not great, but okay
Springfield, MO - The Texas League debut might not have been what Lamb had hoped for, but I know he is fully aware of the complexity of the game despite his young age. You’re not always going to miss bats, prevent runs or dominant the competition as a pitcher and my son realizes that, I’m sure.
John Lamb started the game tonight against the Springfield Cardinals, Texas League affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, by striking out two of the four batters faced in the first inning. The uneventful second and third innings were followed by a two run fourth and another two run fifth before giving the ball to the Northwest Arkansas Naturals bull-pen. Both innings that produced runs for the Cardinals included errors, one was at the hand of John and the other was the inability to catch a fly ball.
The lack of Naturals offense, due in part to a sound starting performance by the 23 year-old Scott McGregor who spread out 3 hits over his 7 innings of work and allowed only 1 earned run in the second inning. The last inning against Cardinals pitcher, Jason Buursma was a good example of the Naturals evening at the plate. All three 9th inning outs were recorded on just four pitches while chasing a seven run deficit.
John Lamb spread out his 86 pitches by throwing 56 in the strike zone, allowed 6 hits, 4 runs (3 earned runs), 1 walk, 4 strike outs and 1 home-run throughout his 5 innings of work. Christopher Chavez and Walter Swaggerty came in form the bull-pen but Chavez just couldn’t hold off the Cardinals bats as he gave up 4 more earned runs during his 2 and two-thirds innings in front of 8,484 Springfield home fans.
I would like to blame something else for the results of my son’s Texas League debut, but as a baseball man for many years I can’t. I wish I could blame the new low number on his back, the throw-back uniforms, not having a new profile picture on his bio page, sleeping too much last night or not being able to listen to the game from the house due to another baseball commitment that required my attention during his AA debut, but none of that mattered.
The game of baseball is failure base on many levels and those that make the adjustments to minimize failure will succeed. Tonight’s game was a learning experience for my son and I have utmost confidence that he will take something away from this start that will benefit his professional baseball career in the long run.
Today, after an early morning game I worked inside the dugout with a Connie Mack age team from Orange County with the kid we are hosting from Florida, John Valek, III, my wife jumped on the Internet. My wife found a couple of nice articles about John Lamb and last night’s game. We already know the results from his debut but it is always nice to see some positive comments about his performance.
One of the clips from an article by Kary Booher, that helped me smile, was quote from the Naturals manager Brian Poldberg about his new left-handed pitcher's outing in Springfield in front of this year’s largest crowd. Manager Poldberg said, “I’m anxious to see him five days from now. He showed some presence out there. He went after guys."
Now that John has been nudged off the Minor League Baseball ERA leader board by his Texas League debut and currently sits in the second spot, trailing by a mere 0.05, we are all eager to see him throw at his new home ballpark, just like his new Manager.
The Northwest Arkansas Naturals split tonight's double-header in Springfield by winning the first game and losing the second. Another good lefty from the Kansas City Royals farm system, Danny Duffy, is set to start tomorrows final game of the series against the Cardinals.
Photo credit - Tony Piazza
John Lamb started the game tonight against the Springfield Cardinals, Texas League affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, by striking out two of the four batters faced in the first inning. The uneventful second and third innings were followed by a two run fourth and another two run fifth before giving the ball to the Northwest Arkansas Naturals bull-pen. Both innings that produced runs for the Cardinals included errors, one was at the hand of John and the other was the inability to catch a fly ball.
The lack of Naturals offense, due in part to a sound starting performance by the 23 year-old Scott McGregor who spread out 3 hits over his 7 innings of work and allowed only 1 earned run in the second inning. The last inning against Cardinals pitcher, Jason Buursma was a good example of the Naturals evening at the plate. All three 9th inning outs were recorded on just four pitches while chasing a seven run deficit.
John Lamb spread out his 86 pitches by throwing 56 in the strike zone, allowed 6 hits, 4 runs (3 earned runs), 1 walk, 4 strike outs and 1 home-run throughout his 5 innings of work. Christopher Chavez and Walter Swaggerty came in form the bull-pen but Chavez just couldn’t hold off the Cardinals bats as he gave up 4 more earned runs during his 2 and two-thirds innings in front of 8,484 Springfield home fans.
I would like to blame something else for the results of my son’s Texas League debut, but as a baseball man for many years I can’t. I wish I could blame the new low number on his back, the throw-back uniforms, not having a new profile picture on his bio page, sleeping too much last night or not being able to listen to the game from the house due to another baseball commitment that required my attention during his AA debut, but none of that mattered.
The game of baseball is failure base on many levels and those that make the adjustments to minimize failure will succeed. Tonight’s game was a learning experience for my son and I have utmost confidence that he will take something away from this start that will benefit his professional baseball career in the long run.
Today, after an early morning game I worked inside the dugout with a Connie Mack age team from Orange County with the kid we are hosting from Florida, John Valek, III, my wife jumped on the Internet. My wife found a couple of nice articles about John Lamb and last night’s game. We already know the results from his debut but it is always nice to see some positive comments about his performance.
One of the clips from an article by Kary Booher, that helped me smile, was quote from the Naturals manager Brian Poldberg about his new left-handed pitcher's outing in Springfield in front of this year’s largest crowd. Manager Poldberg said, “I’m anxious to see him five days from now. He showed some presence out there. He went after guys."
Now that John has been nudged off the Minor League Baseball ERA leader board by his Texas League debut and currently sits in the second spot, trailing by a mere 0.05, we are all eager to see him throw at his new home ballpark, just like his new Manager.
The Northwest Arkansas Naturals split tonight's double-header in Springfield by winning the first game and losing the second. Another good lefty from the Kansas City Royals farm system, Danny Duffy, is set to start tomorrows final game of the series against the Cardinals.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Lamb and Duffy move to Texas League
Wilmington, DE - It is official now, John Lamb and Danny Duffy are both heading West to the Texas League affiliate, Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Just as noted regarding the Lamb move a couple of days ago, John is currently in route to another Royals farm team. According to a press release on the Naturals website, John Lamb is now the youngest player to ever wear a Northwest Arkansas Naturals uniform.
Hope this official announcement on both the Carolina and Texas League transactions list puts an end to some of the bull that was spreading around about the AA jump for my son. Any doubt about the integrity of this family will continue to be challenged with complete honesty during his professional baseball journey. We have no reason to spread rumors, lies of deceptions about the wonderful opportunities that the Kansas City Royals have continued to provide John Lamb.
This move marks his fifth since his “Opening Day” start in the Appalachian League with the Rookie affiliate, Burlington Royals, for the 2009 season.
Not sure when John will be placed in the Naturals rotation, but a text message from him earlier today, indicated it will be in the Springfield Cardinals series on the road in Missouri. Lamb will have some familiar faces in the crowd when he arrives in Springfield, MO. Tony Piazza, a previous coach of John in the Southern California area, whom now lives in the immediate area of the St. Louis Cardinals, Texas League affiliate, is planning to check on his hearing from the stands. Also, with some luck members of Colleen’s family might make the trip down from the St. Louis area to say “hi” and be supportive of his recent move.
Photo credit - Keith Lovett
Hope this official announcement on both the Carolina and Texas League transactions list puts an end to some of the bull that was spreading around about the AA jump for my son. Any doubt about the integrity of this family will continue to be challenged with complete honesty during his professional baseball journey. We have no reason to spread rumors, lies of deceptions about the wonderful opportunities that the Kansas City Royals have continued to provide John Lamb.
This move marks his fifth since his “Opening Day” start in the Appalachian League with the Rookie affiliate, Burlington Royals, for the 2009 season.
Not sure when John will be placed in the Naturals rotation, but a text message from him earlier today, indicated it will be in the Springfield Cardinals series on the road in Missouri. Lamb will have some familiar faces in the crowd when he arrives in Springfield, MO. Tony Piazza, a previous coach of John in the Southern California area, whom now lives in the immediate area of the St. Louis Cardinals, Texas League affiliate, is planning to check on his hearing from the stands. Also, with some luck members of Colleen’s family might make the trip down from the St. Louis area to say “hi” and be supportive of his recent move.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Lamb matches his shortest Carolina League start
Wilmington, DE - John Lamb might not have been at his best tonight, or missed many bats, during the opening game of the important series with the Potomac Nationals, but he managed to survive the abuse without much damage to his combined Minor League Baseball leading ERA. Lamb reached his pitch totals earlier than most of his previous starts and was removed from the game following the fourth inning of work.
The Wilmington Blue Rocks hitters were baffled throughout the game by a fantastic pitching performance from the Nationals starter, Daniel Rosenbaum, who spread out 5 hits over eight shut-out innings.
The Blue Rocks bull-pen was called to maintain the 2-0 deficit in the fifth, but failed to keep the game close by allowing another eight runs to cross before the nightmare was over.
Lamb finished the night with 70 pitches, 7 hits, 2 runs, 1 earned run, 5 strike-outs, and 0 walks. John also had a throwing error in the 1st inning on an attempted pick-off play at first-base. My conversation with John after the game confirmed his bad decision to even attempt the pick-off during that time of day at Frawley Stadium, due to the effects of the setting sun.
Professional baseball is a series of constant adjustments during a player’s career and development. John Lamb has plenty of adjustments ahead through this journey to his third team of the season. Three different hats this season has him grinning from ear to ear, tonight.
Sincere thanks to the entire Kansas City Royals organization for the continued challenges and opportunity they have provided my son with his recent promotion to Class AA level in the Texas League with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. The official announcement will more than likely be public before tomorrow night's game for game two against the Potomac Nationals.
Photo credit - Keith Lovett
The Wilmington Blue Rocks hitters were baffled throughout the game by a fantastic pitching performance from the Nationals starter, Daniel Rosenbaum, who spread out 5 hits over eight shut-out innings.
The Blue Rocks bull-pen was called to maintain the 2-0 deficit in the fifth, but failed to keep the game close by allowing another eight runs to cross before the nightmare was over.
Lamb finished the night with 70 pitches, 7 hits, 2 runs, 1 earned run, 5 strike-outs, and 0 walks. John also had a throwing error in the 1st inning on an attempted pick-off play at first-base. My conversation with John after the game confirmed his bad decision to even attempt the pick-off during that time of day at Frawley Stadium, due to the effects of the setting sun.
Professional baseball is a series of constant adjustments during a player’s career and development. John Lamb has plenty of adjustments ahead through this journey to his third team of the season. Three different hats this season has him grinning from ear to ear, tonight.
Sincere thanks to the entire Kansas City Royals organization for the continued challenges and opportunity they have provided my son with his recent promotion to Class AA level in the Texas League with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. The official announcement will more than likely be public before tomorrow night's game for game two against the Potomac Nationals.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
John Lamb pitching in last 2010 Spring training game
A little look at the past for John Lamb before he shipped off to Burlington, IA to join the Bees of the Midwest League in the Class A level of professional baseball for the Kansas City Royals organization.As many of you know, John is currently playing for the Wilmington Blue Rocks in the Carolina League at the Advanced Class A level. Next start is set for Monday when the Blue Rocks return home in Wilmington, DE.
Wife finds a nice article about John Lamb
My wife Colleen, found a nice short list for pitchers during the 2010 season that was written by a well respected Major League Baseball employee, Jonathan Mayo. I only have one thing to say about the following article…wow!
Article was posted July 22, 2010 by Jonathan Mayo on his B:3 Big, Bald and Beautiful MLBlogs site.
We're on a roll here now and I wanted to keep the momentum going. Over the last two days, I provided 10 potential candidates for Player of the Year in the Minor Leagues. Now it's time to move on to pitchers.
Once again, here's the disclaimer: Pitcher of the Year does not necessarily mean prospect of the year. I'm looking at performance, not status. With that in mind, here are three nominees for your consideration. As always, please interact and give suggestions in comments.
Joe Gardner, RHP, Indians: Not a bad first season for the 2009 third-round selection. The right-hander has held hitters at two levels to a .188 BAA, fourth lowest in MiLB. At the same time, he's been a ground ball machine, topping MiLB with a 3.50 GO/AO ratio. He's struck out 113 in 104 innings and has a 1.07 WHIP to go along with a 2.77 ERA.
John Lamb, LHP, Royals: Other arms in this system may get the attention (Crow, Montgomery), but that should change now. The 2008 fifth-round pick just turned 20 this month and has already jumped a level, from Class A to Class A Advanced ball. And he's pitched better up a level. Overall, he leads Minor League Baseball with a 1.38 ERA and hitters have hit just .197 against him (good for seventh lowest in MiLB). His 0.98 WHIP is eighth lowest. He's seventh overall with 128 K's, doing that while walking just 32 in 110 2/3 IP.
Michael Pineda, RHP, Mariners: Just 21 years old, he's already in Triple-A. Combined, he's gone 11-1 with a 2.72 ERA in 18 starts. Over 106 IP, he's struck out 109 while walking just 26. The right-hander has held opposing hitters to a .219 batting average against (just .196 in his five Triple-A starts thus far).
With yesterday’s Wilmington Blue Rocks game being postponed due to heavy rains the Blue Rocks will try to play a double-header today in Kinston versus the Indians, Advanced Class A team on the Cleveland Indians.
Next start for John Lamb is set for Monday when the Blue Rocks return home to Frawley Stadium in Wilmington, DE.
Article was posted July 22, 2010 by Jonathan Mayo on his B:3 Big, Bald and Beautiful MLBlogs site.
We're on a roll here now and I wanted to keep the momentum going. Over the last two days, I provided 10 potential candidates for Player of the Year in the Minor Leagues. Now it's time to move on to pitchers.
Once again, here's the disclaimer: Pitcher of the Year does not necessarily mean prospect of the year. I'm looking at performance, not status. With that in mind, here are three nominees for your consideration. As always, please interact and give suggestions in comments.
Joe Gardner, RHP, Indians: Not a bad first season for the 2009 third-round selection. The right-hander has held hitters at two levels to a .188 BAA, fourth lowest in MiLB. At the same time, he's been a ground ball machine, topping MiLB with a 3.50 GO/AO ratio. He's struck out 113 in 104 innings and has a 1.07 WHIP to go along with a 2.77 ERA.
John Lamb, LHP, Royals: Other arms in this system may get the attention (Crow, Montgomery), but that should change now. The 2008 fifth-round pick just turned 20 this month and has already jumped a level, from Class A to Class A Advanced ball. And he's pitched better up a level. Overall, he leads Minor League Baseball with a 1.38 ERA and hitters have hit just .197 against him (good for seventh lowest in MiLB). His 0.98 WHIP is eighth lowest. He's seventh overall with 128 K's, doing that while walking just 32 in 110 2/3 IP.
Michael Pineda, RHP, Mariners: Just 21 years old, he's already in Triple-A. Combined, he's gone 11-1 with a 2.72 ERA in 18 starts. Over 106 IP, he's struck out 109 while walking just 26. The right-hander has held opposing hitters to a .219 batting average against (just .196 in his five Triple-A starts thus far).
Photo credit - Keith Lovett
Next start for John Lamb is set for Monday when the Blue Rocks return home to Frawley Stadium in Wilmington, DE.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Lamb has longest start but Blue Rocks lose in 13 innings!
Myrtle Beach, SC - Wilmington Blue Rocks lost the series and the game tonight following a 27 minute rain delay and a 13 inning contest with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Atlanta Braves Advanced Class A team. Despite the solid pitching by Lamb the Blue Rocks suffered from errors and missed opportunities with runners on base.
John Lamb was solid again with his longest outing of the year, as he took the ball to the mound in the bottom of the eighth inning with a 3-2 advantage. Lamb was at 81 pitches to start the inning but gave up a lead off single for the third of the night. On a 1-0 count a sacrifice bunt moved the lead off runner to second with the put out throw from Lamb to first base. Lamb finished with 88 pitches, 69 percent in the strike zone, 18 first pitch strikes, 8 first pitch balls, 13 ground ball outs and did not have any fly ball outs. The lack of fly ball outs was really a little unusual for most of his past performances, but still effective none the less.
Blue Rocks went to the bull-pen for Harold Mozingo who promptly surrendered a hit allowing the first earned run to be tallied against Lamb in his last six starts. Mozingo continued to pitch well on his own accord until his removal in the 13th by Barry Bowden.
Lamb finished the longest work of his second professional baseball season with 7-1/3 innings, 3 runs, 1 earned run, 3 hits, 8 strike outs and 0 walks. He managed to shave a little off his current earned run average and continues to lead all levels of Minor League Baseball.
Blue Rocks had plenty of hits through the game put just didn’t get the timely ones needed to blow the game open. Four different Rocks had multiple hits during the extra inning game, including Navarro, Colon, Mejia and Francis. Salvador Perez was the only Blue Rock with a single hit for the night, although there were a few that did not get a hit during the game. The team finished the night going 3-for-11 with runners in scoring position.
Pelicans grabbed the win and the three game series in the bottom of the fourth extra inning. The Blue Rocks suffered only their third loss in an extra inning contest for the Carolina League Northern Division, as the current first place team. Tonight’s blow also put the Blue Rocks back into an even .500 level of wins and losses as they climb into the bus and head for Kinston to play the Indians.
John Lamb tossed a career-best 7.1 innings and allowed just one earned run, his first in six outings and 35.2 innings. (Photo credit - Brad Glazier)
John Lamb was solid again with his longest outing of the year, as he took the ball to the mound in the bottom of the eighth inning with a 3-2 advantage. Lamb was at 81 pitches to start the inning but gave up a lead off single for the third of the night. On a 1-0 count a sacrifice bunt moved the lead off runner to second with the put out throw from Lamb to first base. Lamb finished with 88 pitches, 69 percent in the strike zone, 18 first pitch strikes, 8 first pitch balls, 13 ground ball outs and did not have any fly ball outs. The lack of fly ball outs was really a little unusual for most of his past performances, but still effective none the less.
Blue Rocks went to the bull-pen for Harold Mozingo who promptly surrendered a hit allowing the first earned run to be tallied against Lamb in his last six starts. Mozingo continued to pitch well on his own accord until his removal in the 13th by Barry Bowden.
Lamb finished the longest work of his second professional baseball season with 7-1/3 innings, 3 runs, 1 earned run, 3 hits, 8 strike outs and 0 walks. He managed to shave a little off his current earned run average and continues to lead all levels of Minor League Baseball.
Blue Rocks had plenty of hits through the game put just didn’t get the timely ones needed to blow the game open. Four different Rocks had multiple hits during the extra inning game, including Navarro, Colon, Mejia and Francis. Salvador Perez was the only Blue Rock with a single hit for the night, although there were a few that did not get a hit during the game. The team finished the night going 3-for-11 with runners in scoring position.
Pelicans grabbed the win and the three game series in the bottom of the fourth extra inning. The Blue Rocks suffered only their third loss in an extra inning contest for the Carolina League Northern Division, as the current first place team. Tonight’s blow also put the Blue Rocks back into an even .500 level of wins and losses as they climb into the bus and head for Kinston to play the Indians.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Lamb featured in Baseball America...
We all have routines we seem to follow and one way to open your eyes quicker than that 3rd cup of coffee is to see your son's picture on the front page of the Baseball America website. John Lamb has received a little attention from his recent string of scoreless innings in the Advanced Class A level Carolina League playing for the Wilmington Blue Rocks. As of adding this post, the article can be found on the "quick links" portion of the Baseball America site or by using the link below the picture of John.
This year has provided his family and friends plenty of opportunity to smile during Lamb's first full season of professional baseball competition. Sure, he played last year in his first professional season after the 2008 auto accident injury that prevented him from playing his senior season in high school, but it was a short Rookie level year. We have smiled ever since his phone call home earlier this year which indicated the Kansas City Royals were allowing him to "break spring training camp" and similar smiles continue today with his name sitting on top of the ERA leader board throughout Minor League Baseball.
Getting brutally honest though, it really doesn’t matter where he is on the statistic boards or what uniform he is wearing today because my smiles are generated from knowing that my son is living his childhood dream of playing professional baseball, thanks to the Royals selection in the 2008 MLB draft.
Next Wilmington Blue Rocks start for Lamb is set for this Wednesday in Myrtle Beach against the Pelicans at 7:05 ET. Go catch the radio broadcast on the Blue Rocks website.
GO BLUE ROCKS!
This year has provided his family and friends plenty of opportunity to smile during Lamb's first full season of professional baseball competition. Sure, he played last year in his first professional season after the 2008 auto accident injury that prevented him from playing his senior season in high school, but it was a short Rookie level year. We have smiled ever since his phone call home earlier this year which indicated the Kansas City Royals were allowing him to "break spring training camp" and similar smiles continue today with his name sitting on top of the ERA leader board throughout Minor League Baseball.
Getting brutally honest though, it really doesn’t matter where he is on the statistic boards or what uniform he is wearing today because my smiles are generated from knowing that my son is living his childhood dream of playing professional baseball, thanks to the Royals selection in the 2008 MLB draft.
Next Wilmington Blue Rocks start for Lamb is set for this Wednesday in Myrtle Beach against the Pelicans at 7:05 ET. Go catch the radio broadcast on the Blue Rocks website.
GO BLUE ROCKS!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Lamb does it again...Blue Rocks win both games!
Wilmington, DE - Buddy Baumann and John Lamb, both had fantastic starts tonight in the Carolina League double-header against the leagues best hitting team, the Baltimore Orioles Advanced Class A level, Frederick Keys. Both Wilmington Blue Rocks lefties did exceptionally well against a very good hitting club. The Blue Rocks won the first game 10-1 and the second game 2-0, making it their first twin bill sweep of the 2010 season.
John Lamb has now extended his consecutive scoreless frames to 30 and continues to pile up the strike-outs in the process. Lamb only allowed 1 hit during his 6 innings of work including 8 Ks, 1 BB and hit 1 batter that seemed to excite the Keys dug-out following previous warnings to both teams. The Keys batter was struck by a 1-2 count curve-ball, which was obviously not intentional as deemed by the home plate umpire.
My son was interviewed following the game, as the "Player of the Game," and provided a clear perspective that my son continues to work hard and have fun during his second season of professional baseball. He is having a wonderful season and we are very blessed to share the highlights through the Blue Rocks radio broadcast. The only word that comes to mind is...wow!
John Lamb is 6-2 with a 1.28 ERA in 11 starts for Wilmington. (Keith Lovett/MiLB.com)
John Lamb has now extended his consecutive scoreless frames to 30 and continues to pile up the strike-outs in the process. Lamb only allowed 1 hit during his 6 innings of work including 8 Ks, 1 BB and hit 1 batter that seemed to excite the Keys dug-out following previous warnings to both teams. The Keys batter was struck by a 1-2 count curve-ball, which was obviously not intentional as deemed by the home plate umpire.
My son was interviewed following the game, as the "Player of the Game," and provided a clear perspective that my son continues to work hard and have fun during his second season of professional baseball. He is having a wonderful season and we are very blessed to share the highlights through the Blue Rocks radio broadcast. The only word that comes to mind is...wow!
Lamb set for second game of tonight's DH in Wilmington...
Wilmington, DE - The Wilmington Blue Rocks are scheduled to play a double-header today at Frawley Stadium to make-up yesterday’s game that was postponed due to bad weather.
Buddy Baumann is set to start the first game at 5:05 ET against the Frederick Keys and John Lamb will take the ball in the second game of the Carolina League contest.
Tonight’s start for John Lamb, first as a 20 year-old, should easily accomplish the 100 inning mark for the first time in his young professional baseball career, following his move from Burlington, IA earlier this season.
GO BLUE ROCKS!
Buddy Baumann is set to start the first game at 5:05 ET against the Frederick Keys and John Lamb will take the ball in the second game of the Carolina League contest.
Tonight’s start for John Lamb, first as a 20 year-old, should easily accomplish the 100 inning mark for the first time in his young professional baseball career, following his move from Burlington, IA earlier this season.
GO BLUE ROCKS!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Future's Game thoughts...
Southern California - Okay…we had some mixed emotions in the household on Sunday about John Lamb and his absence in the “Future’s Game” at Anaheim, CA. Yesterday, before a game that I was coaching in the San Diego area I was approached by a number of associates in the game. A college coach I know, a couple of scouts and a parent of a player recently signed by the Chicago White Sox organization that was taken in the 2010 Major League Baseball draft, all of whom had some kind words about John Lamb and his current performance in his professional career. Sure, they fired up some emotions with the recognition of following my son’s professional baseball career but none more than an overwhelming sense of pride.
All of them asked the question about the organizations decision to not allow John to participate in yesterday’s “Futures Game.,” at Angels Stadium. My answers were very short and to the point that I had no idea why he was not given the honor to play based on his current statistics, but those decisions were not mine and I’m not comfortable trying to speculate or second guess the choices of the Royals.
Sure it would have been nice to see my son pitch in an honorary game, less than 30 minutes from the house, but organizational decisions always have a purpose. I am simply the father of a Royals prospect that continues to feel blessed with my son’s opportunity to embark on living his dream. Watching him have success during the process and get the media recognition during the process can always put a smile on my face.
Not a day goes by that I don’t have tremendous gratitude for the Kansas City Royals taking John Lamb off the board in the 5th round of the 2008 MLB draft. I fully believe in my son, his talent, his work habits and his burning desire to play in the big leagues.
I would like to congratulate Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer for their nominations and performances during yesterday’s game that displayed the future of professional baseball. There is a lot of talent in the game throughout the minor league baseball system right now and the Royals are one of many that have done a fantastic job, scouting, signing and developing players.
Personally, as a baseball fan, I am looking forward to the display of big league power during tonight’s “Home Run Derby” contest, but slightly disappointed that I will be forced to watch the All-Star game on tape, due to a ridiculous schedule set by the summer league I coach within. Obviously, the director/organizer is not a baseball fan of they would never have committed to such a brainless decision.
All of them asked the question about the organizations decision to not allow John to participate in yesterday’s “Futures Game.,” at Angels Stadium. My answers were very short and to the point that I had no idea why he was not given the honor to play based on his current statistics, but those decisions were not mine and I’m not comfortable trying to speculate or second guess the choices of the Royals.
Sure it would have been nice to see my son pitch in an honorary game, less than 30 minutes from the house, but organizational decisions always have a purpose. I am simply the father of a Royals prospect that continues to feel blessed with my son’s opportunity to embark on living his dream. Watching him have success during the process and get the media recognition during the process can always put a smile on my face.
Not a day goes by that I don’t have tremendous gratitude for the Kansas City Royals taking John Lamb off the board in the 5th round of the 2008 MLB draft. I fully believe in my son, his talent, his work habits and his burning desire to play in the big leagues.
I would like to congratulate Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer for their nominations and performances during yesterday’s game that displayed the future of professional baseball. There is a lot of talent in the game throughout the minor league baseball system right now and the Royals are one of many that have done a fantastic job, scouting, signing and developing players.
Personally, as a baseball fan, I am looking forward to the display of big league power during tonight’s “Home Run Derby” contest, but slightly disappointed that I will be forced to watch the All-Star game on tape, due to a ridiculous schedule set by the summer league I coach within. Obviously, the director/organizer is not a baseball fan of they would never have committed to such a brainless decision.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Happy Birthday son...keep up the good work!
My son, John Lamb, celebrates his birthday today and is officially no longer a teenager in professional baseball. We all had the chance to talk with him earlier today and wish him him well on this special day. It is always great to hear his voice and know that he is still enjoying the rigors of his career playing for the Kansas City Royals organization.
Wilmington Blue Rocks game against the Mrytle Beach Pelicans today was postponed due to rain, so they all get an extra day of rest. Enjoy the extra day off guys and continue your push during the second half of the Carolina League season.
GO BLUE ROCKS!
Wilmington Blue Rocks game against the Mrytle Beach Pelicans today was postponed due to rain, so they all get an extra day of rest. Enjoy the extra day off guys and continue your push during the second half of the Carolina League season.
GO BLUE ROCKS!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Last win for the teenager Lamb...Blue Rocks sweep series!
Lynchburg, VA - Three Wilmington Blue Rocks pitchers combined on a shut out performance to make a clean sweep of the Lynchburg Hillcats series and allowing only four hits. John Lamb, Harold Mozingo and Barry Bowden kept the Hillcats from scoring despite the threat when Lamb was pulled from the game with a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the sixth inning with no outs and two runners on base.
Although the Blue Rocks bats were much cooler than last night, they proved more than adequate in helping Wilmington achieve a 43-43 record. The Rocks finished their road trip with a 5-2 mark and sole possession of first place. Nick Francis, Jarrod Dyson, Christian Colon and, the legitimate youngster of the team, Wil Myers drove in all the Rocks runs. Timely hitting, solid defense and good pitching again prove to be the simple formula to win baseball games even with a little moisture falling from the sky.
With John Lamb turning 20 tomorrow, he finished his teenage professional baseball stats on a high note by picking up his fifth win in the ten starts since being called up to the, Advanced Class A level, Carolina League. Lamb threw 75% of his 72 pitches for strikes while allowing 3 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk and striking out 4.
The Blue Rocks return home for an eight day home stand and a day off between the next two series. They will play Myrtle Beach Pelicans for three games starting tomorrow and a four game series against Frederick Keys following a day off the schedule.
GO BLUE ROCKS!
With John Lamb turning 20 tomorrow, he finished his teenage professional baseball stats on a high note by picking up his fifth win in the ten starts since being called up to the, Advanced Class A level, Carolina League. Lamb threw 75% of his 72 pitches for strikes while allowing 3 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk and striking out 4.
The Blue Rocks return home for an eight day home stand and a day off between the next two series. They will play Myrtle Beach Pelicans for three games starting tomorrow and a four game series against Frederick Keys following a day off the schedule.
GO BLUE ROCKS!
Lamb and Blue Rocks try to sweep Lynchburg...tonight.
John Lamb will get the ball tonight against the Lynchburg Hillcats for his 18th start of the season at 6:05 ET. The Wilmington Blue Rocks are also attempting a series sweep to end the current Carolina League road trip. Tonight will also mark the end of Lamb being a teenager during his professional baseball career.
A few more nerves floating around my stomach over tonight's game. Last nights 21 hit pounding on Lynchburg found the Blue Rocks 2.5 games in first place. Bats seem to have a tendency to get quiet after big outings and I can only hope there are just enough hits, catches and solid pitching to give the Blue Rocks the series.
GO BLUE ROCKS!
A few more nerves floating around my stomach over tonight's game. Last nights 21 hit pounding on Lynchburg found the Blue Rocks 2.5 games in first place. Bats seem to have a tendency to get quiet after big outings and I can only hope there are just enough hits, catches and solid pitching to give the Blue Rocks the series.
GO BLUE ROCKS!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Night at the show with the Marlins in town!
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Nothing beats a night at a Major League Baseball game...especially when the "fish" win!
Last night's game with the Florida Marlins taking on the Los Angeles Dodgers, with the wife and friends was a real pleasure. Mike Stanton and his raw power was on display as the Marlins beat the Dodgers. Josh Johnson pitched another gem by holding down the Dodgers to no runs. There were plenty of smiles in the Marlins section of the crowd during the game, despite having to endure a couple of staircase falls in our section.
It is always great to see the big boys playing in the show and we are looking forward to the next Southern California trip by the Marlins, down in San Diego, later in the month.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Five Royals farm hands get "POW" honors!
Congratulations to the Kansas City Royals organization and the farm hands that received the current “Pitcher/Player of the Week” honors. The Royals organization had a total of 5 minor league prospects receive the weekly award for the June 28 to July 4 periods.
Mario Santiago in the Class AA, Texas League, with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals
Jamie Romak in the Advanced Class A, Carolina League, with the Wilmington Blue Rocks (current teammate of John Lamb)
Rene Oriental in the Class A, Midwest League, with the Burlington Bees
Dusty Odenbach in the Class A, Midwest League, with the Burlington Bees
Leonel Santiago in the Rookie level, Appalachian League, with the Burlington Royals
The players and families should all be very proud of the recent accomplishment and the Lamb family wishes you all continued success during your professional baseball careers.
- - - James Lamb
Mario Santiago in the Class AA, Texas League, with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals
Jamie Romak in the Advanced Class A, Carolina League, with the Wilmington Blue Rocks (current teammate of John Lamb)
Rene Oriental in the Class A, Midwest League, with the Burlington Bees
Dusty Odenbach in the Class A, Midwest League, with the Burlington Bees
Leonel Santiago in the Rookie level, Appalachian League, with the Burlington Royals
The players and families should all be very proud of the recent accomplishment and the Lamb family wishes you all continued success during your professional baseball careers.
- - - James Lamb
Monday, July 5, 2010
Blue Rocks and Lamb sit on top...for now.
The Wilmington Blue Rocks win yesterday helped them take the top spot in the Carolina League standings and the performance by John Lamb earned him a nice spot, also.
John Lamb sits on the top of the leader board for his current Earned Run Average that sits at 1.56. With these categories changing daily, it is an unbelievable feeling of pride to see your son’s picture leading the way throughout the Minor League Baseball system in one of the most important areas of pitching.
Although we have not yet connected, through a phone call, following last night’s game, I look forward to reminding him of the left coast pride in his second year of professional baseball in the Kansas City Royals organization. Knowing John, he will be happy but I am sure he will be driven to continue to work hard and get the promotion to the next level of competition.
- - - James Lamb
John Lamb sits on the top of the leader board for his current Earned Run Average that sits at 1.56. With these categories changing daily, it is an unbelievable feeling of pride to see your son’s picture leading the way throughout the Minor League Baseball system in one of the most important areas of pitching.
Although we have not yet connected, through a phone call, following last night’s game, I look forward to reminding him of the left coast pride in his second year of professional baseball in the Kansas City Royals organization. Knowing John, he will be happy but I am sure he will be driven to continue to work hard and get the promotion to the next level of competition.
- - - James Lamb
Rocks bats and Lamb arm spark win in Virginia...
Woodbridge, VA - John Lamb and the Wilmington Blue Rocks had a game full of bang and glitter as they squared off against the Potomac Nationals. The Blue Rocks set the pace early by scoring five runs in the top of the first inning, which proved to be more than enough runs support for the teenage lefty, Lamb.
Lamb matched a season high for the length of his performance last night while he allowed only 3 hits, 0 runs, 10 strike-outs and 0 walks. The 10 Ks also matched his professional baseball career high totals and seemed to put an exclamation point on his recent acknowledgement by Baseball America’s mid season All-Star “honorable mention” award. The Kansas City Royals were the only Major League Baseball team to have 4 players mentioned by the Baseball America honor.
All but a couple of Blue Rocks had hits on "Independence Day" as they pounded the Nationals pitching staff to win by the final score of 13-4. The standouts were Eric Hosmer with two home runs and Salvador Perez with a 4-for-5 effort and a game high 4 runs batted in. Jamie Romak also had 4 hits as the Rocks sent a total of four out of the ballpark. Colon, Francis and Myers all had multiple hits during the lopsided game which allowed for some extra players to get involved, as well.
The Advanced Class A Carolina League contest was seen by more than 9,000 minor league baseball fans and surely most were happy to see it end for the second phase of fireworks following the game. Tonight’s win has positioned the Rocks on top of the standings and with their amount of talent it should be a productive balance to the season.
Lamb will have his last scheduled start as a teenager on Friday, July 9 at the Lynchburg to conclude the recent seven day road trip by the Wilmington Blue Rocks.
- - - James Lamb
Lamb matched a season high for the length of his performance last night while he allowed only 3 hits, 0 runs, 10 strike-outs and 0 walks. The 10 Ks also matched his professional baseball career high totals and seemed to put an exclamation point on his recent acknowledgement by Baseball America’s mid season All-Star “honorable mention” award. The Kansas City Royals were the only Major League Baseball team to have 4 players mentioned by the Baseball America honor.
All but a couple of Blue Rocks had hits on "Independence Day" as they pounded the Nationals pitching staff to win by the final score of 13-4. The standouts were Eric Hosmer with two home runs and Salvador Perez with a 4-for-5 effort and a game high 4 runs batted in. Jamie Romak also had 4 hits as the Rocks sent a total of four out of the ballpark. Colon, Francis and Myers all had multiple hits during the lopsided game which allowed for some extra players to get involved, as well.
The Advanced Class A Carolina League contest was seen by more than 9,000 minor league baseball fans and surely most were happy to see it end for the second phase of fireworks following the game. Tonight’s win has positioned the Rocks on top of the standings and with their amount of talent it should be a productive balance to the season.
Lamb will have his last scheduled start as a teenager on Friday, July 9 at the Lynchburg to conclude the recent seven day road trip by the Wilmington Blue Rocks.
- - - James Lamb
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Royal seats for the baseball family...
Friday, July 2nd, we were blessed with the VIP treatment by my son’s agency that represents him in the business of professional baseball. Earlier in the week we were contacted by the West Coast Sports Management, Inc. side of the Gersch Agency and invited to the opening night game of the Kansas City Royals series in Anaheim against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
We had no idea of the VIP suite involved until the confirmation phone call indicated our seating arrangements. My wife, Colleen, John Valek, III, the young man staying with us from Florida, his new friend, Brooke Nelson and myself were overwhelmed with the gracious accommodations offered by the recent merger of the two sports agencies. We were also blessed with the opportunity to spend the evening with Bret Saberhagen, his family and some friends during the game.
We really appreciated the “royal” treatment for our family and friends. Thanks again to the Gersch Agency and the West Coast Sports Management group for their graciousness.
During the game it was announced on the Major League Baseball site by Dick Kaegel that John Lamb and recently called up teammate Wil Myers were accorded as honorable mentions to the Baseball America’s midsummer Minor League all-star game. With Lamb, Myers, Hosmer and Moustakas representing the Royals this makes the Kansas City organization the only team with four honors.
As of Friday, Eric Hosmer was batting .351 with 43 RBIs and 36 extra-base hits for Class A Wilmington. Mike Moustakas was batting .343 with 19 homers and 67 RBIs for Double-A Northwest Arkansas. John Lamb was 3-2 with a 1.77 ERA for Wilmington after being 2-3 with a 1.58 ERA for Class A Burlington. Wil Myers had 10 homers and 45 RBIs with a .289 average for Burlington and was just promoted to Wilmington.
Great job Royals farm system…the future looks very bright for the Blue Crew!
- - - James Lamb
Baseball Prospect Guide
We had no idea of the VIP suite involved until the confirmation phone call indicated our seating arrangements. My wife, Colleen, John Valek, III, the young man staying with us from Florida, his new friend, Brooke Nelson and myself were overwhelmed with the gracious accommodations offered by the recent merger of the two sports agencies. We were also blessed with the opportunity to spend the evening with Bret Saberhagen, his family and some friends during the game.
We really appreciated the “royal” treatment for our family and friends. Thanks again to the Gersch Agency and the West Coast Sports Management group for their graciousness.
During the game it was announced on the Major League Baseball site by Dick Kaegel that John Lamb and recently called up teammate Wil Myers were accorded as honorable mentions to the Baseball America’s midsummer Minor League all-star game. With Lamb, Myers, Hosmer and Moustakas representing the Royals this makes the Kansas City organization the only team with four honors.
As of Friday, Eric Hosmer was batting .351 with 43 RBIs and 36 extra-base hits for Class A Wilmington. Mike Moustakas was batting .343 with 19 homers and 67 RBIs for Double-A Northwest Arkansas. John Lamb was 3-2 with a 1.77 ERA for Wilmington after being 2-3 with a 1.58 ERA for Class A Burlington. Wil Myers had 10 homers and 45 RBIs with a .289 average for Burlington and was just promoted to Wilmington.
Great job Royals farm system…the future looks very bright for the Blue Crew!
- - - James Lamb
Baseball Prospect Guide
Friday, July 2, 2010
Night at the show with the Royals in town
The view of a professional baseball family from the agents VIP suite!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Lamb good again...Rocks take the series!
John Lamb gave his Wilmington Blue Rocks a chance to win with his 8th start of the year in the Carolina League. It is can always be somewhat of a challenge to pitch on the road, but Lamb continues to be steady with the numbers home or away during his first full season in professional baseball.
Lamb had a high pitch count during his work tonight due to patient Frederick Keys hitters and again the high strike-out count. The line on Lamb was 4 innings, 6 hits, 1 run, 0 earned runs, 1 walk and 7 strike-outs in 86 pitches. When Lamb handed the ball to the bull-pen the Blue Rocks had a 3-1 lead, but unfortunately could not qualify for the win.
Hodgson and Mozingo both teamed up to hold off a late inning surge in the bottom of the 9th to take the series from the Keys in Frederick, MD. Ivor Hodgson had a very solid performance into the 9th and qualified for the win, while Harold Mozingo came in and got the save.
Adrian Ortiz hit his first Blue Rocks home run during his 4-for-5 night at the plate. Another note, worth mentioning was the Christian Colon debut that was very quiet at the plate. He finished the night 0-for-5 with two strikeouts. It is very safe to say that this will not be the only night he has nothing to show at the plate, during his career, but the kid can simply play the game and he is a wonderful addition to the organization.
The Blue Rocks return home to fend off the Lynchburg Hillcats, Advanced Class A team of the Cincinnati Reds organization, for a short 3 game stand. The current rotation has Lamb pitching the next two starts on the road and he will not be throwing at home until July 15. At least he won’t be a teenager the next time he pitches in front of the Wilmington crowd.
- - - James Lamb
Baseball Prospect Guide
Lamb had a high pitch count during his work tonight due to patient Frederick Keys hitters and again the high strike-out count. The line on Lamb was 4 innings, 6 hits, 1 run, 0 earned runs, 1 walk and 7 strike-outs in 86 pitches. When Lamb handed the ball to the bull-pen the Blue Rocks had a 3-1 lead, but unfortunately could not qualify for the win.
Hodgson and Mozingo both teamed up to hold off a late inning surge in the bottom of the 9th to take the series from the Keys in Frederick, MD. Ivor Hodgson had a very solid performance into the 9th and qualified for the win, while Harold Mozingo came in and got the save.
Adrian Ortiz hit his first Blue Rocks home run during his 4-for-5 night at the plate. Another note, worth mentioning was the Christian Colon debut that was very quiet at the plate. He finished the night 0-for-5 with two strikeouts. It is very safe to say that this will not be the only night he has nothing to show at the plate, during his career, but the kid can simply play the game and he is a wonderful addition to the organization.
The Blue Rocks return home to fend off the Lynchburg Hillcats, Advanced Class A team of the Cincinnati Reds organization, for a short 3 game stand. The current rotation has Lamb pitching the next two starts on the road and he will not be throwing at home until July 15. At least he won’t be a teenager the next time he pitches in front of the Wilmington crowd.
- - - James Lamb
Baseball Prospect Guide
Monday, June 28, 2010
Lamb grabs his 2nd "POW" honor...
Very proud of my son, John Lamb, and his second "Pitcher of Week" Award during his young professional baseball career. The weekly honors were announced much earlier today on Minor League Baseball and throughout all of the leagues.
Lamb will get the ball tomorrow night in Frederick, MD against the Keys, Advanced Class A team of the Baltimore Orioles organization. Tuesday's start will be his 16th of the season and just another day at the ballpark for him, I am sure. However, it will match his number of starts in the Midwest League earlier this year prior to his call-up to the Wilmington Blue Rocks.
Congratulations again to all of those minor league players that received the honors today for their recent performances.
- - - James Lamb
Baseball Prospect Guide
Lamb will get the ball tomorrow night in Frederick, MD against the Keys, Advanced Class A team of the Baltimore Orioles organization. Tuesday's start will be his 16th of the season and just another day at the ballpark for him, I am sure. However, it will match his number of starts in the Midwest League earlier this year prior to his call-up to the Wilmington Blue Rocks.
Congratulations again to all of those minor league players that received the honors today for their recent performances.
- - - James Lamb
Baseball Prospect Guide
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Next Carolina League start on Tuesday for Lamb...
John Lamb is back on the road again, Tuesday, in Frederick against the Keys for his 16th start of the season. Radio broadcast will be available on the Wilmington Blue Rocks site at http://www.bluerocks.com.
Meanwhile, I am staying busy with scouting and coaching in the Southern California area. Recently, following permission by the Marlins, I have returned to the dugout with a Connie Mack baseball team called the OC Giants. We have a wide variety of talent on the team and continue to struggle with the "one bad inning" bug almost every game.
Our family has also decided to welcome a 16 year-old from Florida into our home and the opportunity to play in California during the summer, on the OC Giants team. We felt a sense of responsibility to the game when asked to help and we are grateful for the chance to give back, as so many have done for our son over the years.
- - - James Lamb
http://www.4-domain.com/
Meanwhile, I am staying busy with scouting and coaching in the Southern California area. Recently, following permission by the Marlins, I have returned to the dugout with a Connie Mack baseball team called the OC Giants. We have a wide variety of talent on the team and continue to struggle with the "one bad inning" bug almost every game.
- - - James Lamb
http://www.4-domain.com/
Saturday, June 26, 2010
RC Organizational Report: June 24, 2010
RC Organizational Report: June 24: "Six affiliates were in action on Thursday, but only the Wilmington Blue Rocks and Arizona Royals managed wins. The Blue Rocks were led to victory by starter John Lamb, who was brilliant while picking up his third win of the season. Click inside to read Thursday's minor league report."
Just another opinion out there about his most recent professional baseball perfomance in the Carolina League as a teenager!
Just another opinion out there about his most recent professional baseball perfomance in the Carolina League as a teenager!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Lamb and Blue Rocks solid to start second half of season!
A solid start to the second half of the Advanced Class A level season for the Wilmington Blue Rocks, Kansas City Royals affiliation, came off the arm of John Lamb. You can’t do much better than the 2-0 win over the Salem Red Sox in front of the home crowd on Zack Greinke bobble-head night.
John Lamb pitched his longest outing of the season by going six and two-thirds and starting the combined shut-out effort with the Blue Rocks bull-pen. Lamb matched a season high mark of 9 strike-outs during tonight‘s contest, with 2 walks and 4 hits. He did receive some solid help with a defensive effort on an 8-4-2 play at the plate which saw Salvador Perez hold onto the ball following a collision at the plate early in the game. Just enough hitting during this Carolina League pitching duel gave the Blue Rocks the win, which included a big-fly from Eric Hosmer.
Got some encouraging news from the stands, via text messages, that Lamb was 90-94 on the radar guns and commanding all 3 pitches in his pocket during his 15th start of his first full season assignment in professional baseball. The news came from one of the Royals best retired pitchers, Bret Saberhagen, so I am comfortable sharing the back-stop updates on the velocity of my son’s pitches.
The household took a big sigh of relief as Lamb begins the uncharted territory of his minor league career. This is his first full-season since signing with the Kansas City Royals following the 2008 draft selection and we couldn’t be more proud of his 19 year-old efforts.
So now we get to sit back and relax for the next four days until his next start on the hill.
GO BLUE ROCKS!
- - - James Lamb
Baseball Prospect Guide
John Lamb pitched his longest outing of the season by going six and two-thirds and starting the combined shut-out effort with the Blue Rocks bull-pen. Lamb matched a season high mark of 9 strike-outs during tonight‘s contest, with 2 walks and 4 hits. He did receive some solid help with a defensive effort on an 8-4-2 play at the plate which saw Salvador Perez hold onto the ball following a collision at the plate early in the game. Just enough hitting during this Carolina League pitching duel gave the Blue Rocks the win, which included a big-fly from Eric Hosmer.
Got some encouraging news from the stands, via text messages, that Lamb was 90-94 on the radar guns and commanding all 3 pitches in his pocket during his 15th start of his first full season assignment in professional baseball. The news came from one of the Royals best retired pitchers, Bret Saberhagen, so I am comfortable sharing the back-stop updates on the velocity of my son’s pitches.
The household took a big sigh of relief as Lamb begins the uncharted territory of his minor league career. This is his first full-season since signing with the Kansas City Royals following the 2008 draft selection and we couldn’t be more proud of his 19 year-old efforts.
So now we get to sit back and relax for the next four days until his next start on the hill.
GO BLUE ROCKS!
- - - James Lamb
Baseball Prospect Guide
Monday, June 21, 2010
A little Father's Day reflection...
As a professional baseball fan, scout and father of a prospect, yesterday was more than just a Father’s Day celebration to me. My son, John, started my day off with a phone call from Wilmington, DE. It is always great to hear his voice as he continues his journey in professional baseball. He sounded a little eager to relax following Sunday’s afternoon game with a 3 day mid-season break from the first full-season of his career. Sure, I wish he had received some love from the Carolina League coaches that determined the All-Star roster, but he has plenty more years for that type of acknowledgement for his performance on the field.
Recently, I have returned to the dugout in the Southern California area with a local Connie Mack team. Our game yesterday, brought some emotions while watching some of the Dads get hugs from their boys following the order by the head coach. Bobby Gould, a long time friend, through professional baseball, has always been a true pleasure to share a dugout with through some of his special antics he is known for.
Reflecting on the drive home, I remembered that I have not had my son, or daughter for that matter, around me on Father’s Day for the last five years. John was busy playing baseball in Ohio with the Midland Redskins organization, on their Mickey Mantle team the Braves, for two years, starting in 2006 and obviously on the road in pro ball the last three years. My daughter, Cayla, is another long story, but not for this site. I am very proud of both of my kids for their accomplishments.
Not sure when John Lamb will be on the bump again, but you can be rest assured we will be listening on the radio with tremendous pride and excitement as he starts the second half of the 2010 season. Our left coast side of the family wishes the Blue Rocks well during the break and a successful second half of the season in the Carolina League.
GO ROCKS!
- - - James Lamb
Baseball Prospect Guide, Inc.
Founder and CEO
Baseball Prospect Guide
Recently, I have returned to the dugout in the Southern California area with a local Connie Mack team. Our game yesterday, brought some emotions while watching some of the Dads get hugs from their boys following the order by the head coach. Bobby Gould, a long time friend, through professional baseball, has always been a true pleasure to share a dugout with through some of his special antics he is known for.
Reflecting on the drive home, I remembered that I have not had my son, or daughter for that matter, around me on Father’s Day for the last five years. John was busy playing baseball in Ohio with the Midland Redskins organization, on their Mickey Mantle team the Braves, for two years, starting in 2006 and obviously on the road in pro ball the last three years. My daughter, Cayla, is another long story, but not for this site. I am very proud of both of my kids for their accomplishments.
Not sure when John Lamb will be on the bump again, but you can be rest assured we will be listening on the radio with tremendous pride and excitement as he starts the second half of the 2010 season. Our left coast side of the family wishes the Blue Rocks well during the break and a successful second half of the season in the Carolina League.
GO ROCKS!
- - - James Lamb
Baseball Prospect Guide, Inc.
Founder and CEO
Baseball Prospect Guide
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Lamb good in Salem, but not not enough for the win...
With John Lamb getting the ball tonight on the bump against the Salem Red Sox in Salem, VA he has matched last year’s effort of 14 starts. Although still a pup by most professional baseball standards, Lamb continues to perform at all levels in the minor leagues.
Wilmington Blue Rocks versus Salem Red Sox was seen by more than 3,763 fans with two of the league’s best pitchers. Lamb and Huntzinger both did their jobs entertaining the crowd and giving their respective team an opportunity to win.
The Rocks have struggled all year to beat the Sox and tonight was no different. Lamb pitched well to hold the Sox to only 2 runs, 1 earned, 6 hits, 6 strike-outs and 1 walk during his six innings of work. Lamb handed the ball to Mozingo with a 2-1 deficit in the bottom of the 7th. Mozingo took the loss later in the game when the Sox took back the lead in the 8th inning.
Huntzinger pitched exceptionally well for his seven inning performance. Without taking anything away from his strike throwing ability, it must be mentioned that the Blue Rocks continued aggressive approach at the plate allowed Huntzinger to use only 56 pitches to get his 21 outs. Not sure why he did not continue to throw in the 8th inning with such a low pitch count, but surely a surprise when the Sox went to their bull-pen.
Adam Frost who was just recently called up from Burlington, IA tied the game with a solo home-run in the top of the 8th inning for the Blue Rocks. However, the lead was short lived due to the Sox taking back the lead in the bottom of the same inning. The Rocks lost the game and were swept in the series to put an end to the eight day road-trip.
The Blue Rocks return home tomorrow for a short series and the All-Star break before another short series with the same Salem Red Sox in Wilmington, DE to start off the second half of the professional baseball season in advanced a level.
LETS GO ROCKS!
- - - James Lamb
https://baseballprospectguide.com
Wilmington Blue Rocks versus Salem Red Sox was seen by more than 3,763 fans with two of the league’s best pitchers. Lamb and Huntzinger both did their jobs entertaining the crowd and giving their respective team an opportunity to win.
The Rocks have struggled all year to beat the Sox and tonight was no different. Lamb pitched well to hold the Sox to only 2 runs, 1 earned, 6 hits, 6 strike-outs and 1 walk during his six innings of work. Lamb handed the ball to Mozingo with a 2-1 deficit in the bottom of the 7th. Mozingo took the loss later in the game when the Sox took back the lead in the 8th inning.
Huntzinger pitched exceptionally well for his seven inning performance. Without taking anything away from his strike throwing ability, it must be mentioned that the Blue Rocks continued aggressive approach at the plate allowed Huntzinger to use only 56 pitches to get his 21 outs. Not sure why he did not continue to throw in the 8th inning with such a low pitch count, but surely a surprise when the Sox went to their bull-pen.
Adam Frost who was just recently called up from Burlington, IA tied the game with a solo home-run in the top of the 8th inning for the Blue Rocks. However, the lead was short lived due to the Sox taking back the lead in the bottom of the same inning. The Rocks lost the game and were swept in the series to put an end to the eight day road-trip.
The Blue Rocks return home tomorrow for a short series and the All-Star break before another short series with the same Salem Red Sox in Wilmington, DE to start off the second half of the professional baseball season in advanced a level.
LETS GO ROCKS!
- - - James Lamb
https://baseballprospectguide.com
Tonight, Lamb will be pitching on six days of rest!
John Lamb is scheduled to be the starting pitcher for tonight’s game in Salem, VA against the Red Sox. This start will match last year’s efforts for Lamb with his 14 appearance on the mound. With an extra day off between starts due to an off day this past Monday, we are looking forward to hearing the game on the Blue Rocks radio broadcast starting at 7:05 ET.
Wilmington has struggled in all of the previous games versus Salem this year. The Sox have taken eight of their nine meetings with Wilmington this season. The lone loss for Salem came in the first meeting, by one run. Two of its subsequent seven straight successes also saw a one-run final margin. Salem has averaged 7.6 tallies per game against the Blue Crew in nearly doubling Wilmington's scoring output, 68-35.
The Lamb family wishes all the Blue Rocks the best tonight as they conclude their last road trip before the All-Star break.
GO ROCKS!
- - - James Lamb
Wilmington has struggled in all of the previous games versus Salem this year. The Sox have taken eight of their nine meetings with Wilmington this season. The lone loss for Salem came in the first meeting, by one run. Two of its subsequent seven straight successes also saw a one-run final margin. Salem has averaged 7.6 tallies per game against the Blue Crew in nearly doubling Wilmington's scoring output, 68-35.
The Lamb family wishes all the Blue Rocks the best tonight as they conclude their last road trip before the All-Star break.
GO ROCKS!
- - - James Lamb
Friday, June 11, 2010
Lamb runs into 1 tough inning and suffers loss...
Road starts for my son always seem to ignite more nerves than usual. Following the Blue Rocks Thursday night beating, of the Dash, only added to my fears based on a typical occurrence that bats seem to sleep after those types of performances.
A large crowd was not an issue for John Lamb in North Carolina Friday night, I am sure. The challenge of a successful minor league line-up turned into some reality in the 2nd inning, as witnessed by more than 6,000 fans. The Winston-Salem Dash, High A team of the Chicago White Sox, has the 3rd highest team batting average throughout all levels of professional baseball and they simply proved that stature in one inning.
Lamb was unscathed in the first inning, but needed every bit of the 33 pitches in the second inning to get three outs for the Wilmington Blue Rocks. The four earned runs matched all runs allowed in four previous outings by the 19 year-old since coming to the Carolina League. Despite giving up the runs, Lamb did record 3 strike-outs in the frame. The second inning was the only blemish of the lefty's five inning performance, but certainly nothing to be ashamed of by most standards.
During the shortest start of his Carolina League career, Lamb threw 84 pitches with seventy percent as strikes. He allowed 7 hits, 2 walks, 4 earned runs and struck out 5 before handing the ball off to the bull-pen to finish the game.
The Blue Rocks 4-3 loss also witnessed the hitting streak for Jamie Romak come to an end, at 18 straight games. Romak is now a single game shy of equaling the longest hitting streak in franchise history. Corey Hart established the franchise mark by hitting safely in 19 straight from July 30-September 1, 2001. His streak was matched by Justin Cowan from June 29-July 26, 2002.
Good luck Blue Rocks trying to stay alive for a first place finish in the first half of the season.
- - - James Lamb
Lamb was unscathed in the first inning, but needed every bit of the 33 pitches in the second inning to get three outs for the Wilmington Blue Rocks. The four earned runs matched all runs allowed in four previous outings by the 19 year-old since coming to the Carolina League. Despite giving up the runs, Lamb did record 3 strike-outs in the frame. The second inning was the only blemish of the lefty's five inning performance, but certainly nothing to be ashamed of by most standards.
During the shortest start of his Carolina League career, Lamb threw 84 pitches with seventy percent as strikes. He allowed 7 hits, 2 walks, 4 earned runs and struck out 5 before handing the ball off to the bull-pen to finish the game.
The Blue Rocks 4-3 loss also witnessed the hitting streak for Jamie Romak come to an end, at 18 straight games. Romak is now a single game shy of equaling the longest hitting streak in franchise history. Corey Hart established the franchise mark by hitting safely in 19 straight from July 30-September 1, 2001. His streak was matched by Justin Cowan from June 29-July 26, 2002.
Good luck Blue Rocks trying to stay alive for a first place finish in the first half of the season.
- - - James Lamb
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Lamb dazzles again as Blue Rocks take the series!
Wilmington Blue Rocks took the series from the Potomac Nationals in front of a nearly 4 thousand fans earlier today with a 9-4 victory. Starter John Lamb (2-1, 1.50) was given an early lead by his team. Lamb matched a season high nine strike-outs and allowed only one run during the six inning performance.
Five of the six frames Lamb faced the minimum to get the outs. The only inning of miscue started with a lead-off triple in the fourth, but the threat was closed by a couple of strike-outs to leave two Nationals’ base-runners on the pond. Lamb finished the game strong by retiring the last eight batters he faced and getting five consecutive whiffs in that process.
I believe that every Blue Rocks hitter contributed with a hit during today’s win, except one. Salvador Perez was a home-run shy of hitting for the cycle. Eric Hosmer continues to hit the Carolina League pitching and Jamie Romak extended his streak to hitting safely in 14 games.
Next series will start tomorrow night in Wilmington, DE against the Kinston Indians at 7:05 ET.
GO BLUE ROCKS!
Some extra thoughts:
We were all simply losing our mind today, just prior to the scheduled first-pitch, due to the technical troubles on the Blue Rocks radio broadcast. Fortunately, the Nationals feed of the game was working and we would sincerely like to thank them for the kind words rendered during the game, while my son was shutting them down. I have always believed that the game of baseball encompasses a tremendous class of people and the opposing broadcast crew, reassured that stance.
The Lamb family would like to thank all of you that are involved with professional baseball, both on and off the field. Without your efforts the challenges associated with the lives of young men in professional baseball would be even more difficult. We look forward to meeting some of you in the very near future to thank you in person for all your services to the game.
- - - James Lamb
http://www.4-domain.com/
Five of the six frames Lamb faced the minimum to get the outs. The only inning of miscue started with a lead-off triple in the fourth, but the threat was closed by a couple of strike-outs to leave two Nationals’ base-runners on the pond. Lamb finished the game strong by retiring the last eight batters he faced and getting five consecutive whiffs in that process.
I believe that every Blue Rocks hitter contributed with a hit during today’s win, except one. Salvador Perez was a home-run shy of hitting for the cycle. Eric Hosmer continues to hit the Carolina League pitching and Jamie Romak extended his streak to hitting safely in 14 games.
Next series will start tomorrow night in Wilmington, DE against the Kinston Indians at 7:05 ET.
GO BLUE ROCKS!
Some extra thoughts:
We were all simply losing our mind today, just prior to the scheduled first-pitch, due to the technical troubles on the Blue Rocks radio broadcast. Fortunately, the Nationals feed of the game was working and we would sincerely like to thank them for the kind words rendered during the game, while my son was shutting them down. I have always believed that the game of baseball encompasses a tremendous class of people and the opposing broadcast crew, reassured that stance.
The Lamb family would like to thank all of you that are involved with professional baseball, both on and off the field. Without your efforts the challenges associated with the lives of young men in professional baseball would be even more difficult. We look forward to meeting some of you in the very near future to thank you in person for all your services to the game.
- - - James Lamb
http://www.4-domain.com/
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Lamb has a quality start on road in Kinston, NC.
With my son getting his first start on the road in Kinston, NC, I had some extra Dad nerves keeping me on edge throughout the day. Some pitchers only throw well on their home mound, while others really don't seem to care. Sure glad he falls into the last of the two mentioned categories.
John Lamb had his first Carolina League start away from Wilmington, DE tonight and he was up to the challenge against one of the leagues toughest teams to play in their home park. The Kinston Indians, High Class A team of the Cleveland Indians, has been extremely hard to beat in the historic ballpark.
Lamb and the Wilmington Blue Rocks played well enough to hold of the 9th inning rally by the Indians to win by a final 3-2. Keaton, the first Blue Rocks reliever, got the official win taking his record to 2-0 out of the bullpen. Bowden picked up his 5th save of the year by getting the final two outs of the game with runners in scoring position.
Lamb pitched the first 6 innings while facing a total of 23 batters. He gave up 4 hits, with 1 earned run, struck out 7 and walked 2. Although Lamb, whom might not agree with this overall analysis of his performance, really only made one bad pitch to Karexon Sanchez, form Venezuela, that left the yard.
Lamb managed to get out of trouble a couple of times during his performance that simply demonstrates his ability to work with, or without, base runners. He managed to keep his Carolina League Earned Run Average at 1.50 through his first three starts as the youngest ball player in the Advanced A level professional baseball league.
Needless to say the nerves settled down in the household as the game progressed and the ball was handed to the Blue Rocks bullpen, leaving John Lamb with a no decision effort.
Good luck Blue Rocks with the rubber match tomorrow night before heading back home to Wilmington, DE.
- - - James Lamb
https://www.baseballprospectguide.com/
John Lamb had his first Carolina League start away from Wilmington, DE tonight and he was up to the challenge against one of the leagues toughest teams to play in their home park. The Kinston Indians, High Class A team of the Cleveland Indians, has been extremely hard to beat in the historic ballpark.
Grainger Stadium in Kinston, NC.
Lamb and the Wilmington Blue Rocks played well enough to hold of the 9th inning rally by the Indians to win by a final 3-2. Keaton, the first Blue Rocks reliever, got the official win taking his record to 2-0 out of the bullpen. Bowden picked up his 5th save of the year by getting the final two outs of the game with runners in scoring position.
Lamb pitched the first 6 innings while facing a total of 23 batters. He gave up 4 hits, with 1 earned run, struck out 7 and walked 2. Although Lamb, whom might not agree with this overall analysis of his performance, really only made one bad pitch to Karexon Sanchez, form Venezuela, that left the yard.
Lamb managed to get out of trouble a couple of times during his performance that simply demonstrates his ability to work with, or without, base runners. He managed to keep his Carolina League Earned Run Average at 1.50 through his first three starts as the youngest ball player in the Advanced A level professional baseball league.
Needless to say the nerves settled down in the household as the game progressed and the ball was handed to the Blue Rocks bullpen, leaving John Lamb with a no decision effort.
Good luck Blue Rocks with the rubber match tomorrow night before heading back home to Wilmington, DE.
- - - James Lamb
https://www.baseballprospectguide.com/
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Blue Rocks and Lamb lose the last game of series against the Keys.
John Lamb might not have had his best stuff on the mound today against the Frederick Keys but his ERA didn't move. His Carolina League efforts to give his team the chance to win continued in front of a 5,743 fans at Frawley Stadium, earlier today. The sun was out and the humidity was up along with the temperature, but the bats of the Wilmington Blue Rocks were cold.
Lamb was pitching to contact today, during his six innings of work, rather than the typical pile of strike outs during previous professional baseball appearances. Not the end of the world, but while throwing to contact the defense needs to play catch behind you. Errors allowed 2 of the 3 total runs to cross the plate while Lamb continued to pound the strike zone with 68 percent of his thrown pitches. Lamb also struck out 3, walked 1 and allowed 8 hits during his 79 pitch count performance.
I'm sure if you asked John Lamb he would say it was a bad day, but I beg to differ. Throwing strikes and giving your team a chance to win is all a starting pitcher can really do when he gets the ball every 5 days. You need a little defense and run support to win ball games along with pitchers that throw strikes.
The Frederick Keys starting pitcher, Zagone, did a good job going the distance. However, the cold, aggressive bats of the Blue Rocks hitters enabled the 2008 draft pick to throw his first complete game in a very long time. He recorded his three outs in one of the innings on just five pitches. Need I say more.
I have way to many opinions on the approach at winning ball games to comment, but as a dad I remind myself regularly that minor league baseball is about development and the process of elimination. Most of the minor league professional baseball games I see encompass the lack of patience at the plate.
For now, the Blue Rocks will have the day off tomorrow and start a road trip on Friday. John Lamb will ring the bell for the third time on the road in 6 days with the mentioned day off.
GO BLUE ROCKS!
- - - James Lamb
Baseball Prospect Guide
Lamb was pitching to contact today, during his six innings of work, rather than the typical pile of strike outs during previous professional baseball appearances. Not the end of the world, but while throwing to contact the defense needs to play catch behind you. Errors allowed 2 of the 3 total runs to cross the plate while Lamb continued to pound the strike zone with 68 percent of his thrown pitches. Lamb also struck out 3, walked 1 and allowed 8 hits during his 79 pitch count performance.
I'm sure if you asked John Lamb he would say it was a bad day, but I beg to differ. Throwing strikes and giving your team a chance to win is all a starting pitcher can really do when he gets the ball every 5 days. You need a little defense and run support to win ball games along with pitchers that throw strikes.
The Frederick Keys starting pitcher, Zagone, did a good job going the distance. However, the cold, aggressive bats of the Blue Rocks hitters enabled the 2008 draft pick to throw his first complete game in a very long time. He recorded his three outs in one of the innings on just five pitches. Need I say more.
I have way to many opinions on the approach at winning ball games to comment, but as a dad I remind myself regularly that minor league baseball is about development and the process of elimination. Most of the minor league professional baseball games I see encompass the lack of patience at the plate.
For now, the Blue Rocks will have the day off tomorrow and start a road trip on Friday. John Lamb will ring the bell for the third time on the road in 6 days with the mentioned day off.
GO BLUE ROCKS!
- - - James Lamb
Baseball Prospect Guide
Friday, May 21, 2010
Lamb real good in Carolina League debut!
John Lamb toed the rubber tonight as the youngest player in the High A level Carolina League. His catcher, Salvador Perez, used to have that right until Lamb stood 60 feet, 6 inches away to start the game tonight and the first of a six game home stand for the Wilmington Blue Rocks, High A team of the Kansas City Royals.
Lamb, still 19, threw 6 innings with a season high 9 strike outs and giving up only 1 earned run. He spread out 4 hits and 2 walks before he handed the ball over to the bull-pen. Wilmington provided the offense to secure the first win for the young southpaw in front of over six thousand fans. Solid team effort to beat the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, High A team of the Atalanta Braves.
Could not ask for a better debut from my son as his career continues to move in a positive direction.
GO BLUE ROCKS!
- - - James Lamb
https://www.baseballprospectguide.com
Lamb, still 19, threw 6 innings with a season high 9 strike outs and giving up only 1 earned run. He spread out 4 hits and 2 walks before he handed the ball over to the bull-pen. Wilmington provided the offense to secure the first win for the young southpaw in front of over six thousand fans. Solid team effort to beat the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, High A team of the Atalanta Braves.
Could not ask for a better debut from my son as his career continues to move in a positive direction.
GO BLUE ROCKS!
- - - James Lamb
https://www.baseballprospectguide.com
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Lamb will debut in Carolina League Friday night in Wilmington, DE...
Tomorrow nights game for the Wilmington Blue Rocks will have some excited listeners from the West coast tuned in for the recently called up southpaw John Lamb and his debut start. It has been said on the Minor League Baseball site that Lamb is officially the youngest player in the High A level Carolina League, just by a couple months of another Royals prospect, Salvador Perez. Might get the chance to see/hear both young men playing together, as the battery, on the first game of the six game home stand.
All our family and friends are extremely proud of this new challenge for Lamb to wear his 4th hat in less than twelve months of playing professional baseball for the Kansas City Royals organization. He missed the entire 2008 season following the 5th round draft selection while he continued to rehab his throwing arm from the injury suffered in an automobile accident in February, prior to the draft.
Good luck Blue Rocks and son!
- - - James Lamb
All our family and friends are extremely proud of this new challenge for Lamb to wear his 4th hat in less than twelve months of playing professional baseball for the Kansas City Royals organization. He missed the entire 2008 season following the 5th round draft selection while he continued to rehab his throwing arm from the injury suffered in an automobile accident in February, prior to the draft.
Good luck Blue Rocks and son!
- - - James Lamb
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Lamb gets called up to Wilmington Blue Rocks
Okay, it's time to spill the beans about last nights phone call home following the second Midwest League win for my son, John Lamb. During his pregame interview, on KBUR with Nick Devlin, of today's game in Burlington, IA it was announced that Lamb has been called up to the High Class A level of the Kansas City Royals organization, in Wilmington, DE for the Blue Rocks. This change will be officially posted in tomorrow's transactions for the league.
Lamb is set to fly Monday and join his new team on the road in Lynchburg. This move is the fourth move for the Southern California 19 year-old in less than a year. He started the 2009 season in Burlington, NC was moved to Idaho Falls, ID during the season. Lamb broke this year's Spring training in Surprise, AZ by starting the Opening Day game in Burlington, IA for the Bees. Four uniforms and hats in less than a year for the left-handed pitcher from Laguna Hills, CA. Pretty good stuff for a kid that can't put his hat on straight.
Keep working hard son and you will continue to climb the ladder of professional baseball. We are obviously very proud of the direction for his baseball career and thank the Kansas City Royals for their continued support and confidence in John Lamb.
- - - James Lamb
Lamb is set to fly Monday and join his new team on the road in Lynchburg. This move is the fourth move for the Southern California 19 year-old in less than a year. He started the 2009 season in Burlington, NC was moved to Idaho Falls, ID during the season. Lamb broke this year's Spring training in Surprise, AZ by starting the Opening Day game in Burlington, IA for the Bees. Four uniforms and hats in less than a year for the left-handed pitcher from Laguna Hills, CA. Pretty good stuff for a kid that can't put his hat on straight.
Keep working hard son and you will continue to climb the ladder of professional baseball. We are obviously very proud of the direction for his baseball career and thank the Kansas City Royals for their continued support and confidence in John Lamb.
- - - James Lamb
Lamb and staff shut-out Peoria on special night!
There was a ceremony for our Nation's Armed Services men, and women, Saturday evening in Burlington, IA at the Bees ballpark before their game against Peoria. Prior to last night, the Burlington Bees hadn't had much success against the Peoria Chiefs this year.
John Lamb erased that fact last night with his own artillery by pitching 7 scoreless innings in his longest start of his first Midwest League season. Lamb was supported by the Bees offense that produced four runs while he spread out 4 hits, 3 strike-outs and 1 walk. The Bees bullpen did a fine job of shoring up the Chiefs and preserving the first shut-out of the 2010 season for the club.
Not a typical performance of strike-outs for Lamb, but effective nonetheless. He picked up his second win of the season and lowering his overall ERA to 1.58, which must have put a nice smile on his face following the last out of the game. A good team effort to get the Bees another win as they close in on their second scheduled day off of the season.
However, that smile was not nearly as big as mine following his phone call home with a wonderful update. The news will be posted soon on the Midwest League transactions, which can be found on the Minor League baseball site. For those of you that can read between the lines, it was definitely worth a grin of excitement for his progress. Good news travels fast and our phones continued to ring late into the night on the West coast.
There is nothing guaranteed in professional baseball. The only given is the necessity of having to make adjustments along the way of getting an out, finishing a game or a move in a career.
GO BEES!
- - - James Lamb
http://www.4-domain.com/
John Lamb erased that fact last night with his own artillery by pitching 7 scoreless innings in his longest start of his first Midwest League season. Lamb was supported by the Bees offense that produced four runs while he spread out 4 hits, 3 strike-outs and 1 walk. The Bees bullpen did a fine job of shoring up the Chiefs and preserving the first shut-out of the 2010 season for the club.
Not a typical performance of strike-outs for Lamb, but effective nonetheless. He picked up his second win of the season and lowering his overall ERA to 1.58, which must have put a nice smile on his face following the last out of the game. A good team effort to get the Bees another win as they close in on their second scheduled day off of the season.
However, that smile was not nearly as big as mine following his phone call home with a wonderful update. The news will be posted soon on the Midwest League transactions, which can be found on the Minor League baseball site. For those of you that can read between the lines, it was definitely worth a grin of excitement for his progress. Good news travels fast and our phones continued to ring late into the night on the West coast.
There is nothing guaranteed in professional baseball. The only given is the necessity of having to make adjustments along the way of getting an out, finishing a game or a move in a career.
GO BEES!
- - - James Lamb
http://www.4-domain.com/
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Bees win series in Beloit...Lamb gets 1st win of season.
This Mother's Day morning started out like any other by giving Mom her card and an extra sign of appreciation, prior to the seventh start of John Lamb in the Midwest League. We were losing our minds in the living room trying to connect with the Internet radio broadcast on the Burlington Bees site. For some reason we were unable to get the feed until the top of the second inning following a call to the Beloit Snappers field to advise them of the technical trouble. The young man that answered the phone for my wife, Colleen, indicated that he was getting a number of calls complaining about the same thing and that he would call back later.
However, we had an ace up our sleeve for an immediate update on the game from the field. A friend of the family whose son played with John during his Little League days happened to make the trip up from their home West of Chicago, in hopes of seeing Lamb get his first win of the season. A text message was sent immediately about the technical difficulty of getting the radio feed and he responded by provided the details for the first inning of play.
Lamb took the ball to the mound in the bottom of the first inning with a 1-0 lead and proceeded to strike out all 3 of the Beloit Snappers hitters to retire the side. Efficiency continued throughout his performance by spreading out 2 hits, 6 strike-outs, 1 walk and 0 earned runs over five innings. Lamb was backed up by a couple of stellar plays by his defense, including the work of the Bees bullpen to secure the series win.
The Bees offense was also up to the task of supporting the fine start of the the Southern California left-handed pitcher looking for his first win of the 2010 season by getting 1 run in each of the first three innings. The Burlington Bees, Class A level team of the Kansas City Royals, hitters added a couple more later in the game and won by a final score of 5-1.
Our friend's wish came true by getting a chance to see John Lamb get his first win of the season and I'm sure managed to get a couple pictures to share the experience later. By the way, that Beloit employee, mentioned earlier, was kind enough to return a call and let our family know that the broadcast was now working following a simple flip of a switch.
Lamb lowered his season Earned Run Average to 1.91 and brought his record to 1 win and 3 losses and putting plenty of smiles on all the Mothers in his life. Over the years John Lamb has been blessed with wonderful women in his life but none more important than my wife, Colleen, whom has been his greatest influence since he was 4 years old. John's baseball travels during his youth with the Midland Redskins organization and the Goodwill Series gave him the opportunity to have some other "Mothers" during his travels to Ohio and Australia, not to mention his new host family in Burlington, IA the Day family.
So for now, we simply wait for the next professional baseball start at his home field in Burlington, IA on this coming Friday evening.
GO BEES!
- - - James Lamb
http://www.4-domain.com/
However, we had an ace up our sleeve for an immediate update on the game from the field. A friend of the family whose son played with John during his Little League days happened to make the trip up from their home West of Chicago, in hopes of seeing Lamb get his first win of the season. A text message was sent immediately about the technical difficulty of getting the radio feed and he responded by provided the details for the first inning of play.
Lamb took the ball to the mound in the bottom of the first inning with a 1-0 lead and proceeded to strike out all 3 of the Beloit Snappers hitters to retire the side. Efficiency continued throughout his performance by spreading out 2 hits, 6 strike-outs, 1 walk and 0 earned runs over five innings. Lamb was backed up by a couple of stellar plays by his defense, including the work of the Bees bullpen to secure the series win.
The Bees offense was also up to the task of supporting the fine start of the the Southern California left-handed pitcher looking for his first win of the 2010 season by getting 1 run in each of the first three innings. The Burlington Bees, Class A level team of the Kansas City Royals, hitters added a couple more later in the game and won by a final score of 5-1.
Our friend's wish came true by getting a chance to see John Lamb get his first win of the season and I'm sure managed to get a couple pictures to share the experience later. By the way, that Beloit employee, mentioned earlier, was kind enough to return a call and let our family know that the broadcast was now working following a simple flip of a switch.
Lamb lowered his season Earned Run Average to 1.91 and brought his record to 1 win and 3 losses and putting plenty of smiles on all the Mothers in his life. Over the years John Lamb has been blessed with wonderful women in his life but none more important than my wife, Colleen, whom has been his greatest influence since he was 4 years old. John's baseball travels during his youth with the Midland Redskins organization and the Goodwill Series gave him the opportunity to have some other "Mothers" during his travels to Ohio and Australia, not to mention his new host family in Burlington, IA the Day family.
So for now, we simply wait for the next professional baseball start at his home field in Burlington, IA on this coming Friday evening.
GO BEES!
- - - James Lamb
http://www.4-domain.com/
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