Bisons Beat Teams-Up With Mets Merized Online

Thanks to Joe D from Mets Merized Online for inviting me to submit weekly Bisons content to his site. I encourage every Mets (and Bisons) fan to check out the site, which is highly informative, draws from a number of contributors, and contains a lot of unique features including downloadable Mets graphics.

Opening Day Pics

Upper-Deck at Coca-Cola Field. Note Jon Niese, pitching
from 40 ft instead of the usual 60.5 ft. This was an attempt
to record an out after being clobbered for 1 2/3 innings:

Gov. Paterson and crew sucking-up to Mr. Met (left):

Pawtucket starter Enrique Gonzales, he pretty much handled the Bisons over 5.0 innings.

Another pregame pic:

Mr. Met freezing his @$$ off:

Some ugly guy with a cute kid:

Niese and Evans Right Where they Belong

Today, I took my son to Buffalo Bisons opening day, and saw first-hand why Jonathon Niese and Nick Evans didn't make the Mets roster. The game-time temperature was 42 degrees, Evans was colder and Niese was near absolute zero. Niese's line reads 5 hits, 5 runs (all earned) with 3 walks in 2.0 ip. The Paw Sox were putting dents in the outfield walls, and Niese looked lost.

Other potential Mets fared just as poorly. Nick Evans went 0-4 with two strikeouts and hit into an inning ending double-play. Eddie Kunz pitched 1.1 innings in relief, walking at one point three out of four batters, forcing in a run. On the bright side, Fernando Martinez looked great, going 2 for 4 with a double and a triple. Bobby Kielty also chalked-up a 2 for 4 day.

The end result: Pawtucket 6, Buffalo 4

Notes:

• Mr. Met was on hand today. I tried to get my kid to pose with him for a picture, but no, Mr. Met scared the %#$& out of him.

• Gov. Paterson, Sen. Chuck Schumer, the Buffalo Mayor and the Erie County Exec. were on hand to throw out the first pitch. All of them bounced the ball and Paterson got booed.

• Jeff Wilpon was on hand as well. I wonder if he stayed to watch the game.
  

• This isn't the first time the Buffalo Bisons have teamed-up with the Mets. The Bisons were the International League affiliate of the Mets from 1963-1965.

• Fernando Martinez, at the age of 20, is the youngest player to sport a Bisons uniform in fifteen years.
  

• AAA Baseball is one of the best values in all of sports. Two tickets to the game, program, soda, ice cream, bring your own snacks, parking, game ball, and one carnival game: $28.00.

Opening Day in Buffalo

I'm taking my boy up to Coca-Cola Field to see the Bisons opening game today. I'm looking forward to seeing so many almost-Mets and used-to-be Mets on the field. Jonathon Niese gets the start, and we'll see if Mets fans will be wishing he was in Queens with the big boys.

Daily Roster Speculation

Reporters (and bloggers) across New York are speculating about the Mets opening day roster. Today the Mets sent Nelson Figueroa, Rene Rivera and Andy Green down to the Minor League camp. This bodes well for bench-warmer wannabees Ramon Castro, Fernando Tatis and even Marlon Anderson to make the Flushing squad.

One big question is not whether or not Fernando Martinez will make the Mets roster, but whether or not he will grace the hallowed grounds of Coca-Cola Field. Some think that he will be sent back to AA Binghamton, where he can build up his AB's despite all of his injuries. That would be unfortunate for Bisons fans, who would enjoy watching one of the nation's top hitting prospects play in Buffalo.

SNY to Air Five Bisons Games

The Buffalo Bisons report that SportsNetNY will air five Buffalo Bisons Games over the course of the season, starting with a 1:10pm home game versus the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (5/28). The complete schedule is...

May 28 -Lehigh Valley (1:05 p.m.)
July 6 -@Rochester (7:05 p.m.)
July 19 -Toledo (1:05 p.m.)
Aug. 13 -Rochester (1:05 p.m.)
Aug. 31 -Rochester (7:05 p.m.)

Bisons Roster Starts to Take Shape

Jonathon Niese and Robinson Cancel were among eight players optioned to AAA Buffalo yesterday by the Mets. The move essentially guarantees that the fifth starter spot in the Mets rotation will go to Livan Hernandez, who has done well in proving himself this spring. Neise expressed his dissapointment, stating, ""I'm disappointed, not at anyone but myself. It's just one of those things."

Catcher Robinson Cancel, who played 27 games with the Mets last year (2.45 BA), also will join the Bisons on opening day. Click here to see the updated Bisons roster.

Bisons Announce Radio and Television Schedule

Bisons.com has announced its radio and television schedule for the upcoming season. Entercom's WWKB 152, the Bisons flagship station, will carry all 144 games. Newsradio 930 WBEN will air 22 Sunday Bisons games, and WGR SportsRadio 550 will air "Game of the Week" broadcasts, with a specific schedule yet to be determined. Time Warner Cable SportsNet Channel 13 will broadcast 37 games throughout the season, including the home opener against the Pawtucket Red Sox on April ninth. All games will continue to be available, free of charge, at bisons.com.

Behind the mic will be the"Voice of the Bisons" Ben Wagner, color analyst Duke McGuire and new addtion Joel Godett, who joins the Bisons from the Salem Avalanche (A).

Buffalo News Slams WBC

Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News wrote an article yesterday pointing out all all of the shortcomings of the World Baseball Classic. Topping his list were:

1. Marquee Stars Refusing to Play (see Ryan Howard)

2. The Negative Effect on Spring Training Programs

3. Potential for Injury

I, for one, am so starved for baseball in March that I'd watch a beer-league softball game if it was televised. I also appreciate the fervor of international fans, who view the Classic as a means of celebrating their respective country's baseball legacy. There are interesting side stories as well, like David Wright and Jimmy Rollins sharing a bench together. There are comeback stories, like Pedro Martinez throwing four scoreless innings against the Netherlands (I know, it was the Netherlands, after all).

Adam Dunn, gave his endorsement last night when he described the Classic as, "a playoff atmosphere" and "better than the All-Star Game." What more could we, as baseball fans, hope for in the middle of March?

Read the Article

Garcia and Hernandez Start Today's Games

The Mets played two games today, sending one squad to play the Nationals in Viera, Florida while another squad played the annual exhibition game against the University of Michigan at Tradition Field. Three potential leading men for the Bisons, Tim Redding, Livan Hernandez and Freddy Garcia, took the mound.

Hernandez allowed 2 run on 4 hits and 0 walks in 3.0 IP.

Garcia allowed 3 hits and 0 runs in 2.0 IP

Tim Redding allowed 5 runs on 5 hits in 1/3 IP, ouch.

Bisons Roster Predictions: Position Players

As spring training rolls along, players on the bubble for making the Mets opening day roster have started to make their cases:

Angel Pagan, who is vying for a bench spot, is batting .467 in fifteen at-bats thus far. His value carries onto the field as well, where he is well equipped to play all three outfield positions. We won't be seeing him in Buffalo.

Fernando Tatis is just 1 for 5 thus far, but can play both infield and outfield positions well. He's a right-handed bat that batted .297 last year in over 273 at-bats.

Nick Evans started out hot last year when called up to the Mets. His bat quickly cooled and he ended the season with .257 average in 109 at-bats. Although he stumbled around left field last year, his main value would be as a back-up to Carlos Delgado.

Marlon Anderson is 2 for 8 so far in spring training, an improvement over his horrific 2008 season. His left-handed bat is another strike against him.

Jeremy Reed has the benefit of a large contract keeping him out of the minors. He's batting .400 thus far and can play all outfield positions.

Cory Sullivan picked up this offseason, played with the Rockies over the last four years. He's in direct competition with Reed and Anderson for a bench spot, and has two hits in 9 at-bats this spring training.

Buffalo Bisons Job Fair Scheduled

For anyone who love the Bisons so much they'd like to work for them for $7.40/hr, the team has announced a job fair for Saturday, March 7th at Coca-Cola Field. Available positions include servers, concession attendants, gift shop employees, grounds crew members, etc.

Read the Article

David Wright and Team USA on David Letterman

David Wright and other members of Team USA are scheduled to present David Letterman's 'Top Ten List' on Thursday, according to CBS. Team USA plays Canada in their first game at the Rogers Centre in Toronto on Saturday at 2:00pm. The game will be televised on ESPN 2.

In other news you've already heard, A-Rod will likely miss the WBC due to a cyst found on his hip. The Yankees announced on Tuesday that Rodriguez will travel to Vail, Colo., where he is to be examined and evaluated by Dr. Marc Phillipon, a hip specialist at the Steadman-Hawkins Clinic.

Torey Lovullo Hit By Shattered Bat

Former Buffalo Bisons player and Manager Torey Lovullo was struck above the eye during the fourth inning of the Indians/Rockies games yesterday. Lovullo has a significant black eye and received nine stitches to his forehead. This news according to Anthony Castrovince at mlb.com. (Oh, and yes it was a maple bat)

Read the Article

Bisons Offer Online Ticket Rebate

The Bisons are offering a $2.00 ticket rebate for online purchases through their website. Also available are flex-packs, a build your own 'pick-a-pack, BPO July 3rd tickets, and family four-packs. I couldn't seem to access individual tickets, though, as the schedule still isn't showing the little green 'T'.

Mets Depart for World Baseball Classic

Fifteen members of Mets Spring Training departed for the World Baseball Classic today. Six will play for Puerto Rico, two for Mexico and two for the United States. This is also the time the GM's and managers go to church every Sunday, walk around with rosary beads and rabbits' feet, call their mothers to tell them they love them, etc.

The players are:

Carlos Beltran (Puerto Rico)
Shawn Bowman (Canada)
Alex Cora (Puerto Rico)
Carlos Delgado (Puerto Rico)
Elmer Dessens (Mexico)
Jesus Feliciano (Puerto Rico)
Pedro Feliciano (Puerto Rico)
Nelson Figueroa (Puerto Rico)
Oliver Perez (Mexico)
J.J. Putz (USA)
Jose Reyes (Dominican Republic)
Francisco Rodriquez (Venezuela)
Ruben Tejada (Panama)
Stefan Welch (Australia)
David Wright (USA)

The Mets and Red Sox top the list of MLB teams for number of players sent (15). Click here to see the complete list of MLB players participating, here to see the brackets, and here to see the current schedule.

Mets Wallop Astros 13-1

Yesterday, the Mets trounced the Houston Astros by a score of 13-1. John Maine was the game's starter, and threw two innings allowing one run on one hit and two walks. Brian Schneider had five RBI's including a grand slam, Carlos Delgado and Ramon Castro split six RBI's.

Freddy Garcia starts the Mets next Grapefruit League game on Tuesday at 1:10pm. The game will air on SNY

Complete Boxscore

Red Wings to Star in PBS Reality Show

Milb.com reports that the Rochester Red Wings will be featured in an upcoming PBS series titled "Minor League." The show will cover the Red Wings 2009 season and will air in thirteen 30 minute episodes in February of 2010. According to the report:

"MINOR LEAGUE will not only take a historical look at the Red Wings but bring you inside the clubhouse to see what it takes to make it to "THE SHOW" from a player's perspective. See the physical and mental challenges players/coaches deal with on a daily basis, promotions to the Major Leagues, life outside the ballpark, and much more. "

Read the Article

Tigers Defeat Mets 7-2

The Detroit Tigers defeated the New York Mets today by a score of 7-2. Jon Niese picked up the loss, allowing two runs on two hits with two walks in two innings. The Mets offense was generated by Bobby Kielty, a January Minor League pickup from the Red Sox, and Josh Thole, who batted .300 in 347 at bats for the St. Lucue Mets in 2008. Both may find themselves on the Bisons' roster come March. The Mets take on the Houston Astros tomorrow at 1:10pm.

Click here for a complete box score.

Buffalo Bisons Tutorial

Part I: Team History

Part II: Coca-Cola Field

Part III: Coaching Staff

Part IV: The North Division

Buffalo Bisons Tutorial Part 3: Coaching Staff

Manager: Ken Oberkfell played 16 years (1977-1992) in the majors for six different teams including the 1982 World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals. His coaching career began in the independent leagues, and a stint with the Mohawk Valley Landsharks of the Northeast League. His first Minor League job was with the Piedmont Boll Weivels, a Phillies 'A' affiliate. He was then promoted to the High 'A' Clearwater Phillies.

Oberkfell began his Mets career coaching the Capital City Bombers. He rose through the ranks quickly, managing the St. Lucie Mets and Binghamton Mets before being promoted to the AAA Norfolk Tides in 2005. In that year he was recognized as Minor League Manager of the Year. In the storm that was 2008, he was promoted to replace Tom Nieto as First Base Coach of the New York Mets. This offseason Oberkfell was named Manager of the 2009 Buffalo Bisons.

Pitching Coach: Ricky Bones joined the Mets organization on January 9, 2006 when he was named the Pitching Coach of the St. Lucie Mets. In 2007 and 2008, he served in the same capacity for the Binghamton Mets. He was named pitching coach of Triple-A Buffalo for the 2009 season. Bones pitched in the big leagues for 11 seasons. He made his debut with the Padres in 1991 and played for six teams, concluding his career with the Marlins in 2001.

Batting Coach: Luis Natera served five years as a minor league player. in 2003-4 he served as Hitting Coach for the Kingsport Mets (A). After a two year stint with the Hagerstown Suns, he assumed Hitting Coach duties with the St. Lucie mets (2007). In 2008 he acted as Hitting Coach for the Binghamton Mets (AA) and at the end of the season was named to the same position with the 2009 Buffalo Bisons.

Buffalo Bisons Tutorial Part 2: Coca-Cola Field

The current home of the Buffalo Bisons is Coca-Cola Field. The stadium was opened on April 14th. 1988, and was designed by HOK Sport. Over the years, the stadium has been known as "Pilot Field"," "The Downtown Ballpark," "North AmeriCare Park," and most recently "Dunn Tire Park." In December of 2008 an agreement was reached to rename the stadium "Coca-Cola Field".

Capacity: 19,500

Surface: Natural Grass

Left Field: 325ft.
Center Field: 404ft.
Right Field: 325 ft

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Buffalo Bisons Tutorial Part 1: Team History

In an effort to make myself a more knowledgeable Bisons blogger, and for the benefit of new Bisons fans that may arise as a result of the team's transfer to the Mets, I'm going to start a series known as, "The Buffalo Bisons Tutorial." The name is self-explanatory and begins...NOW!

Part 1: Team History

The Buffalo Bisons were originally a Major League team in the National League from 1879–1885. In 1886, the team moved to the Minor Leagues and joined the original International League. In 1970, due to poor attendance, the team was transferred to Manitoba (huh?) and subsequently to Hampton Roads, Virginia. The Buffalo Bisons of the Eastern League (AA) were formed in 1979, the result of a purchase of the Jersey City A's. After six seasons in the AA, the Bisons joined the AAA 'American League' in 1985. When that league folded, the Bisons took the place of the Wichita Aeros and returned to AAA greatness in the current International League.

The Buffalo Bisons have won the coveted Governor's Cup six times in their history, in 1933, 1936, 1957, 1961, and 2004.

On a more obscure note, the classic baseball film "The Natural" was filmed at the former home of the Buffalo Bisons, War Memorial Stadium.

Admission of Guilt

To Commissioner Selig:

Forgive me Father, for I have sinned in both word and deed. I have always treated the AAA as a stepping stone for aspiring players, a purgatory for average players, and a graveyard for veteran players. I have used the AAA for its cheap ticket prices and close proximity to my home. I have never followed an International League pennant race, in fact I could not name a Governor's Cup Champion of any year. In sad and sorry fact, I had to google the name of the International League Championship trophy before I wrote this confession.

Now that the Buffalo Bisons are the AAA affiliate of the New York Mets, I promise to respect the team as its own entity, to become passionate about the IL North Division, and I solemnly promise to commit the same emotions to my now beloved Buffalo Bisons as I do my beloved New York Mets.

contact

William Harris
PO Box 500
Alfred, NY 14802

william@bisonsbeat.com

Buffalo Bisons Blog

Buffalo Bisons News

Bisons Tutorial Part 4: The North Division

The International League is divided into three divisions: North, South and West. The Buffalo Bisons play in the North Division, along with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, Pawtucket Red Sox, Rochester Red Wings (Minnesota Twins), Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals), and Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs (Philadelphia Phillies). The teams play a total of 144 +/- games during the regular season, after which is a four team playoff (the three division winners plus one wildcard team). In the playoffs, the North Division Champion always plays the wildcard team in a 5-game series, while the South and West Divisions compete in the same fashion. The winners of those series compete for the Governor's Cup in another five game series. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees were last year's Governor's Cup Champions, defeating the Durham Bulls in four games, the last of which being a 20-2 rout.

Click here to see all of the teams, their respective divisions, and last year's regular season records.