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Results tagged ' Johan Yan '
Your Early November Fall Ball Update
The regular season ended two months ago, but there is still baseball being played all over the world. Many fall and winter leagues have been playing for several weeks, and plenty of former and future RoughRiders are in action. Here's an update on some familiar names and ones that will become familiar to 'Riders fans in just a few months.
Note: For a variety of reasons, many of these off-season leagues tend to dramatically favor strong offensive numbers, especially in the Arizona Fall League. So you should take some of the impressive offensive numbers (and poor pitching stats, for that matter) with a grain of salt.
ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE (Surprise Saguaros)
1B Chris McGuiness: The former Citadel star, who enjoyed a productive 2012 in Frisco, has played in a team-high 19 games for the Saguaros, hitting .314 with a triple-slash of .410/.543/.952. He's tied for the AFL lead with four home runs and 20 RBI. He's hit four doubles and has as many walks (11) as he does strikeouts. He was named the co-Player of the Week in the AFL in week one, sharing the honor with former Corpus Christi Hooks first baseman Jon Singleton. He was also the only Rangers farmhand named to the AFL Rising Stars Game, going 0-for-2 with a pair of fly outs.
SS Hanser Alberto: The recently minted 20-year-old split 2012 between the Rangers' two Single-A affiliates in Hickory and Myrtle Beach and could very easily break camp in spring training as a RoughRider. He's currently third in the AFL in batting average with a .360 clip in 14 games to go along with a double, two triples and six RBI. While he has stolen three bases, he's also been caught four times (he was 24-for-31 in steals during the regular season).
SS Luis Sardinas: Another young middle infielder, the 19-year-old Venezuelan is batting .316 with a home run, two doubles and four runs batted in through nine games. He played this past season for Hickory and would seem to be a candidate to reach Frisco at some point in 2013 unless things bottom out for him in Myrtle Beach.
C Kellin Deglan:The former first round pick (22nd overall in 2010) out of Canada struggled at the plate for Hickory this past season and things have continued for him out in Arizona. In eight games, he is batting .172 with no extra-base hits, one RBI and four runs scored. He is only 20-years-old and has never played above Single-A, so don't push the panic button just yet.
RHP Ryan Rodebaugh: After struggling with an oblique injury that sidelined him for more than a month early in the season, the former Kennesaw State Owl put together a very good campaign in his first season at the Double-A level. In eight AFL games, "Rodey" is 0-1 with a 3.09 ERA, 11 strikeouts and four walks in 11.2 innings. Since allowing four runs through his first three appearances, he has thrown seven straight scoreless frames.
RHP Joe Van Meter: It was a short stint in the AFL for Van Meter, who was shut down with a sore right shoulder after two starts. He had given up four runs on nine hits and four walks with four strikeouts in six innings. The former two-way star at VCU spent most of the season with Myrtle Beach but made three appearances in a RoughRiders uniform in the second half.
RHP Ben Henry: Henry replaced Van Meter on the Saguaros roster and has appeared in three games. He owns a 10.50 ERA (7 ER in 6 IP) with four strikeouts and seven walks in six innings. He spent most of this past season with Myrtle Beach, but missed the last month of the year due to injury.
RHP Ben Rowen: A likely closer candidate for the RoughRiders next season, Rowen won a MiLBY Award for the best reliever in Minor League Baseball this past season while pitching for the Pelicans. In the AFL, he has thrown in 11 games and has posted a 4.22 ERA in 10.2 innings. The submariner has eight strikeouts and four walks with a .195 opponents' batting average.
LHP Jimmy Reyes: The former Elon Phoenix has been the most impressive Rangers pitcher in the AFL this year. Reyes, who spent all of 2012 in Myrtle Beach and finished Nick Tepesch's May no-hitter, has yielded just two unearned runs on six hits in seven appearances (10 IP) with no walks and seven strikeouts. He also picked up a win in his first AFL game on October 10.
C Jose Felix: The RoughRiders' catcher in each of the past three seasons is playing for the Algodoneros de Guasave (or, the Guasave Cotton Growers for those who are a little rusty on their Español). After showing solid improvement at the plate for the 'Riders in 2012, he has looked good with Guasave, hitting .407 with three doubles and seven RBI in ten games and a triple-slash line of .393/.519/.911. And yes, Felix's OBP is lower than his batting average, as he has not walked yet this off-season. He walked a ludicrous five times in 306 plate appearances during the regular season.
OF Joey Butler: The former RoughRider (2010 & 2011) is suiting up for the Venados de Mazatlán (Mazatlán Deer; yes, teams in the Mexican Pacific League have silly names. We should feature them on a blog post soon) after a very solid 2012 campaign with Triple-A Round Rock. Butler has struggled, however, for Mazatlán, hitting .228 with four doubles, a homer and five RBI in 17 games.
LHP Chad Bell: The Knoxville lefty made Frisco the middle stop on his three-team climb this past season (starting in Myrtle and ending in Round Rock). He has been hit hard by DWL opposition, going 0-1 with a 7.45 ERA in five games (three starts) with eight strikeouts and three walks in 9.2 innings.
3B Mike Olt: Frisco's big-bopper in 2012 became a Ranger in early August when the big club called him up directly from the Texas League. Although his two injury-plagued months in the big leagues were underwhelming, he is still considered a big-time corner infield prospect. In ten games for Licey, Olt is hitting .286 with four doubles, one home run, five RBI and a triple-slash of .474/.536/1.009. His fine DWL performance was interrupted when he was hit in the head by a pitch on November 3 and he has yet to play since.
SS Jurickson Profar: Über-prospect Profar recently joined Licey, but has yet to play in a game. He spent nearly the entire 2012 season in Frisco until the Rangers called him up to the Major League squad when rosters expanded in September.
OF Engel Beltre: When he is not promoting proper recycling techniques, Beltre has been lighting up the DWL just like he did the Texas League at times this past season. The four-season RoughRiders centerfielder is batting .381 in 15 games for Licey with a double, five triples, ten RBI, 13 runs scored and a triple-slash of .435/.643/1.078. He leads the league in average, triples and OPS and is second in OBP and slugging.
OF Leonys Martin: The 2011 RoughRider split this past season
between Round Rock and the Rangers and, like Beltre, has been a solid performer in the DWL. In 17 games, he is batting .288 with four doubles, a triple, two home runs, 14 RBI and 14 runs scored.
IF LEURY GARCIA: The only Rangers farmhand on Ciboa, Garcia has looked pretty similar to the player he was in Frisco this past season. In 16 games he is batting .273 with four doubles, a triple, two home runs (he had three for the 'Riders in 2012, including the playoffs), six RBI and seven runs scored. Garcia is a strong candidate to begin next season with Round Rock.
LHP Ben Snyder: After spending parts of 2010 and 2011 with Frisco, Snyder pitched for Round Rock during the 2012 season. In five games (three starts) for Oriente, he is 2-1 with a 2.40 ERA, six strikeouts and ten walks in 15 innings.
RHP Johan Yan: Frisco's closer for the first two months of 2012, Yan struggled after his promotion to Triple-A (5.03 ERA). He has performed a bit better in winter ball, going 1-0 with a 4.26 ERA in eight games. The submarine pitcher has posted an impressive 12-2 strikeout-to-walk ratio and 6:1 groundout/flyout ratio in 6.1 innings.
RHP Fabio Castillo: Castillo split 2012 between Frisco and Round Rock after spending the previous two seasons as a RoughRider. He has been good in limited action with los Toros, allowing just an unearned run on three hits in 4.1 innings over six appearances. He has two walks and two strikeouts while pitching for his hometown (La Romana) club.
RHP Jose Diaz: The portly Diaz, who pitched for Frisco in 2009, spent 2012 with Indianapolis (Pittsburgh) of the Triple-A International League. In ten games for los Toros, he is 1-1 with a 2.79 ERA, 12 strikeouts, one walk and seven hits allowed in 9.2 innings.
RHP Carlos Pimentel: Pimentel seemed to be effectively wild or wildly effective at points this season for the 'Riders, but not so effective for los Leones. In six games (one start), he owns a 10.57 ERA (9 ER, 7.2 IP) with a .343 opponents' batting average. Still, with his solid year in Frisco he would seem to be a good bet to begin next season with Round Rock.
The Puerto Rican League just began play on November 8. The Rangers farmhands on Ponce include OF Mike Bianucci ('Riders 2011), C Jorge Alfaro, C Kevin Torres, 1B/OF Brandon Snyder, LHP Tim Murphy ('Riders 2010, 2012), LHP Alexander Claudio, RHP Alex De La Cruz, RHP Jon Edwards ('Riders 2012) and RHP Angelo Leclerc.
RHP Wilfredo Boscan: The RoughRiders' 2011 Opening Day starter, Boscan spent the first half of 2012 pitching in relief for Frisco before performing very well as a starter in the second half of the season. He has continued that success for Zulia, going 0-1 with a 0.81 ERA in five starts. He has struck out 15 and walked six batters in 22.1 innings while opponents are hitting .228 off of him. The 23-year-old will likely start next season as a RoughRider once again.
LHP Joseph Ortiz: Affectionately nicknamed "Mini-Me," the 5'7" Ortiz put together a superb 2012 season between Frisco and Round Rock. With La Guaira, he is 0-2 in 12 games with a 3.48 ERA, eight strikeouts and three walks in 10.1 innings and batters are hitting .200 against him. He will challenge for a spot in the Rangers bullpen during spring training.
RHP Jose Mavare: The 22-year-old Barquisimeto native spent 2012 with Hickory pitching out of the bullpen and could be a candidate to reach Frisco in the second half of next season. He has been hit hard in the VWL, allowing five runs on eight hits in six innings with five walks and six strikeouts.
RHP Randol Rojas: Rojas split 2012 between the Single-A affiliates, spending most of his time with Myrtle Beach. He has yet to appear in a game for los Navegantes.
RHP Wilmer Font: The hulking right-hander's first season coming off Tommy John surgery was a resounding success. Font spent most of the season with the Pelicans before joining the RoughRiders in August, dazzling the Texas League with a blazing fastball and then earning a promotion to the Rangers in mid-September. He has not pitched yet for Caracas.
RHP Richard Alvarez: After pitching for Spokane for most the season, Alvarez made one appearance out of the bullpen for Hickory. Like Font, he has not yet thrown for Caracas.
IF Guilder Rodriguez: The longtime Minor League veteran Rodriguez was recently re-signed by the Rangers and may be back in Frisco for a fifth consecutive year in 2013. In 15 games for Lara, G-Rod is batting .147 with two RBI and a pair of runs scored.
– Alex V.
Season in Review: May
The 2012 Frisco RoughRiders season was an unquestioned success. The 'Riders won the first half South Division title, finished with an 80-60 record (good for the second-best overall mark in the Texas League) and advanced to the Texas League Championship Series before losing to the Springfield Cardinals. Along the way, there were standout performances from big-time prospects, thrilling games and terrific storylines. Before looking ahead to the 2013 season, we look back at a special 2012 campaign that proved to be a memorable one for the 'Riders.
Record: 17-11 (T-1st of 8 TL teams)
Average: .268 (2nd)
Home Runs: 24 (3rd)
ERA: 3.27 (2nd)
Top Offensive Players: Mike Olt (.333-5-23, 7 2B, 16 R, .437/.556/.993, 3-3 SB), Jurickson Profar (.322-3-14, 9 2B, 2 3B, 21 R, .385/.513/.898, 3-5 SB), Zach Zaneski (.429-1-8), 3 2B, 7 R, .489/.571/1.061)
Top Pitchers: Chad Bell (7 G, 3 GS, 1-0, 0.69 ERA, 1-1 SV, 0.62 WHIP, .131 BAA), Justin Grimm (6 GS, 4-2, 2.08 ERA, 34.2 IP, 30 K, 6 BB), Joseph Ortiz (10 G, 0-1, 1.74 ERA, 2-3 SV, 10.1 IP, 8 H, 13 K ,3 BB, 1.06 WHIP, .211 BAA), Ross Wolf (9 G, 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 13.2 IP, 9 H, 0 R, 16 K, 3 BB, 3.75 GO/AO, 0.88 WHIP, .188 BAA)
After a solid opening month, the RoughRiders continued their steady ascent in the Texas League in May. Frisco held at least a share of first place in the TL South for every day in April and claimed sole possession of the division lead for all of May as well. The 'Riders began the month by winning seven of their first nine games and held a season-best five-game lead over Midland in the division by May 12.
It wasn't until Frisco's first trip to west Texas in the middle of the month that Steve Buechele's squad lost a second series for the season. The 'Riders first foray to Citibank Ballpark, home of the RockHounds, proved to be a frustrating experience. Midland walked off with a win in the first game before Frisco rallied the next day to win by one run. Big innings hurt the RoughRiders in each of the next two games, as the 'Hounds had six-run and five-run innings in the next two games respectively to win the series. Frisco responded by winning eight of the final 12 games of the month to steady the ship and tie for the best record in the league during the month.
The team's success coincided with a remarkable period of roster stability, a rarity in this age of baseball. Frisco benefitted from the Rangers' relative health and between April 29 and May 23, there were no roster moves made. That changed later in the month when the 'Riders suffered their first true loss in the game of musical chairs that is in-season player movement. Closer Johan Yan, who was leading the Texas League with ten saves, was promoted to Triple-A Round Rock on May 25 where he would remain for the rest of the season. Yan's worth was evident in that the team was 12-3 in games decided by one run while he was a RoughRider.
During May, the team continued to get excellent work from Justin Grimm, wins from Barret Loux (5-0, but his ERA in the month rose to 4.71), terrific relief from the likes of Joseph Ortiz, Fabio Castillo, Trevor Hurley and Yan, and solid production from newly converted reliever Chad Bell. The lefty from Tennessee, who arrived in late April from Myrtle Beach, impressed in the bullpen enough to earn a starting role. In both functions, he combined to post a 0.69 ERA and kept hitters off-guard by working all parts of the strike zone with his deceptive delivery.
Offensively, Mike Olt began to hit his stride offensively, raising his season batting average by 44 points and hitting five home runs with 23 RBI. His teammate on the left side of the infield continued to improve as well. Jurickson Profar continued a hit streak and on-base streak that began in April deep into May. Profar ended up hitting in 29 straight games from April 19 – May 19, tied for the second-longest hit streak in either Major or Minor League Baseball this past season, and he reached base in every game he played over the month. Meanwhile, backup catcher Zach Zaneski earned himself more playing time by continuing to produce offensively every time he was given the opportunity.
With a four-game lead in the division and just two more weeks left until the end of the season's first half, another trip to the postseason was looking like a stronger possibility by the day for the RoughRiders.
May 1: Tim Murphy and two relievers combine on a 2-0 shutout effort at San Antonio. The Frisco pitchers outduel former RoughRider Robbie Erlin, who allows two runs in eight innings. Erlin was part of the Mike Adams trade in July of 2011and was a member of the 'Riders when the deal was made.
May 5: The 'Riders host the RockHounds on Cinco de Mayo in the first game between the top two teams in the South Division. Trailing by a run in the seventh inning, Frisco strikes for two tallies in the bottom of the frame to win 3-2. Joseph Ortiz tosses 1.2 perfect innings for the save while Jurickson Profar extends his hitting streak to 16 games with a third inning single.
May 7: In a matchup of two players that would soon be in the big leagues, Justin Grimm (6 IP, 3 H, R, BB, 5 K) tops A.J. Griffin (6 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 3 K) as the 'Riders beat Midland 4-2. Frisco scores three runs in the decisive fifth inning, capped by Ryan Strausborger's second home run of the season.
May 8: The RoughRiders beat up another future Major League hurler, Dan Straily (5.1 IP, 7 H, 5 R, BB, 6 K), in a 9-3 win to capture the series victory. Later that day, Grimm is named the Rangers' "Minor League Pitcher of the Month" for April.
May 10: Frisco wallops Corpus Christi 10-2 in the first game of a series in south Texas. Profar runs his hit streak to 20 games with a 2-for-6 effort while Barret Loux (5.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 6 K) improves to 7-0 on the season. The true star is Brad Hawpe, who goes 4 for 5 with a double, one run batted in and three runs scored in the game. After the game Hawpe moves into second place in the Texas League in both batting average (.338) and on-base percentage (.455) but struggles moving forward.
May 14: After splitting their series in Corpus, the 'Riders pay their first visit to Midland and go on to lose in walk-off fashion for the first time in 2012. After Chris McGuiness was robbed of an RBI single on a line drive back to the pitcher to end the top of the ninth inning, Shane Peterson wins it for the RockHounds with a bases-loaded RBI hit off Ortiz to give Midland a 6-5 victory.
May 15:Johan Yan enters the ninth inning with a 5-3 lead over Midland but commits an error, gives up a run and loads the bases with one out. He gets out of the jam thanks to a spectacular stop and glove flip by second baseman Guilder Rodriguez that starts a game-ending 4-6-3 double play. Frisco wins 5-4 as Loux becomes the Minors' first eight-game winner.
May 18: On the heels of their second series defeat of the season, the 'Riders look worn down against former big leaguer and San Antonio Mission Josh Geer, who takes a no-hitter into the eighth inning. Jared Prince breaks it up with a double to start off the frame, but Frisco goes on to lose 5-2. Profar narrowly extends his hitting streak to 28 games by tripling in his final at bat in the ninth inning.
May 19: A night after nearly being no-hit, the 'Riders come close to no-hitting San Antonio in a 13-0 victory. Chad Bell (4 IP), Carlos Pimentel (3 IP) and Corey Young (0.2 IP) combine to get to within four outs of the no-no but Young allows a double to Jeudy Valdez with two outs in the frame to spoil the bid. Profar wastes no time in moving his hit streak to 29 games, the longest in the Minors at that point, with a first inning double. Mike Olt closes the affair with a two-run home run in the eighth inning, his ninth of the season.
May 20: Profar fails to get a base hit in a game for the first time since April 17, ending his 29-game hitting streak in a 2-1 Frisco win over the Missions. By the end of the season, the streak would be tied for the second-longest in Major or Minor League Baseball in 2012. Profar does work a walk in the fourth inning to push his consecutive games on-base streak to 39.
May 21: Yan blows his first career save by giving up two runs in the ninth inning to San Antonio. He had been 25-for-25 in save opportunities since he converted from playing infield before today. His offense, with some help from a fortuitous Jonathan Galvez error, picks him up by scoring a pair of runs in the bottom of the ninth inning en route to a 6-5 win.
May 23 – 25: Division leaders Frisco and Tulsa play for the first time at the Drillers' ONEOK Field. Tulsa wins two of three games to claim the series victory, in part thanks to a walk-off wild pitch uncorked by Wilfredo Boscan in the series finale.
May 26: The 'Riders score five runs in the bottom of the first inning off Northwest Arkansas' Chris Dwyer, but the lead is short-lived as Loux surrenders five runs as well in the bottom of the frame. The big righty settles down to pitch six innings as the offense provides four more runs in a 9-6 win. Loux improves to 10-0 in his first ten starts of the season, setting a new Frisco record for most consecutive victories.
May 27: Hawpe, mired in a slump, goes 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in what proves to be his last game of the season, one the 'Riders lose 9-5 to the Naturals. Since his four-hit game on May 10, the former Major League All-Star has hit .130 (6-for-46) with no extra-base hits and one RBI.
May 28: Memorial Day becomes truly memorable for one RoughRider as Val Majewski and Alex Buchholz combine on back-to-back solo home runs off Northwest Arkansas' Noel Arguelles in a game Frisco wins 9-6. It was Majewski's first and only home run of the season; he goes 3-for-5 with another RBI and run scored for the day.
May 31: Frisco closes out the month of May with a 10-4 win at home over Tulsa. After a few days off, Hawpe goes on the disabled list with elbow fatigue (he had "Tommy John" surgery on his left elbow the previous August). Three weeks later he is granted his release by the Rangers organization and does not play again in 2012.
Coming tomorrow: A look back at the month of June.
– Alex V.
Season in Review: April
The 2012 Frisco RoughRiders season was an unquestioned success. The 'Riders won the first half South Division title, finished with an 80-60 record (good for the second-best overall mark in the Texas League) and advanced to the Texas League Championship Series before losing to the Springfield Cardinals. Along the way, there were standout performances from big-time prospects, thrilling games and terrific storylines. Before looking ahead to the 2013 season, we look back at a special 2012 campaign that proved to be a memorable one for the 'Riders. (All photos by Alex Yocum-Beeman/Frisco RoughRiders)
Record: 15-9 (2nd of 8 TL teams)
Average: .263 (3rd)
Home Runs: 26 (2nd)
ERA: 3.08 (2nd)
Top Offensive Players: Brad Hawpe (.321-3-8, .459/.554/1.013), Leury Garcia (.309-0-2, 2 2B, 3 3B)
Top Pitchers: Justin Grimm (5 GS, 4-1, 1.59 ERA, 28.1 IP, 27 K, 6 BB, .194 BAA), Barret Loux (5 GS, 5-0, 1.63 ERA, 27.2 IP, 28 K, 8 BB), Carlos Pimentel (6 G, 2 GS, 2-1, 1/1 SV, 1.35 ERA, 20 IP, 24 K, .174 BAA), Johan Yan (10 G, 0.87 ERA, 5/5 SV, .158 BAA)
High expectations can be a two-edged sword. On one hand, they can elevate preexisting senses of hope and confidence. A baseball team from which a lot is expected can thrive on the positive mojo and can achieve success. Conversely, that hype has the ability to crush a team under the weight of those expectations and it underperforms. Even if a team doesn't collapse, the odds of it failing the live up to high expectations are much greater than actually meeting them.
Enter the 2012 Frisco RoughRiders. With Frisco previously fielding playoff teams in six of the nine previous seasons, the expectations were already there for another successful season. But on top of that, Baseball America tabbed the RoughRiders as the third-most talented roster of players among all 120 full-season Minor League squads. The respected industry publication cited the presence of big-time infield prospects Jurickson Profar (number one on BA's list of top Texas Rangers prospects), Mike Olt (three) and Leury Garcia (11) as well as pitchers Justin Grimm (15), Barret Loux (20) and Miguel De Los Santos (29). Throw in the toolsy, but mercurial Engel Beltre and 2011 Carolina League All-Stars Jared Prince, Ryan Strausborger and Zach Zaneski and it's easy to see why Baseball America had its eye on the 'Riders.
But talented Minor League squads filled with prospects do not always translate into good teams. More often than not, it seems that rosters made up of older players with years of experience in their respective leagues have the most success and win championships.
The RoughRiders bucked those odds and finished April with the second-best record in the Texas League through a balanced combination of fantastic pitching and steady offense. From out of the gate, the team's pitching staff was dominant. Justin Grimm anchored a rotation that anchored five intriguing prospects while the bullpen featured hard throwers aplenty. While the offense got off to a slow start (13 runs in the first five games), it rebounded nicely and proved to be the most dynamic in the TL.
April 4: Before the regular season begins, the RoughRiders host the parent club Texas Rangers in an exhibition game. Making the occasion even more interesting, prized Japanese import Yu Darvish makes the start for Ron Washington's club in his first pitching appearance in his new home market. Darvish does not disappoint, tossing four scoreless innings with two hits and two walks allowed to go along with five strikeouts as the Major Leaguers best the 'Riders 6-1.
April 5: The RoughRiders begin the regular season in Missouri with a 1-0 win over the Springfield Cardinals. Frisco's only run scores on a Jose Felix sacrifice fly while Justin Grimm (5.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, BB, 10 K) is brilliant in his Double-A debut.
April 6: Frisco falls 4-1 to the Cardinals with the team's only run coming on Mike Olt's first home run of the season. Earlier in the day the Rangers re-sign long-time big league outfielder and Westlake, Texas native Brad Hawpe and assign him to Frisco. Hawpe underwent "Tommy John" surgery while playing for the Padres in August of 2011.
April 7: In what was the first of many, Barret Loux earns his first win of the season in a 6-1 victory over Springfield in the series finale. Loux works out of trouble in nearly every inning (six hits and two walks) but does not allow a run over five frames. Hawpe leads the way by going 3-for-4 with a home run in his first at bat. He finishes a triple shy of the cycle with two runs scored and two RBI.
April 8: The 'Riders continue their season-opening road trip with an extra-innings 3-2 win on Easter Sunday at Arkansas. Felix hits a soft single to left-center field in the 11th inning that scores Engel Beltre from second base to win it. Jurickson Profar snaps his 0-for-13 start to the season by hitting a first pitch home run in the fifth inning to the deepest park of Dickey-Stephens Park.
April 14: In a showcase of two of the best position player prospects in the Minors, both Profar and Springfield's Oscar Taveras hit first inning solo home runs in a game the RoughRiders eventually win 6-2. Profar officially puts his first week struggles (2 for 26 to begin 2012) to bed with a 3-for-4 night at the plate.
April 16: Frisco beats Arkansas 2-1 behind another excellent performance by Grimm (6.1 IP, H, 0 R, BB, 5 K) for its fourth straight victory. The win not only clinches the team's fourth straight series victory to start the season, but it also moves Steve Buechele into the top spot for most wins ever by a Frisco manager. Buechele's 155th win as the 'Riders' skipper gives him one more than Tim Ireland, who managed the team in its first two years of existence and in 2004 won Frisco's only Texas League championship.
April 19 – 22: After winning 10-0 at Corpus Christi in their first divisional game of the season, the 'Riders see their pitching get torched for 22 runs over the next three games en route to losing their first series of the season.
April 24: Following trips to the disabled list by starter Miguel De Los Santos and reliever Ryan Rodebaugh, Chad Bell is promoted to Frisco from Advanced-A Myrtle Beach. An under-the-radar prospect, Bell does not take long to impress, at first in relief and eventually as a starting pitcher. That night Olt hits his fifth home run and Profar triples in a 7-2 Frisco win over San Antonio.
April 25:The 'Riders score three first inning runs off San Antonio's Hayden Beard but cannot hold the advantage as the Missions come back to tie the game by the third. After Bell surrenders a go-ahead home run in the top of the ninth inning, Frisco ties it on Hawpe's two-out RBI double in the bottom of the inning to send the game to extra innings. However in the 11th, Jeudy Valdez burns Corey Young for an RBI single to send San Antonio to a 6-5 win in three hours and 23 minutes.
April 26: After Fabio Castillo blows a ninth inning save, the 'Riders and Missions go to extras for the second straight night and take their time to settle things. The game goes to the 13th inning when Guilder Rodriguez strokes a base hit to center field to score Chris McGuiness and send Frisco to a 6-5 win, its first walk-off victory of the year. The game takes four hours and 26 minutes to complete. Earlier in the contest, Leury Garcia pulls up lame at first base running out a bunt and is eventually placed on the disabled list where he will remain for nearly a month because of a right hip flexor.
April 27: Grimm (6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, BB, 9 K) rebounds from his first poor outing of the season to outclass the Hooks' Jarred Cosart in a 12-0 'Riders romp. Chris McGuiness crushes a three-run home run – his fifth of the season – in a six-run fifth inning. Bell throws three perfect innings (4 K) for the save.
April 29: Loux strikes out eight batters and allows two runs over six innings as the 'Riders blast Corpus 10-3. The former Texas A&M Aggie ends May tied for the MiLB lead in wins at 5-0 with a 1.63 ERA. Six Frisco players have multi-hit games, including Profar (2-for-5), who extends his hit streak to 11 games.
April 30: Despite allowing four runs over the first two innings, Jake Brigham gets bailed out by his offense in a 9-4 Frisco victory over the Hooks. Zach Zaneski, who entered the game hitting .167 (116 points below his career average) with two extra-base hits, drilled two home runs while Alex Buchholz homered and tripled to pace the offense. The triple was Frisco's 17th of the year, the most by any professional team through the season's first month.
Coming tomorrow: A look back at the month of May.
– Alex V.
RoughRiders Around the Globe
Every September when the minor league season comes to an end and fall sets in, many think that it's time for our RoughRiders to take a well earned vacation. However, what many don't realize is that minor leaguers around the country travel around the world to play winter and fall ball. These leagues provide the players a chance for additional income and the opportunity to improve their game. Here's where some RoughRiders, and other Rangers' farm-hands, will be sending post cards from this off-season:
Arizona Fall League
Players: Miguel De Los Santos, LHP; Leury Garcia, INF; Ryan Kelly, RHP; Leonys Martin, OF; Justin Miller, RHP; Mike Olt, INF; Neil Ramirez, RHP; Elio Sarmiento, C; Ryan Strausborger, OF; Johan Yan, RHP. (All play for the Surprise Saguaros).
Rangers' prospect Mike Olt was named the Arizona Fall League's Player of the Week on Monday, batting .571 (8-14) with a double, 2 home runs, 8 RBI, and 5 walks the previous week. The 23-year-old matched the Fall League's single-game high with a 6 RBI effort on Friday and represented the Rangers and Saguaros in the AFL Rising Stars Game on Saturday. The 6 RBI performance gave the University of Connecticut product a share of the AFL RBI lead (30), while he also leads the league in both home runs (8) and slugging percentage (.705).
OF Leonys Martin has seen action with the Saguaros as a member of the club's taxi squad and hit a home run in his Fall League debut on October 19…OF Ryan Strausborger has hit safely in 8 of his last 9 games, raising his season average to .327 (17-52). The Arizona Fall League regular season continues through November 17.
Mexican Winter League
Players: Cody Eppley, RHP (Obregon); Jose Felix, C (Guasave)
RHP Cody Eppley has worked out of the bullpen for the Mexican Winter League's Obregon, going 1-1 with a 3.60 ERA (6 ER/15.0 IP) over 14 appearances.
Dominican Winter League
Players: Engel Beltre, OF (Licey); Julio Borbon, OF (Escogido); Fabio Castillo, RHP (La Romana); Andres James, INF (Licey); Carlos Pimentel, RHP (Escogido).
RHP Carlos Pimentel has posted a 0.82 ERA (1 ER/11.0 IP) with 15 strikeouts against 5 walks in 8 relief outings with Escogido.
Venezuelan Winter League
Players: Wilfredo Boscan, RHP (Zulia); Joey Butler, OF (Magallanes); Joseph Ortiz, LHP (La Guaira); Renny Osuna, INF (La Guaira); Guilder Rodriguez, INF (Lara); Tanner Scheppers, RHP (Magallanes).
Pan American Games
3B Tommy Mendonca and INF Chad Tracy each took home silver medals as part of Team USA in the Pan American Games hosted by Guadalajara, Mexico on October 19-25. Mendonca batted .333 (6-18) with one home run and a tournament-high 10 RBI in 5 games for Team USA, while Tracy hit .182 (2-11) with 2 RBI in 4 games. The Americans fell 2-1 to Canada in the Gold Medal Game and finished the tournament with a 3-2 record.
Game 3 Preview – San Antonio at Frisco
Texas League South Division Series
San Antonio Missions at Frisco RoughRiders
Friday, September 9 – 7:05 p.m.
Game 3 – Series tied 1-1
The RoughRiders return home to Dr Pepper Ballpark for a crucial Game 3 after nipping the San Antonio Missions 2-1 Thursday night in Game 2 of this best-of-five series. The 'Riders scored twice in the top of the fourth and upheld that lead behind the pitching of starter Ben Snyder and relievers Richard Bleier, Johan Yan and Justin Miller. This will be the RoughRiders' 17th meeting at home against the Missions this year, and each team has won eight of the previous 16 contests.
Frisco – RHP Carlos Pimentel (7-9, 4.74 ERA): Pimentel was the only RoughRiders pitcher to remain in the starting rotation throughout the regular season. Pimentel led the 'Riders in innings pitched (142 1/3) and quality starts (12), and he finished second in strikeouts (110). Since August 7, Pimentel is 2-1 with an earned run average at 1.60. The righty is 2-0 with a 2.97 ERA in seven starts against the Missions this year.
San Antonio – RHP Casey Kelly (11-6, 3.98 ERA): After a sluggish first half, Kelly boasts a 5-3 mark and a 3.21 earned run average since starting the Texas League All-Star Game June 29. One of the key prospects in the Padres' deal with the Boston Red Sox for Adrian Gonzalez, Kelly went 1-1 with a 3.10 earned run average against Frisco this season. Over his last 13 innings of work, Kelly has allowed just one earned run and six hits.
- The RoughRiders are 1-3 all-time in Game 3 with the series tied at one game apiece. The lone victory came in the Texas League Championship Series against Round Rock in 2004, when the 'Riders won their first and only league title.
- Frisco's starting pitchers have worked 12 innings and given up just one run in this series. During those 12 frames, the Missions have stranded 13 base runners.
- Tommy Mendonca, Mike Bianucci and Jonathan Greene went a combined 0-for-9 in Frisco's Game 1 loss. Last night, the trio went 5-for-12 and scored both of the 'Riders' runs. Each notched a hit in the RoughRiders' two-run fourth.
- Want proof that this series has been pitching-heavy? The two teams have hit a combined .157 (19-for-121). Only five hitters have mustered two hits in the series.
- The RoughRiders' Game 4 starter has not been officially announced yet, but whoever it is will square off with a former Frisco hurler. Robbie Erlin will take to the mound for the Missions in Game 4, either trying to keep San Antonio alive or hoping to eliminate his former team from the postseason.
- There have been only ten runs scored through two days of the Texas League playoffs. This series has featured six runs, while Arkansas' battle with Northwest Arkansas has only brought with it four runs. The Travs lead the series 2-0 thanks to a pair of walk-off wins.
- Triple-A Round Rock faces elimination tonight at Omaha, trailing 2-0 in that best-of-five set. Low-A Hickory is also one loss away from elimination. The Crawdads host Greensboro in Game 2 of that three-game series. High-A Myrtle Beach spoiled a five-run lead in an 8-6, 11-inning loss to Kinston. That series is even at 1-1.
You can catch tonight's game, along with every 2011 playoff game, on 1630 KKGM or online here. You will hear from Frisco skipper Steve Buechele in addition to a player or two on the pre-game show, which begins at 6:35.
Playoff Perspective – Game 2
Tonight's game embodied everything that is exciting, fascinating, frustrating, and gratifying about playoff baseball. The 'Riders edged San Antonio 2-1 to even this best-of-five South Division Series at one game apiece. Here are some thoughts.
– Knowing what we know now, San Antonio lost this game in the first three innings. The Missions stranded seven runners in those frames against Ben Snyder (I'll get to him in a moment). After that, they only mustered five more runners. With Simon Castro on the bump and their awesome bullpen, the Missions could have made this series 2-0 with a few key hits in the early innings.
– Snyder did not have his best stuff, but he battled to post six scoreless innings. This outing was just as impressive as Robbie Ross' effort last night in Game 1. Snyder has now posted six straight quality starts, and he has been one of the biggest reasons the 'Riders succeeded in the regular season. His moxie in tough situations tonight kept the RoughRiders in the game and the series.
– Snyder's escapes in the first three innings were impressive, but the biggest pitch of the game came in the seventh. Richard Bleier allowed a double and an RBI single to begin his relief appearance. Then, Bleier induced a double play to erase the possible tying run from the bases. The Missions did not get another hit the rest of the game.
– I know two runs may not seem like much, but getting a pair off Castro is tough. Frisco's offense rolls when the heart of the order–Tommy Mendonca, Mike Bianucci and Jonathan Greene–is swinging well. In Game 1, the trio went 0-for-9. Tonight, they went 5-for-12 with both runs scored. Each notched a hit in the RoughRiders' two-run fourth.
– Johan Yan has been incredible for the RoughRiders. If you include his work in Games 1 and 2, Yan has a 0.31 earned run average. That's one earned run in 29 innings. Tonight, Yan zoomed through the heart of San Antonio's order and retired all four he battled, two of those outs coming on strikes.
– He has been the 'Riders' best arm in the bullpen since his promotion in mid-July. However, this was the first time this year that Yan has worked in back-to-back games. The righty threw 20 pitches in Game 1 and another 15 this evening. I would be surprised to see him available for Game 3.
– Justin Miller's efforts in the ninth inning always seem to get a bit interesting, but the right-hander always seems to get the job done. Miller has recorded 14 saves this year, and he has not blown a save since May 23. Tonight, the mid-season All-Star recorded another great showing out of the 'pen.
– The theme of the Texas League playoffs through two days has been pitching. This series has featured six runs, while Arkansas' battle with Northwest Arkansas has only brought with it four runs. The Travs lead the series 2-0 thanks to a pair of walk-off wins.
– Friday night's Game 3 is the biggest contest at Dr Pepper Ballpark since September 15, 2008, which was Game 5 of the TL Championship Series. Hope you can come out to the yard for what should be a tremendous game. Tickets are still available, so join us for a pivotal Game 3.
– Brian
'Riders in the Fall League
Once the playoffs end for the RoughRiders this year, Dr Pepper Ballpark will close its doors, the players will pack up their lockers, and everyone will deserve a long vacation. But what many don't realize is that for a number of RoughRiders, the season doesn't end. Many players travel to Venezuela, Puerto Rico, or Mexico to play in winter leagues to continue to get better and prepare for the next year.
A few select players, however, get the chance to remain stateside and play in the highly regarded Arizona Fall League. The 12-week, prospect driven league is entering its 20th season and is owned and operated by Major League Baseball. Big league All-Stars such as Derek Jeter, Albert Pujols, and Ryan Braun have all spent time in the AFL. This year, three current 'Riders have been tabbed to play in the Fall League with the Surprise Rafters.
The former 44th overall pick in the 2007 draft is 1-0 with a 1.89 ERA in Double-A this season through six starts. The bulk of his season has been spent in Triple-A Round Rock where he made 17 starts and went 4-3 and had a 3.68 ERA. The right-hander was placed on the disabled list in mid-July because of shoulder fatigue which has limited his innings in the Texas League.
When I talked with Neil following his start Thursday night in Corpus Christi he was excited to be selected for the Fall League. "It's a big honor, for sure. It's good competition and will great to see how you stack up." The righty wants to continue to hone his mechanics while he's there. "I plan on working on making good pitches and will focus on the backside of my delivery. The Fall League will also give me a good idea what my off-season conditioning will look like."
The 'Riders switch-hitting catcher has had a terrific season in Frisco. He hit .327 in 16 July games and has been a constant presence behind the plate for the 'Riders. He has always had a great rapport with the staff, but this has been his best offensive season in Double-A. Elio is batting .378 with runners on base, and is hitting .356 with runners in scoring position.
His selection to the AFL is a great way to conclude his 2011 campaign and he's clearly grateful. "I feel blessed, it's a great opportunity for me and I consider it a reward for all the hard work," His goals for the AFL season are pretty simple, "I want to finish healthy, do my best, and hope for even more opportunities with the Rangers."
The Fall League works out well for Sarmiento because he makes his off-season home in Phoenix along with his wife and two children. His mother-in-law is also in Phoenix and for just the second time, Elio's mother will visit the U.S. from Venezuela and will be able to watch him play in Surprise.
He was originally a shortstop then got too big for the position and moved to third base. Then his bat wasn't cutting it so the Rangers' moved him to the mound. That didn't work at first either. The last ditch effort was to change Yan from the traditional over-the-top delivery to a side-arm approach.
The right-hander went from thinking his playing days were over to now being selected to the top off-season league in the country. In 43 appearances combined between High-A Myrtle Beach and Frisco, Johan has allowed just eight earned runs in slightly over 66 innings of work and has a Double-A earned run average of 0.36. On August 15th against Tulsa he gave up his first earned run since June 1 when he was pitching with the Pelicans.
Like Neil and Elio, Yan is a hard worker who has really made the most of his opportunities and will only get better in Arizona.
Former 'Rider from early in the season Miguel de los Santos will also be going to Surprise to play in the AFL. He's pitched with Myrtle Beach after being placed on the DL with a shoulder injury after making six starts with Frisco.
The remaining prospects tabbed to play in Arizona who you have to imagine will be future RoughRiders are RHP Ryan Kelly, SS Leury Garcia, 3B Mike Olt, and OF Ryan Strausborger.
Congrats to Neil, Elio, Johan, and the rest of the group. We'll keep you posted on how their season goes here on the Insider Blog.
RoughRiders In The (Football) Draft
The NFL is right around the corner, which means that fantasy football drafts are taking place all over the world. The RoughRiders' front office had its draft Tuesday night. We all realized quickly that Aaron–the league's commissioner–had the best draft by far. He may go undefeated. I'm in trouble.
So, let's make some fantasy football comparisons with some of your RoughRiders. By the way, Aaron will have another fantasy football-related post tomorrow from Tulsa.
Tommy Mendonca = Arian Foster (RB, Houston): Mendonca (.285, 23 HR, 83 RBI) is finishing up a breakout season here in the Texas League, and Foster (1374 yards, 13 TDs) was the breakout star of the NFL last season. Foster is going in the first round in many drafts, and Mendonca would be near the top of most Texas League boards.
Mike Bianucci = Peyton Hillis (RB, Cleveland): Two tough, strong men who produce very well. Bianucci is third in the Texas League in home runs (27) while Hillis became the first Brown to don the cover of Madden. These two guys are beasts in their sports.
Engel Beltre = Santonio Holmes (WR, NY Jets): Both men have great speed and catch seemingly everything that comes their way, and they both do it with a little flair. Beltre is one of the best defenders in the Texas League, and Holmes is the top receiver on a contender.
Renny Osuna = Ray Rice (RB, Baltimore): Both Osuna and Rice are a bit undersized, but they both produce at a very high level. Rice is a first-round pick in fantasy football drafts, while Osuna is the RoughRiders' all-time hits leader. If you have either on your team, you have a great chance to win.
Ben Snyder = Ben Roethlisberger (QB, Pittsburgh): These two guys are better real-life players than they are fantasy sports acquisitions. Snyder has been in the bullpen, starting rotation, and outfield this season, and Roethlisberger gets better as the game progresses.
Justin Miller = Tom Brady (QB, New England): Miller doesn't have three rings or an undefeated regular season (although he is close at 9-1 this season), but he does shut the door on his opponents late in the game. Brady is the king of fourth-quarter wins, and Miller boasts a 2.03 ERA as a late-inning bullpen option.
Johan Yan = Mike Williams (WR, Tampa Bay): Both players made instant impacts out of nowhere. A converted infielder, Yan has an incredible 0.47 in his first 19 Double-A innings. Williams was a fourth-round pick in last year's draft, and his 1,056 receiving yards and eight touchdowns helped the Buccaneers become one of the biggest 2010 surprises.
Matt Leeds = Andre Roberts (WR, Arizona): Two deep sleepers. Leeds is with the RoughRiders after spending the first two months of his professional career in the Arizona League, and Roberts is going to get some playing time alongside Larry Fitzgerald.
– Brian
RoughRiders' All-Gridiron Team
With the NFL lockout over and August underway, football is in the air. The 'Riders have some solid athletes this season which prompted the question "who would play where if the RoughRiders were a football team"? Seems logical. After consulting with Frisco strength and conditioning coach Eric McMahon, here is the 'Riders All-Gridiron Team. Feel free to leave comments with your opinions. -AG
Quarterback: Ben Snyder
Although he was a two-time All-State wide receiver in high school, Snyder like the logical fit as QB. He has good athleticism, is a veteran, and has the intelligence the position demands.
Wide Receiver/Flanker: Justin Miller
At 6'4″, Miller is the prototypical deep threat. He has nice leaping abilities and is will force matchup problems for opposing defensive backs. "Snyder to Miller" is something we'll be saying a lot.
Wide Receiver: Carlos Pimentel
He might be the most athletic pitcher of the 'Riders staff. Pimentel has a quick burst off the line and is the perfect over-the-middle compliment to Miller going deep.
Running Back: Davis Stoneburner
Although he's not the prototypical pounding back some might desire, Stoneburner possesses the quickness and elusiveness to to run effectively. What he lacks in size he makes up for in determination and confidence. Stoney is a nice open field runner who also contributes in the passing game.
Wide Receiver/Running Back (Flex): Corey Young
His quick hips and burst make Young a versatile offensive weapon both in the backfield and in the slot. He can lineup in a split-back set with Stoneburner, or can run complimentary routes over the middle with Pimentel in-between the first and second layers of the defense. His run after the catch abilities can turn a five yard dump pass into a 15 yard pick up.
Tight End: Tanner Scheppers
This is a natural fit. At 6'4″ with a long wingspan, Scheppers is the perfect red zone target for Snyder. He's great over the middle of the field and, as a former short stop in college, has more athleticism than anyone on the line.
Right Tackle: Adalberto Flores
Big, tall, and physical, Flores shoulders the responsibility of protecting Snyder's blindside. He has the quick feet and powerful arms to move quickly and keep a clean pocket.
Right Guard: Robbie Ross
With a low center of gravity, Ross wards off the blitz well. He also has enough quickness to pull on running plays and open up holes for Stoneburner.
Center: Jose Felix
Another natural fit. "Chief" is the anchor of the offensive line.
Left Guard: Richard Bleier
Bleier has the intelligence to read the defense and the athleticism to pull.
Left Tackle: Fabio Castillo
Pound-for-pound the biggest guy on the line. Fabio is aggressive with string hands and a wide upper-half.
Defensive End: Mike Bianucci
Has the size to stay in on running downs, but the athleticism and burst to rush the passers. His low center of gravity helps keep him on his feet, and his motor will wear down offensive tackles by the fourth quarter.
Defensive Tackle: Jose Ruiz
As one RoughRider told me, if Jose joined a Division I football program today, in four years he'd be an All-American. Ruiz has elite lateral movement and a sharp burst. He's a beast clogging up the middle and has the speed to rush the passer.
Defensive Tackle: Jake Brigham
Fear the beard. Brigham has the strength and aggressiveness to compliment Ruiz next to him. He also has the long arms to knock down passes when rushing. He brings the intensity and heart his position demands.
Defensive End: Johan Yan
Love this choice. His height and weight profiles as a rush defensive end. He runs well, has a long wingspan, and is big and strong enough to play the run.
Outside Linebacker: Elio Sarmiento
Thick and strong, Sarmiento can stuff the run but also has the quickness to cover a tight end who releases from the line. He can cover the flat and is disciplined enough to be trusted take down a running back in the open field.
Middle Linebacker: Jonathan Greene
His physical build and tools make Greene a nice choice here. He stuffs the run well and isn't afraid of contact.
Middle Linebacker: Tommy Mendonca
Like Greene, Mendonca has the build to stuff the run. His strong forearms help him wrap up well and he has the quickness to move in a confined space well.
Outside Linebacker: Mitch Hilligoss
Aside from having a linebackers neck, Hilligoss can drop back like a safety, rush like a defensive end, and stop the run. Like Sarmiento, Hilli is a good fit here.
Cornerback: Engel Beltre
Beltre has big play, pick-six potential. His elite speed matches up with any wide receiver. He has all the makings up a shut-down corner.
Cornerback: Renny Osuna
While Renny may not have the speed of Beltre, he is ultra reliable and can cover the run as well. Has the athleticism to cover all types of receivers and has a nose for the ball.
Free Safety: Tyler Tufts
Perfect combination of size and speed to cover the entire third layer of the defense. Tufts has nice range and is a sound safety blanket for Renny and Osuna on the outer thirds. His big hits make receivers think twice before coming over the middle.
RoughRiders Roundtable Podcast, Episode #3
The latest episode of the RoughRiders Roundtable Podcast is now yours to listen to and download on iTunes. As always, a big thanks to our producer Ted Price, Jason Cole of LoneStarDugout.com, and Brian.
The three of us discuss the trade deadline, Joe Wieland, Mike Bianucci, Tomym Mendonca, Johan Yan, Renny Osuna, Jake Brigham, Justin Miller, Tanner Scheppers … and even more.
We've been thrilled with the early response of the podcast. Episode 2 had over 1,300 downloads! Thanks to all who download and listen, and remember, feel free to leave a comment with a question or future topic you'd like us to discuss.
I hope you and your iPod enjoy. -AG


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GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan--There's almost no construction going on in Genesee County, but taxpayers are still forking over $435,000 a year for building inspectors.
• Flint: $50,000 each for two full-time inspectors
• Fenton: $65,412
• Mundy Twp.: $50,419.20
• Flushing Twp.: $52,615
• Grand Blanc: $20,000
• Grand Blanc Twp.: up to $72,400 (plus one part-time building inspector)
• Swartz Creek: $11,100
• Burton: $41,630
• Richfield Township: $21,000
There are 11 building inspectors on local communities' payrolls, making as much as $70,000 a year, according to records obtained by The Flint Journal through the Freedom of Information Act.
And while communities are shelling out this cash, Builders Association of Metro Flint consultant Barry Simon said there is "virtually nothing" getting built in the county.
"It's too much," said Bridget Summerville of Flint Township. "I just think everyone should take a pay cut right now until we get back on our feet."
In communities with building inspectors, officials argue that even though there isn't much building, an on-staff inspector is important to have to respond to residents' questions and quickly service those who do want to build.
Plus, many building inspectors have taken on additional responsibilities, including code enforcement, and some of the communities have downsized their departments along with the building decline.
Fenton and Grand Blanc Township pay their building officials more than $60,000, and the average salary is more than $43,000. Swartz Creek's part-time inspector makes $11,100, the lowest on the list.
Many also get full benefits and retirement packages, adding to the price tag.
According to the Builders Association of Metro Flint, 158 homes were built in 2008. That's compared to as many as 2,600 new buildings a year in the height of the building boom.
Swartz Creek City Manager Paul Bueche said there is little for a full-time building inspector to do in 2009.
"Whether that person is working now, I'd guess not," he said, referring to full-time building inspectors in the county. "I'm seriously going to guess not."
The City Council there recently voted to drop its part-time building inspector's pay from $18,500 to $11,100.
In Fenton Township, officials expect to save $55,000 by eliminating its inspector position this year, said Operations Manager Thomas Broecker.
Grand Blanc City Manager Randall Byrne argues though that having an on staff building inspector is a good idea for the city because he has the expertise to handle questions from residents and builders. Their building inspector works part time and makes $20,000.
"I think this works for us because it gets us a very highly qualified building inspector to deal with these issues," he said.
As the number of building permits drop, more of the costs for building departments are subsidized by communities' general funds — taking away from dollars that could go to police protection or road maintenance — because the fees they charge don't cover the expense of maintaining of the position.
Burton Mayor Charles Smiley said it's nothing new for the city's general fund to subsidize the building department.
"I obviously don't want to lay off the building inspector because they're too important to have, and there's always work to be done," said Smiley, who noted building inspector can often be found answering residents' questions or helping other departments.
With little work to be done, some building inspectors are taking on other tasks, sometimes even working with city cleanup crews — which Simon argues should really be handled by lower paid workers.
"Sometimes it becomes sort of ridiculous type of things," he said. "For example, a building and zoning official may end up being called out on a problem where someone in a subdivision has car on the front lawn."
And, event communities that maintain inspectors often have cut back.
Fenton used to employ a full-time building inspector, a part-time code enforcement officer and a full-time secretary in addition to the department director Brad Hissong.
Hissong is now the only person in the department — handling paperwork, inspections, zoning and code enforcement.
"I'm swamped right now with no secretary," he said.

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11 in Pelham, NY
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Dr. Erika Krauss has been compared 126 times. Details of Dr. Krauss' practice are available on your free doctor report.
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TWEET WITH USJoin the conversation and get the latest information on Seniors Driving
Learn about what to expect when renewing your driver's licence.
Use one of our interactive assessment tools to determine how to best maintain your driving skills.
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Tipitina's is the house that Professor Longhair built. On Saturday, Sept. 29, an all-star roster of local musicians gathered at Tipitina's to help rebuild Longhair's actual home.
Additionally, jazz saxophonist and Mardi Gras Indian Donald Harrison Jr. led a representative sampling of students from the Tipitina's Internship Program, young musicians being schooled in the city's traditions.
The show, dubbed "Fess's House Party New Orleans Style," was presented by the non-profit Tipitina's Foundation. Proceeds are to help rebuild Longhair's former home on Terpsichore Street.
The accompanying gallery by photographer Erika Goldring captures moments onstage, and back stage, at the "House Party."
The Tipitina's show was part of a big weekend for the long-deceased Longhair. Several of his former bandmates also reunited for a tribute at the inaugural Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival on Saturday.


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Growth remains strong in North America, which accounts for about 42 percent of revenue. But the market is more challenging in Western Europe and China, several analysts have said in reports.
"Continued weakness in Western Europe and apparel in China will pressure results," Sterne Agee analyst Sam Poser wrote in a report Friday. "The onus for growth is being put on U.S. which will begin to decelerate as multi-year comparisons become more difficult."
Poser, who has a neutral rating on Nike stock, wonders about how long North American sales can boost top-line health.
"We are concerned that Nike has ratcheted up some pressure on its U.S. retail partners to meet certain purchase criteria," Poser writes. "Based on channel checks across distribution channels, we believe the pressure on U.S. retailers is due to a modestly disjointed international business."
Earlier this week, Christian Buss of Credit Suisse also issued concerns about Nike.
"With North America futures likely decelerating, China trends likely remaining weak, and shares up 15 percent from trough levels over the past three months, third quarter results could prove a relative disappointment," Buss writes, citing these factors:
- U.S. Athletic Footwear Market Decelerating, Providing Headwinds. Following several years of robust growth, we are seeing signs of moderation across the U.S. athletic footwear market. While Nike is likely to prove a relative outperformer, growth rates are likely to decelerate.
- China's Sportswear Market Remains Challenged, Nike Managing Inventories Carefully, But Near-Term Top Line Opportunities Limited. Recent reporting from local market competitors suggests China's sportswear market is likely to remain challenged into late this calendar year.
- Western Europe A Big Hidden Lever For Margin Expansion. Western Europe has been one of Nike's weakest-performing segments over the last two years (but) with stabilization of revenues and restructuring initiatives well underway, we believe a rebound in profitability is likely over the next 12 to18 months.
Nike stock closed Friday up 9 cents at $54.78, below its 52-week high of $57.41.
-- Allan Brettman; twitter.com/abrettman


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CMS clarification on Stark II Phase II Rule
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JACKSON – Saturday night was a homecoming unlike any other for Damarion Snellenberger.
He knew the focus of the Jackson High School student section would be on him and he prepared himself for whatever verbal abuse they might throw his way.
Only a season ago they cheered him. But a change in his uniform, from the Jackson orange and black to the green and gold of Jackson Lumen Christi, put him center stage.
And he shined in the spotlight.
Snellenberger and the Titans went into their rival's gym and defeated the Vikings 54-35.
"This week has been stressful," Snellenberger said. "I've been nervous, happy, excited, pumped up. Everything. You name it."
Though he battled a full set of nerves beforehand, once he scored his first basket just over four minutes into the game on a nice reverse put-back, he became a scorer and rebounder for which the Vikings had no answer.
"When I scored my first point, all the jitters went out," Snellenberger said. "It was just another game."
The 6-foot-3 junior finished the night with 13 points and 13 rebounds, second in both categories for the Titans (5-0 overall), finishing just shy of his coach's pregame prediction.
"I talked to him today and I told him I had a feeling he would get 14 and 14," said Lumen Christi coach Rich Karasek. "He's going to have to run a little."
Snellenberger's performance on the glass, along with Matt Bullinger's game-high 14 rebounds, helped the Titans dominate under the boards which aided the Titans in opening up a big lead early on.
The Titans used their size in the paint to control the glass, outrebounding Jackson 22-15 in the first half and leading 28-12 on the scoreboard at the intermission.
Junior Khari Willis led the Titans with 18 points and four assists and grabbed seven rebounds.
Lumen Christi also benefitted from a zero-turnover second quarter, which limited Jackson's ability to use its quickness to push the pace of the game. Jackson didn't score its first points of the second quarter until a minute remained in the half, as the Titans outscored the Vikings 11-2 in the period.
"We felt if we could defend their penetration, we'd be alright," Karasek said. "Let them shoot from the outside and keep them off the boards. We had a height advantage we wanted to use and we felt we could run with them."
The Titans continued to grow their lead into the third quarter as Jackson struggled shooting from the field, something which plagued the Vikings (2-3 overall) throughout the night
"We couldn't buy a basket," Jackson coach Jeremy Patterson said. "We continued to try to attack the basket and we just couldn't get some of those layups to go down for us."
Michael Johnson led Jackson with 10 points and eight rebounds.


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Project Peace on Earth was founded for the global promotion and attainment of peace. To ensure sustainability, the for-profit entity is developing and producing events on an annual basis and generating revenues from ticket sales, merchandising, TV/Film development, concert media (DVDs, CDs, downloads) and licensing agreements. To make a positive impact on a large-scale, charitable donations will be generated and channeled through existing and future non-profit entities that will deploy resources across time zones, borders and cultures to bring about real and lasting change. Project Peace on Earth is producing and promoting what will be a worldwide telecast concert of superstar musicians performing inspiring and sacred music from the some of the most mystical sites on the planet including from the host venue, Manger Square Bethlehem in Palestine.
Steve Robertson is the Founder and CEO/Executive Producer of Project Peace on Earth and is joined and supported by many of the very top names in MUSIC (Jonathan Elias – Elias Arts; Rahat Nusrat Ali Khan, Mark Isham, Gary Nicholson, Sussan Deyhim, Joanne Shenandoah and many more); FILM (James Cameron, Mark Magidson (BARAKA & SAMSARA), Peter Joseph (Zeitgeist Films), Philippe Diaz – founder/CEO of Cinema Libre Studios, John Viscount (the award winning short film "Admissions"), Shaun Monson ("Earthlings"), George Langworthy ("The Vanishing Bees") ; DANCE (Riverdance and Bill Whelan); TELEVISION (Tim Kring, Exec. Producer/Writer of TOUCH and Heroes; Michael Garcia/former Development Director HBO); MOBILE PHONE (Ralph Simon – G8 Summit, Live Earth, World Cup); GLOBAL INTERNET CONCERT AND BROADCAST PRODUCTION (Marc Scarpa); CONCERT PRODUCTION (Brian Thomas/LIVE NATION); BRANDING AND MARKETING (Colin Mangham, The Dailey Brand and Simon Mainwaring – creative director NIKE, Toyota/Prius: National best selling author of WE FIRST); SCIENCE/PHYSICS (Nobel-prize-winning quantum physicist Dr. Brian Josephson); HIGHER EDUCATION (Alexander Astin, PhD UCLA – considered the world's most widely quoted authority on Higher Education – http://en.
Steve Robertson speaker bio long form
Please note that the original concert date (of 11.11.11) as referenced in this video was changed to and actually produced on Christmas Day – December 25th, 2011


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Discover if you are on the right path
Communicate with your Spirit Guides & Angels
Learn why your relationship is not working
Find out if a ghost is hanging around and Why
Communicate with your pets – alive and passed
Learn and Explore Your Past Lives
Communicate with a loved one who suffers from Alzheimer's, Autism, or in a coma
Uncover your Life's Purpose
Discover Your Life's Major Lessons to be learned
Welcome To A Peaceful Place
We are professional Psychic Mediums and we are your bridge and connection to the "other side." At Heaven, Can You Hear Me, you can find comfort in reconnecting with loved ones that have crossed over, discover the reasons why certain events have happened in your life, and uncover what your life purpose may be through a personal Spiritual Reading.
Through years of seeking answers, learning from incredible world-renowned teachers, and connecting with what most would call "Heaven," we can surely give you a response to mankind's most asked question: "Heaven, Can You Hear Me?"
Have you ever wondered whether your thoughts or prayers could be heard, questioned if there is life after death, or ever felt an overwhelming "gut" feeling about something but you were not sure where it came from? Look no further – you have finally found the right place to unlock your soul's deepest mysteries. Welcome Home!


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Be honest: How many of you stayed up to watch last night's Red Sox game, in which the team flew by the seat of its pants to beat the Angels in 11 innings?
It's OK. Day jobs do get in the way sometimes, don't they?
On vacation in beautiful motherland Massachusetts, I watched the game the way Abner Doubleday intended: On a hometown barstool flanked by my two brothers until well after 1 a.m. And boy, was it worth it.
Yes, there was a lot to be frustrated about. For starters, the Sox wasted another brilliant Josh Beckett pitching performance, in which he marched back to the mound in the eighth inning, all piss and vinegar after giving up a two-run homer to tie the game 2-2 in the seventh inning. He finished with three hits and two runs allowed over eight innings, giving the bullpen a break they'd need as the game stretched on.
Carl Crawford also struggled again, going 0 for 3 with two walks as his average fell to .171. As Larry Brown Sports points out, Angels fans taunted him about signing with Boston for big bucks by tossing dollar bills onto the on-deck circle. At some point he'll punch through and perform despite the weighty expectations of his seven-year, $142 million contract.
The Sox also left runners in scoring position time and time again, which I imagine makes it pretty tough to look Commander Beckett in the eye.
Mostly, though, the game was played with a playoff-like crispness. Boston's bullpen again pulled through for the Sox, with Daniel Bard, Bobby Jenks and Jonathan Papelbon combining to throw three scoreless innings in which one wrong pitch could have ended the game.
You also have to love J.D. Drew and Dustin Pedroia combining to throw out the speedy Erick Ayber at third base as he attempted to stretch a double into a triple to start the bottom of the eighth inning. Those efforts don't show up well in the box score, but the game could have played out completely differently if Aybar had reached third with no outs in a 2-2 game.
It was sweet vindication when the Sox struck for two in the 11th. Drew -- never one to get the credit he deserves -- led the inning off with a walk. Pedroia singled to right, pushing him to third base as Boston's shiny new slugger, Adrian Gonzalez, came to the plate with no outs. Things went exactly according to plan: Gonzo doubled to right, Drew scored and the Sox added an insurance run on a minute later when Jed Lowrie stroked a sacrifice fly to bring home Pedroia.
Most importantly: The Sox won. Again. That makes five wins in six games, raising the team's record to 7-11 despite their awful 0-6 start.
Baby steps, friends. This season is turning out OK, after all.


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Phil Hughes is talented, no doubt, but Phil Hughes is also just 21 years old.
Which means that he will have more days like yesterday, when he couldn't figure out why he could not spot his fastball.
"Things are off, you've got to try to make some adjustments," he said. "But a lot of times it's hard to make those in-game adjustments. Today was one of those days."
He can't afford another one next time out: Sunday night, national TV, against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.
Said manager Joe Girardi: "Some guys are able to do it quicker than others. And it's something he'll learn how to do. Just today he wasn't able to do it. And he needs to figure that out.
"I'm not too concerned about Phil. He'll make the adjustment."
But the Yankees expect to contend, and they are counting on Hughes in their rotation. So they can not afford too much on-the-job training or a learning curve.
And that's the crux of the matter with the Yankees and their young pitching. They are retooling their pitching staff while not wanting to rebuild their team. It's a tough assignment to do both at once.


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The Clovis Fire Department is investigating a possible arson that occured early Saturday morning on Sixth Street.
A Clovis Fire Department offical said a fire that occured early Saturday morning is a possible arson.
A possible arson early Saturday morning on Sixth Street remains under investigation, according to fire officials.
Battalion chief Dale Hand said firefighters responded to a fire around 1:15 a.m in the 600 block of Sixth Street. Four fire engines were on scene and the fire was extinguished around 1:30 a.m.
Hand said the abandoned building was unoccupied. No injuries were reported.
Hand said the fire was the second one the department responded to in the span of two hours.
He said firefighters responded to an electrical fire around 11 p.m. Friday in the attic of a residence on the 500 block of Ross Street. The building was occupied but no injuries were reported.


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a great divide
Obama's rise linked to story of race in U.S.
1.The Bridge: The Life and Rise of Barack Obama
by David Remnick
2.BRAUN 3.LAURA unknown NJ 000-000-0000
The Bridge: The Life and Rise of Barack Obama
David Remnick Knopf, 656 pp., $29.95
Reviewed by Jean Graham
"Barack Obama is what comes at the end of that bridge in Selma," mused civil rights icon John Lewis on the night before the Obama inauguration.
That bridge was the Edmund Pettus Bridge, site of the "Bloody Sunday" confrontation between voting rights activists and Alabama state troopers on March 7, 1965. The searing images of nonviolent American citizens being beaten and gassed in Selma ensured swift passage of voting rights legislation.
Barack Obama was 3 years old on March 7, 1965, too young to participate in the civil rights movement, yet, in his own words, "a direct beneficiary" of the struggle.
New Yorker editor and Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Remnick moves fluidly between Obama's personal history and the concurrent narrative of race relations in America. He expands on Obama's autobiographical writings with extensive interviews, and the man who emerges is "immodest in his ambition," possesses " a temperament that relies on reconciliation rather than on grievance," and for whom, according to Harvard's Laurence Tribe, "the characteristic question is, 'Is that what we aspire to be as a country? Is that who we are?' "
Little of "The Bridge" involves the 2008 campaign; what does is seen through the prism of race. Obama's personal journey to embrace his African-American heritage and America's historic journey from March 7, 1965, to Jan. 20, 2009, make for a compelling and important story.
Jean Graham is a freelance writer from Brookside.


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Are you wondering about Lavender Plant Care?
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Borough Manager:
jasmith [at] mediaborough [dot] com (Jeffrey A. Smith)
Media Municipal Center
301 N. Jackson Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: 610-566-5210
Fax: 610-566-0335
Front & Jackson Streets
Media, PA 19063
Hours of Operation:
* Monday 10am - 8pm
* Tuesday - Thursday 10am - 9pm
* Friday 10am - 6pm
* Saturday 12:00 Noon - 4pm
* Sunday 1pm - 4pm
The Library is temporarily re-located to the second floor of the Media Fire House across the street from mid-2015 to mid-2016 while a new building is constructed. For a look at the future library building, follow the link below.
Summer hours begin June 30th and go to September 1st. Summer schedule is the same except for weekends: OPEN Saturdays 12:00 Noon-4pm, CLOSED Sundays.


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Meet the Candidates for Sheriff
(Listed in alphabetical order) For a complete interview with the candidates visit this week's "Top Local News"
Name: Bruce Cocuzza
Affiliation: Democrat
Age: 54
Municipality: Raritan Township
Occupation: Police Director-Head of Lambertville City Police Department since 1999 (8+ years).
Name and location of employer: City of Lambertville
Personal statement:
"In 2006, I was named as a commissioner on the New Jersey Police Training Commission, the body that oversees all police (including sheriff's officers) training and academies throughout the state. In this capacity I am directly involved in reviewing and/or proposing training for all police officers in the state. Consistent with my interest in training, the Lambertville Police Department was the first department in the county to promulgate several important policies and procedures such as identity theft investigations and DWI checkpoint operations. I am also a member of the Policy/Procedures Working Group established by the Hunterdon County Prosecutor, J. Patrick Barnes.
"I have been married for 31 years to my wife Madeline. I have a daughter, Nicole age 24 and a son, Adam, age 16."
* * *
Name: Tony Critelli
Affiliation: Republican
Age: 62
Municipality: Flemington
Occupation: Retired law enforcement officer, Hunterdon County Sheriff's Department
Name and location of employer: Retired from Hunterdon County Sheriff's Department, Hunterdon County Justice Center, Flemington
Personal statement:
"I am married, the father of twins, and I pay taxes. For the past nine months, as I traveled through our county campaigning, I have heard about high taxes, people feeling they don't have a voice any more, 'government isn't listening,' and I agree with them. I was raised with the thinking that being a public servant is one way to give back and my commitment doesn't come with an expiration date."
* * *
Name: Gary "Buzz" Howell
Affiliation: Republican
Age: 63
Municipality: Lebanon Township
Occupation: retired police officer
Name and location of former employer: Borough of Bernardsville Police Department, 166 Mine-brook Rd, Bernardsville
Personal statement:
"I am a life-long Republican, committed to the tenets of my party and have been actively working on campaigns for Republican candidates on every level of government since 1960."
* * *
Name: George Muller
Affiliation: Republican
Age: 64
Municipality: Raritan Township
Occupation: Hunterdon County Freeholder
Name and location of employer: Hunterdon County, 71 Main Street, Flemington, NJ
Personal statement:
"My wife Linda and I have three children and six grandchildren. We are parishioners of St. Mag-dalen's Church in Flemington. I served in the United States Marine Corps. Over my lifetime I have dedicated myself to community service and involvement as follows:
-Flemington-Raritan Rescue Squad (past captain and life member)
-Board member of the Hunterdon County YMCA, Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce, Vis-iting Homemakers Service, George Washington Council BSA, American Heart Association and Hunterdon Healthcare System
-Trustee of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen and Flemington Children's Choir School
-Current member and past president of the Flemington Rotary Club
-Vice chairman of The Hunterdon Medical Center Foundation
-Trustee Centenary College
-Board member of Business Education Alliance"
* * *
Name: Deborah Trout
Affiliation: Republican
Age: 55
Municipality: Delaware Township
Occupation: Sheriff's Officer
Name and location of employer: Mercer County Sheriff's Dept. Trenton, NJ
Personal statement:
"I graduated from Glassboro State College (Rowan University) with a bachelor's degree in educa-tion, minor in psychology and am currently pursuing my masters degree in criminal justice. I attended Trenton Police Academy and graduated with high academic honors. I've attended nu-merous in-service training classes and seminars and assisted the police academy as an adjunct instructor. I've been endorsed by the NJ State Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #46 and the NJ/NY Detectives Crime Clinic. I am a member of many police organizations including the Inter-national Assoc. of Women Police, Nat'l Police Defense Foundation, Nat'l Sheriff's Assoc, US Dep-uty Sheriff's Assoc, PBA #187 and FOP #140."


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Dear Editor:
Mark Weiler, one of Pagosa's prominent businessmen, has applied to the Town voters for the job of Mayor. What has Mr. Weiler, apart from his confident showmanship, actually accomplished for Pagosa Springs? Surprisingly little if you stop listening to his self-advertisements and look at his record.
Mark Weiler failed to complete his first term on the Town Council. His most memorable proposal was an attempt to fire nearly one-quarter of the Town staff in late 2008. His opponent in the race for mayor, Shari Pierce, successfully opposed his "sky is falling" warnings and advocated a smart and sensible budget reform. The budget was cut, and salaries were frozen, but no one was fired. Mr. Weiler likes to take credit for this reasonable plan five years later.
Mark Weiler next headed the committee which proposed the Town-to-PAWSD sewer pipeline. Again, there were grand promises. Savings of millions of dollars. Instead, the price tag increased 40 percent before a shovel was overturned. Today the project is mired in eminent domain legal actions because the basic survey and easement documents were defective. Another example of Mr. Weiler's public promises followed by very poor performance.
Now, Mark Weiler is the chief proponent of the 25-year, $45 million Recreation Center debt proposal. Mr. Weiler is also a public proponent of taking a second mortgage on Town Hall and other Town properties in return for more millions of debt.
Mark Weiler promised to bring his financial expertise to the Recreation Center proposal. He claimed to have studied the monthly sales tax receipts for 20 years. Another promise of professionalism. Then, three weeks before the ballots were mailed, the sales tax projections supporting the Recreation Center fell by over 20 percent. Apparently Mr. Weiler failed to realize that a Town sales tax would not apply to retail sales located outside the Town boundaries. This oversight has resulted in a fantastical rewrite of financial projections to justify the rec center. The past seven years of flat sales taxes are going to magically become "blue skies forever" — 5 percent growth year after year for 25 years projected.
This is Mark Weiler's Recreation Center: A super-sized facility originally planned for the "inevitable growth" of 2006, with a complicated mortgage (interest rates up to 8.9 percent) and inadequate income for the operation and maintenance of the project, which could easily result in a $750,000 deficit in the existing Town budget. Aren't those the same factors that nearly destroyed our nation's economy in 2008?
Mark Weiler makes no secret that he is wealthy. If he believes so strongly in this recreation center, why not finance it from his great wealth? The Weiler Recreation Center could be his greatest legacy. Wealthy residents generously donated to the hospital. Why not the rec center? But the only offer Mark Weiler has made is to put a struggling Town in debt to the tune of $45 million.
Town voters, please reject Mark Weiler's application for the job of Mayor.
Cynda Green
Follow these topics: Letters to the Editor, Opinion


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KALAMAZOO, MI — Closing statements were given Friday morning in the trial of Antonio Livingston, one of the two men charged in the death of long-time Kalamazoo antiques dealer Robert Medema.
Prosecuting attorney Alexis Sanford said Livingston is guilty for breaking into Medema's house and killing the long-time antiques dealer on Aug. 10.
"The defense wants you to think the case is of a person in the wrong place, at the wrong time with the wrong people," Sanford told jurors in the Kalamazoo County Circuit Court trial. The only person who was in this situation, however, was Medema, the prosecutor said.
"Medema walked into an ambush in his own home, organized by Livingston and (John) Aguilar," Sanford said.
The prosecution alleges that Livingston and Aguilar were waiting for Medema at his house on Oakland Drive the night of Aug. 10 so they could rob him. Autopsy results show Medema was beaten to death, and Livingston and Aguilar have both been charged with open murder and felony murder, among other charges.
Sanford said Livingston, during his testimony and interviews with police, minimized his role in Medema's death and explained away the evidence in his testimony.
Sanford said while she has no way of knowing exactly what happened in Medema's kitchen leading up to his death, the evidence — including Livingston's bloody footprints and DNA on hats and gloves — puts him in that room.
"All (evidence) points to someone who is more involved than he is willing to admit. He may have not been the person with the bat, but he helped that person," she told jurors.
Sanford said that Livingston is guilty of premeditated murder because he could have stopped his actions multiple times that night, and also could have just robbed Medema and let him be.
"They could have committed a crime less than murder ... but they didn't stop there," the prosecutor said.
Sanford raised questions about how trust wothy Livingston is during her cross examination of Livingston. She said during an interview with police, Livingston said lifted his right hand to God and said he told the truth that he sold the Air Jordan's during a yard sale.
Livingston's attorney, Susan Eifler, argued that Livingston was scared to tell the truth during the interview because he feared Aguilar.
She said in her closing statement, however, that her client was a witness to the crime. Livingston, she said, followed Aguilar.
"Antonio is a follower. He followed the wrong guy. He didn't use his head when he got involved with John Aguilar."
Livingston testified that he left with Aguilar on Aug. 10 and thought they were going to pick up items for the garage sale. He said Aguilar told him to go through a window to Medema's house, but that he never thought a crime was going to be committed or that Medema would be killed.
Livingston was under the impression he has some permission to enter the house, Eifler said.
His attorney also said that Livingston felt threatened by Aguilar.
Eifler said Aguilar tricked Livingston into coming with him on Aug. 10. "Don't let John Aguilar trick you either," she told jurors.
Jury instructions and deliberations are expected Friday afternoon.
Fritz Klug is a politics and energy reporter for MLive and the Kalamazoo Gazette. Contact him at email@example.com or 269-370-0584. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ or App.net.


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BASS RIVER TWP. — An Absecon man has been charged with sexually assaulting a pre-teenage boy during a camping trip in Bass River State Park, state police said Thursday.
Brian Killion, 37, is charged with aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Killion was committed to the Burlington County Jail , Mount Holly Township, in lieu of $250,000 full cash bail.
The assault was reported to state Park Police by the victim's mother following a late June camping trip Killion took with two boys both under 13 years of age in Bass River State Park. Killion is accused of sexually assaulting the one boy in view of the other while in a tent. The camping trip was with the consent of the boys' parents.
State police detectives and members of the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office and Absecon City Police Department executed a search warrant on Killion's home on North Shore Road. Numerous pieces of electronic and computer storage media were seized for examination by the Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory at the Hamilton (Mercer County) Technology Center. Previews of the equipment at the scene revealed images of child pornography, state police said.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact State Police Detective Anthony Mason at 609-296-3132.


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GRAND RAPIDS -- Emergency crews have shut down streets in the area of Sheldon Avenue and Logan Street SE after a construction crew hit a 6-inch gas line this morning.
Officials with DTE Energy have been monitoring natural gas levels in the area and are working to repair the line. An excavating company hit the line about 7:30 a.m. and natural gas began spewing into the air.
Len Singer, a spokesman for DTE, said fixing the gas leak is complicated because the line is fed from two different directions. The 6-inch line transitions into a 12-inch line, he said.
DTE crews managed to shut off gas flowing into the 6-inch line, but are still digging up earth to find a place for shutting down the 12-inch line, he said.
Emergency crews evacuated a nearby construction site, but there have been no other evacuations, Singer said.
Because the gas is simply dissipating into the air, the danger to people nearby is small, he said. As a precaution, however, traffic is being diverted around the immediate area.
Singer could not give a specific repair time for the line.


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A line of strong thunderstorms is moving northeast into parishes just west of Lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas Thursday evening, prompting a special weather statement from the Slidell office of the National Weather Service.
At 6:41 p.m. Thursday, Doppler radar indicated the line of thunderstorms extended from 6 miles west of Port Allen to 8 miles southeast of Donaldsonville to 9 miles east of Houma, and was moving northeast at 25 mph.
This statement applies to St. Charles, St. James, Ascension, St. John the Baptist, West Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge, Assumption, Pointe Coupee, East Feliciana, Livingston, Lafourche, and Iberville parishes.
The primary threats from these storms are frequent lightning and wind gusts to near 40 mph, which could down tree limbs and blow around unsecured small objects.
If outdoors, stay away from isolated high objects, including trees. Move indoors if possible and when indoors, stay away from windows and doors and avoid using telephones except in an emergency.
These storms also could produce between 1 and 2 inches of rain in a short period of time, resulting in ponding of water around low-lying roadways.


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An urgent word to interisland ferry users from the San Juan's Ferry Advisory Committee
On July 14 at 9 a.m. the San Juans Ferry Advisory Committee issued this statement:
Inter-island Traffic Alert:
With Sunday's arrival of the Hiyu, vehicle capacity on inter-island sailings will drop from the roughly 60 spaces available on the Illahee to about 30 spaces. Passenger capacity drops from more than 600 to 200. Both could be problems during the week Washington State Ferries says the Hiyu will be on the inter-island run.
The message from the county Ferry Advisory Committee is simply this: If you don't have to make an inter-island trip while the Hiyu is up here -- especially between Friday Harbor and Orcas -- don't.
Data gathered by the committee from terminal agents show the Hiyu will be overloaded on every sailing except the first one out of Friday Harbor each weekday. The wait between boats, as you all know, runs about three hours.
WSF has dropped the restrictions on inter-island vehicle traffic on boats out of Anacortes to try to soften the impact of the Hiyu, but that will provide little or no relief for travel between Orcas and Friday Harbor because only the afternoon international boat makes that connection in the summer.
The best response to this significant cut in capacity is to avoid inter-island travel if you possibly can until a boat that can handle the summer capacity returns to the route.
Your San Juan County Ferry Advisory Committee
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Syracuse, N.Y. - Syracuse City Councilor Pat Hogan said in a Syracuse.com live chat Tuesday that, if elected mayor, all of his appointed city department heads and deputy city department heads would have to live inside the city limits.
Hogan also said:
Paul Linnertz, the city's new fire chief, lives in North Syracuse.
A transcript of the interview is available below. Hogan answered live questions Tuesday for one hour.
Mayor Stephanie Miner is scheduled to participate in a live chat at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday. Challenger Alfonso Davis takes questions at 11:30 a.m. Friday.
The Democratic primary election is Sept. 10. Polls are open from noon to 9 p.m.
Contact Michelle Breidenbach at (315) 470-3186, email@example.com or follow on Twitter @mbreidenbach.


text:
LM on Grammarly Answershttps://www.grammarly.com/answers/users/281517/lm2016-10-23T06:06:41ZHow do you spell ...?https://www.grammarly.com/answers/questions/47215-how-do-you-spell/
an herbal tea or a herbal tea

See example:

This journal will focus on three topics: segmentation, positioning, and promotion of an herbal tea company.

asked Jan 23 '14 at 15:05 by LM, New member

2 answers

 This will depend if you are speaking/writing in American or British English. In American English, the"h" is not pronounced (erbal) so "an" is used. In British English, the "h" is pronounced (herbal) so "a" is used.

 The general rule for words that begin with an "h" is "a" if it is pronounced and "an" if it is not pronounced.

answered Jan 23 '14 at 22:49 by Hannah at Walker Editing, Inc., New member

 I think it is a herbal tea.

answered Jan 23 '14 at 16:08 by Sanjay, Expert


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quote RoxasI was refering to the noises in the rest of the game...sorry I wasn't more precise haha.Yes, they were rather odd and creepy! That just added more flavor to the whole Silent Realm environment.
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WSU Extension budget being pulled by its roots?
Local gardening and high school programs aren't digging how the state's money problems are hitting home. Facing a projected $8 billion deficit, state legislators have tough choices to make — ones with the potential to mean serious funding cuts for public service programs.
Washington State University has responded to Legislature requests with budget reduction scenarios of 12 to 18 percent. Those cuts would be made to the university's public service sector, much of which is its WSU Extension.
WSU Extension is a federally authorized program meant to offer university-level research and education to all citizens. More than 800 Kitsap County volunteers devote hours to area programs run through the Extension, including 4-H, clothing and textile education, community and economic development, food safety, forest stewardship and horticulture.
Kitsap County Extension Director Arno Bergstrom said his office, and all extension programs statewide, are in a holding pattern.
"Right now we're kind of in a wait-and-see mode," Bergstrom said.
Worst case scenario, he said, would be a 75 percent cut to Extension funding.
"It's been suggested if a scenario like that were to play out that we might see the closure of county extension offices, we might see the closure of research and extension centers," he explained. But, noting all posits are still hypothetical, he said "the more likely outcome would be that certain programs would be targeted for cuts."
In an e-mail, Kitsap Extension 4-H Youth Development Educator Kelly Fisk noted program reductions of anywhere from 49 to 75 percent would leave Washington "as the only state in the union without a viable way to engage with local communities to improve economic conditions, quality of life and environmental health."
4-H, she specified, could see staff positions cut or altogether eliminated, projects and programs reduced, training decreased and recruitment efforts ended.
Currently, Kitsap has 67 4-H clubs with more than 632 members. More than 212 adults work with youth aged 5-19 to help them "learn by doing," according to the Kitsap County Extension 4-H Web site.
Port Orchard 4-H horse leader Susan Krawiecki said the cuts could have a drastic effect.
"4-H isn't cows and horses and pigs. The program has evolved so much," Krawiecki said, noting her daughter, in the program six years, has been giving public presentations since the age of 10.
Krawiecki said her group of 15 kids works to give back to the community, raising money and hosting drives for area food banks.
"This is where people keep saying we want our children off the streets, out of the malls, not pregnant or drinking," she said. "To take our program away, it's not right."
Horticulture and Shoreline Educator Peg Tillery, while pulling on a pair of green gardening gloves beneath a melody of bird song in Poulsbo's Fish Park, expressed her hope Extension funding isn't severely axed. Tillery and other Master Gardeners met to plant Hawthorne and Tall Oregon Grape plants near the banks of one of the park's creeks.
"We're at a time where people need to learn to grow their own food," Tillery noted, citing recent widespread economic and food safety issues. "We really can't afford to be cut drastically. People are coming to us daily wanting to know how to grow their own food."
In the Master Gardener program, online training could serve as an efficient and money-saving alternative to face-to-face training, she said. Kitsap boasts 260 active master gardeners, each of whom donate at least 25 volunteer hours a year. Many also are involved in native plant and shoreline stewardship or the beach naturalist program. Overall, the Kitsap Extension horticulture program has 320 volunteers.
"Our feeling is that there's transparency in this whole topic," Bergstrom said. "No programs specifically have been identified for cuts, but it's anyone's guess what it could be. There's been a lot of focus on 4-H as a possible one, and that's really unfair. I would say it's unfounded."
Whatever the funding reductions may be, it's clear change is on the way. But Kitsap isn't alone: Bergstrom said each county is facing the same unknown future. WSU leaders have said they'll know more in early to mid-April.
"These aren't just episodic volunteers, they are well-trained, they are an extension of the professional program," Bergstrom said. "They represent a huge resource, so it's not just the people on the payroll. ... The idea is, if we were to reduce the number of volunteers, it wouldn't reduce the demand for the information and education programs that we do."
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