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Mr Gamrat, London
Bairstow Eves were efficient, professional and extremely courteous, right through to completion. Going beyond what one would expect from any estate agent.
It is important to note that this mortgage calculator is for guidance purposes only. Mortgage lenders have their own affordability criteria therefore it is important you speak to one of our Mortgage Advisers for further information and a more accurate indication of what products may be available to you and what your monthly mortgage payments are likely to be.
Modern one bedroom apartment with under floor heating. Open plan living accommodation, bathroom and a bedroom. There is also allocated parking and a communal garden. Ideal to get onto the property ladder or an ideal investment. Viewing is highly recommended. Call today to arrange your viewing!
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Roll top bath with mixer tap, electric shower, wash hand basin with mixer tap.


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Sai Kung/Clearwater Bay/Sth Lantau or stay put?
- 02-19-2006, 09:53 AM #1Registered User
- Join Date
- May 2005
- Location
- Discovery Bay
- Posts
- 2
Sai Kung/Clearwater Bay/Sth Lantau or stay put?
I'm just looking for some advice for some fellow expats. We are considering moving, but having a hard time trying to weigh up the values of different areas. Not new to HK, but sometimes feel very ignorant of things about HK. We have 3 kids under 4 and currently live in DB... nice place (with yard) but we are kind-of popping out at the seams. So, we are thinking of moving out - I love Sai Kung/Clearwater Bay area, but what concerns me is, how much is there to do for really young kids. And which one is better, Sai Kung or Clearwater - or has anyone got any other ideas? Huge advantage of where we are now you walk to the end of nearly any street and there are parks and then of course on terrible days, there is Residents club which has decent facilities. Even though we have an outside area, kids sometimes go stir crazy and need adventures- plus I do a bit of work from home, so sometimes it is nice to send the helper out with the kids so I can get a moments peace. Will I be able to do that safely over there. I know even though DB is very Truman, you have to admit it is really set up for really young kids. Also the oldest goes to kindergarten and the second one goes to playgroup & the third loves socializing too... i just can't sacrifice that for a bigger place, a car, etc etc etc
The other place we are considering is South Lantau.... same issues again though, but up side is Hubby won't take as long to get to work as he would from Sai Kung. Finding it hard to find Alot of info on the places, but really would like to weigh up all the facts in order to make the right decision for us, but most importantly the kids - so I would really appreciate anyone's input and thoughts
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- Displaying photos tagged VIA Technologies [back to index]
VIA ARTiGO A900 Android system
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VIA Viega ruggedized Android tablet
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VIA Android BSP enables split-screen multi-touch function
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VIA EPIA-P910 Pico-ITX motherboard
Photo: Company, Sep 11.
VIA ARM DS digital signage system
Photo: Company, Jun 25.
VIA COMe-8X92 system-on-module solution
Photo: Company, Mar 30.
VIA QSM-8Q90 system-on-module solution
Photo: Company, Mar 29.
VIA VB7009 embedded Mini-ITX motherboard
Photo: Company, Jan 12.
VIA VE-900 Mini-ITX motherboard
Photo: Company, Nov 16.
VIA VB8004 Mini-ITX motherboard
Photo: Company, Aug 9.
VIA dual-core Nano X2 E-series processors
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VIA EPIA-T700 Mobile-ITX motherboard
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VIA Vinyl EnvyUSB 2.0 audio controller
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VIA Mobile ITX form factor-based motherboard
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VIA Surfboard NetNote Turnkey platform
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VIA VB8003 mini-ITX motherboard
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Dell adopts VIA Nano CPU in high-density server
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Samsung 12.1-inch NC20 mini-note
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A technical drawing of Em-ITX board and expansion module
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Tranax TK1000 non-cash dispensing transactional kiosks
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2013 Taiwan Internationbal Lighting Show
LED firms around the world are participating in the Taiwan International Lighting Show from March 26-29.
Date: Mar 29.
Chenbros offers a range of server chassis.
Date: Jul 17.
The exhibit is taking place at Nangang Exhibition Hall from June 19-21.
Date: Jun 21.
Ultrabooks are the major focus at Computex this year.
Date: Jun 7.
SEH and Sumco, global top-2 silicon wafer suppliers
Date: Mar 23.
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Affected PCB- and BT resin-making plants in Japan
Date: Mar 22.
28-Oct-2016 markets closed
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- Germany withdraws approval for Chinese takeover of Aixtron (Oct 24) - New York Times
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- AUO 3Q16 operations turn profitable
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- Taiwan aims at cumulative PV installation of 20GWp in 2025, says MOST
- Google Pixel XL manufacturing cost in line with rival smartphones, IHS finds
- Taiwan ITRI, Seria develop new technology for PCB production
- AUO to inaugurate 6G LTPS TFT-LCD factory in China in mid-November
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- Epileds and High Power Lighting cooperate to offer UV-C LED products
- Corning net income rises 34% on year in 3Q16
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- Lextar developing human-centric lighting with Europe vendors
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- China market: More white-box vendors step into VR device market
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- CIS module maker Asia Tech Image reports strong earnings for 3Q16
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- Taiwan market: PChome InterPay launches mobile 3rd-party e-payment services
- Decreasing sales of iPhone, iPad, iMac products cause to first annual decline for Apple
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- Perforce Software Wins Develop Industry Excellence Award for the Second Year in a Row
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Potential of wireless charging technology: Q&A with WPC chairman Menno Treffers
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Qualcomm president Derek Aberle spared his time with Digitimes for an exclusive interview...
- Smartphone and tablet industry: The view from Taiwan - May 2012
Taiwan-based companies have a long and successful history of involvement in the supply chain for mobile devices, which for the purposes of this article consist...
- Taiwan motherboard industry overview - May 2012
The year 2011 saw the motherboard industry reverse its trend of declining shipments year-on-year, to post a slight 0.2% growth. This upturn in fortunes was expected...
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As of 2013, the 10 ASEAN nations had a total of over 700 million mobile subscriptions, with the CAGR from 2003-2013 reaching 24%. This Digitimes Research Special Report analyzes the various mobile broadband markets in ASEAN and looks at the respective trends in 4G LTE development for those markets.
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This Digitimes Research Special Report provides a 2015 forecast for the global tablet market and analyzes the strategies of key market players such as Google, Apple, Intel, and Microsoft.
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Lace Workshops
From 1st March 2015 one day workshops have been offered at studio at Friar Gate Studios, Ford St, Derby.
Workshops will be for a maximum of 10 students, and will cater for all levels including complete beginners. Bookings now being taken for these. Cost will be £30 for the day, hours 10-4 and include drinks but please bring a packed lunch. Other dates available on request for small groups - contact with request.
The studio is on the ground floor and fully disabled accessible. Please contact before booking if you have any concerns and these can be discussed. Also see Terms and conditions of booking - by booking you are agreeing to these terms and conditions as listed on this website. 2nd April
Dates for 2016
Click on the date below to book your place through EventBrite.
- 6th September
- 10th September
- 8th October
- 11th October
- 8th November
- 12th November
- 6th December
- 17th December
Maureen Allen - "Louise helped me complete my first pattern design in Bedfordshire. To say I was nervous about it was an understatement and my mind was a blank as I feel I lack creative vision. Louise helped me choose a single design element that I found attractive, then she showed me how to build up the layers adding other elements of Bedfordshire into the design to balance it out and 'fill' the space. I was so proud of the pattern when it was complete. Thank you Louise, I will definitely have another go at a pattern." Lace Guild summer school, North Wales 2016
Dawn Threlfall - "The weeks course was informative and taught with the individual attention we needed. I have never attended one of Louise's courses where there was not endless laughter and giggles. No matter our level of lace making, you gave us the encouragement and confidence to attempt our next pattern. Lace Guild Summer School, 2016
Sally Smiddy - We would like to say an enormous thank you to Louise for coming down to Hertfordshire for the 1st Lace & Sparkle weekend teaching Bedfordshire Lace. All who attended commented on Louise's knowledge and her inspiration to progress. Everyone went home happy and looking forward to the next weekend in October. July 2016
Jo P. "A superb beginners class, just what I needed to get me started"
Julie B "I would highly recommend Louise as a teacher"
David M "class size ideal - not too many on it"
Pat B. "Fantastic lace workshop, small numbers, bright airy room, plenty of help. Please arrange another one."
P.A.L. "Sept. Fab needlelace w-shop with 1 to 1 tuition. What a way to learn a new type of lace, thanks Louise"
Becca - "Very rewarding - great sense of achievement at the end of the day. The beginnings of a new lacemaker"
Jean - "It was very interesting, almost addicted to it during the lesson"
Joyce - "Interesting and knowledgeable class that improves your fashion history interest"
Melanie - "Was brilliant, amazing teacher and loved the class"
Emma - "great class for any level, even the complete beginner"
Kate W - "Would highly recommend workshop - learnt lots of technique with many applications, inspirational and in a lovely setting"
Mel B - "Learnt to work exquisite lace from the beginning with a teacher who is approachable, knowledgeable and speaks with clarity"
Melanie T - "Highly recommended for all ages, I'm 18 and I have learnt so much in my 4/5 lessons so far!! It's great to learn something so delicate and beautiful."


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My zine is going out this week! Please subscribe now if you want this kit. $25 and you get art EVERY MONTH!
My zine is going out this week! Please subscribe now if you want this kit. $25 and you get art EVERY MONTH!
We have a lot of neighborhood animals. The cats sit in my windows at night and listen to them walk between the houses below.
Animal neighbors:
Some of these don't come around at night, but those that do often meet on the sidewalk behind our house. Then they yell.
Propped up against my suitcase, wearing Van Holmgren's punk Xmas shirt and a VERY STYLISH straw hat, waiting for a Megabus to Des Moines which may never come.
Two ladies on a roof.
I drew this for my zine last month, and it has been my phone wallpaper since then. And also hanging on my fridge. I like when I make things I want to keep looking at.
These are the first two pages of the zine I made for the June mailing of my subscription. Subscribers also got three massive Calvin & Hobbes stickers, a zine by my friend Jon called We Are All a Little Weird, and a screenprinted card.
I love doing this monthly mailing, and you will love getting it. You can subscribe here for $25.
edit: I am also up for trades. Send me an ask if you have a thing to trade this month!
Well clearly I need to make a zine with all the comics I am drawing about TV. TV ZINE. I start gathering.
This is a really good example of how art for me is just drawing lots and lots of things and only being able to make the connections between the things looking back. "Gee, look at this stack of drawings I've done about the teevee I watch. Huh."
I wish I could draw in the dark. So often I want to draw myself to sleep or I cannot have a light on because it will disturb others.
DID YOU KNOW you can subscribe to my art and get monthly mailings? This is one of the prints included this month. It's 11x14 and lovely.
Got my zines ready to mail today. I am beginning to understand stamp collecting. I had much fun today choosing which 86 cents worth of stamps to affix to each package ($1.60 for Caroline in the Yukon).
you get 1 page/day, black and white. You hafta have a Google account. Whatever you send will print here, in my office, right next to me. The printer will be very noisy, and warm up for 120 seconds before performing its job. When your job is done, I will turn to the printer, lift the page from the paper tray, and think thoughts about what you have sent me and why.
click it click it and print me something! (add my printer to your account, then cmd+P on what you want to send me and then select "Print using Google Cloud Print…")
These are 4 pages from this month's issue of We Are Only Children. I made it much larger than my past zines and I'm particularly proud of this book and its illustrations.
I'm up for trades! firstname.lastname@example.com Or you can just buy one: $2.
Sometimes I draw things and forget that I drew them, like this man in a dark forest.
Buy next month's issue of WE ARE ONLY CHILDREN and I'll send you a coupla STAY GLAD vinyl stickers, too. $8 on stick.rs
NOW IN! Subscribe to my monthly zine WE ARE ONLY CHILDREN and get this neato vinyl sticker in your first mailing.
Handstands have been the topic 70% of my conversations this month, but this morning I did some MONSTER-strong handstands. I feel pretty rad about my arms today. High five, arms! Handstands are great!
If I take even a couple days off of drawing I feel a brain block when I come back. Then I draw things I've been excited about lately. Hence, handstands.
Not drawing-related: I need an app for my iMac to catalogue and create color palettes. If you have one you like, I want to hear about it!
Traveling for me is mostly about napping different places. Like the couch in this library. #ragbrai (Taken with Instagram)
This girl is here to tell you to subscribe to my zine mailing TODAY. Envelopes full of art and stickers and zines will start hitting mailboxes next week. Buy here.
I tried many things with this drawing. I gave her some color. I added words. In the end, she looks best as she is.
3 am. Cats
dispensed with fed. Miss husband. I zine on.


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I just moved here from Alabama and was hoping to find a place that served a great cheeseburger like we had back home. You know, one of those hole-in-the-wall type places that just knocks your socks off. Well, I found it at Jack's. I tried the patty melt and ordered the house-made potato chips with BBQ spices on them. I... More
Address: 150 S Dupont Hwy, New Castle, DE 19720-4149
Location: United States > Delaware (DE) > New Castle
Phone Number: 302-322-0200


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ER is an American medical drama television series created by novelist and medical doctor Michael Crichton that aired on NBC from September 19, 1994, to April 2, 2009. It was produced by Constant c Productions and Amblin Television, in association with Warner Bros. Television. ER follows the inner life of the emergency room (ER) of fictional County General Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, and various critical issues faced by the room's physicians and staff. The show ran for 15 seasons with a total of 331 episodes, becoming the longest-running primetime medical drama in American television history. It won 23 Primetime Emmy Awards, including the 1996 Outstanding Drama Series award, and received 124 Emmy nominations, which makes it the most nominated drama program in history. ER won 116 awards in total, including the Peabody Award, while the cast earned four Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Ensemble Performance in a Drama Series. Wikipedia
From this profile you will find 168 photos, 10 quotes, 20 trivia items, 2 magazines, 57 lists, 381 awards, 27 news stories, and key facts about ER!
ER is a member of the following lists: Nielsen ratings winners, NBC network shows, 2000s American television series, 1990s American television series, Television series by Warner Bros. Television, American drama television series, Medical television series, Television shows set in Chicago, Illinois, English-language television series and 2009 American television series endings.
Need more information? Read more about ER »
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Abby Lockhart: These are the desk clerks, Jerry and Frank, please don't feed them.
|75 points
|27 points
|20 points
|14 points
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Looking for a Used Thunderbird in your area?
CarGurus has 1,182 nationwide Thunderbird listings starting at $6,777.
1970 Ford Thunderbird Overview
The 1970 Ford Thunderbird was the next-to-last of the 'Glamour Bird' model years, before the 1972 redesign made the sleek muscle car bigger and bulkier. Changes for the 1970 model year were minimal.
A front-end redesign was the most significant cosmetic tweak to happen to the T-Bird between 1969 and 1970; a little origami to the grille made for a distinctive 'v-shaped' front end. The combination of the recessed headlights and the v-grille gave the '70 Thunderbird a look all its own.
Under the hood, the '70 Ford Thunderbird was a performance powerhouse, with a 7.0 liter V-8 engine that delivered 360 horsepower, and accelerated from zero to 60 in just 9 seconds. Drag racers loved it!
Hindsight is 20/20, and today we love this classic car. At the time, though, Ford didn't quite know how to sell its 'Glamor Bird'. The 1970 Thunderbird was available as either a two-door or four-door model, but the four-door version never caught on (perhaps the back-opening 'suicide doors' didn't help the TBird pass itself off as a family sedan?)
You'll still find plenty of these out there, but you're more likely to see them at a car show than on the streets (at least in the US; there are some wonderful old Thunderbirds still going strong over in Cuba). Anybody who's lucky enough to get their hands on one of these has a project car that most of us can only dream of.
Cars compared to 1970 Ford ThunderbirdPeople researching a 1970 Ford Thunderbird contacted a dealer about
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Ford Thunderbird Questions
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when I turn on my heater the motor makes an bad sound
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Near-mint Condition 1970 Ford Thunderbird - Mileage Is 80,000 (give Or Take...
It belonged to my parents and seriously - was hardly ever driven. It's not mint: a fender was wrecked and replaced; my father rigged a bypass switch for the AC compressor. But other than that, the...
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Discussion in 'Pesticide & Herbicide Application' started by KirbysLawn, Feb 19, 2001.


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Play free Flash Halo online flash games and addicting web games at our free online arcade, bigmoneyarcade.com
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Lives in Birmingham, AL, United States
Has a website at www.woodyoneal.com
Joined on Sep 24, 2011
About me:
BA in Art, Stetson University 1990
Alfonso Bresciani: I hate Lightroom, its interface sucks, the panes are all nested and to many, it's a big mess even with two monitors. I even hate the sliders in LR.
So noted.
carlnor: I'm a Nikon/Fuji user, and I'm quite satisfied with both systems.
In Norway the X-PRO2 will cost only around US$ 60 less than the Nikon D750.
That does not make much sense to me. I think Fuji's gonna struggle getting this one off the shelves.
Reports are they are selling everyone Japan can make.
eazizisaid: Coming from the mouth of the Director Mister TT, the difference between the XT1 & XP1 :
The XT1 is for sport nature and wildlife
The XP1 is for street photographers !
That's one bad answer.
minivans and cargovans.
both vans....different purposes
thats one good reply
Banh Mi: Not sure why pick Fuji, I had fuji X-T10 , and I had 56mm 1.2 , focus is crap, everything is crap. body + everything feel like plastic, cheap build... Even the Canon EF 50mm 1.8 STM is much better build. I recommend all others brand, except fuji. All of all, the sensor of Fuji give me not sharp photo like: A7, Canon, nikon, Samsung Nx, Olympus, and even my GM5 + Mitakon 25mm 0.95, beat that Jufi 56mm 1.2 easy on sharpness. I also agree with colors of fuji and JPG, but then Lightroom is better, and who the hell shoot JPG ? A Man shoot raw. P/S: Fujifilm cheap build, slow focus, but .. price is too high compare to other brands.
Please leave.
Paul B Jones: Next thing you know people will have to register their cars!
Fun fact:
Steve Jobs never had a license plate while he was CEO at Apple.
What happens when you loose the glove with the SD Card?
If you invest in this Kickstarter, you should be kicked as photography specific gloves are a complete non-starter.
Petax design team is off the hook for "ugliest camera of the year".
Not pocketable.
I'll pass.
The logo is to small.
Honestly, who's gonna but this thing?
nikon power: Bad news for cows. More will die :(
Cows must love me for saying that.
Eat Mor Chikin'
DStudio: So, after all this time Adobe finally decides to improve X-Trans support?
(claps with one hand)
I am beside myself - don't know what else to say.
This is excellent news for Fuji shooters. Actual acknowledgement that the issue is worth "working" on together....and improving.
I "was" saving quietly for the 5D4....even renewed CPS last month.
Oh well.
Woodlink: "...aluminum, pulled from the crust of the Earth itself."
Whew, glad they didn't used plastic aluminum.
I didnt know Bauxite is mostly extracted in the third world.
So glad I know that now. Thank you.
I didn't come here to pick a fight.
Woodlink: "...aluminum, pulled from the crust of the Earth itself."
Whew, glad they didn't used plastic aluminum.
Never been a lot of places....just a bit of sarcasm to the fact DJI made such a big deal about using aluminum instead of using a faux version of the element.
I just though it was funny.
I never said China was 3rd world and I am aware how aluminium is made.
doctor digi: Nice video - but you wouldn't be able to legally fly it in so many of those locations.
I have a P2+ and I think I will sell it. Soon the forces of darkness will arrive, here in Europe and in the US, and flying these will be confined to special flight parks and be made illegal elsewhere without a very expensive licence and pro training.
These are the golden days. Unfortunately there are too many idiots out there and it will only require the downing of one passenger plane by engine ingestation of a 'copter to seal the fate of this hobby.
I for one would welcome licensing and vetting by the proper agencies.
Such would likely increase the value of aerial services.
Read: pro's getting paid pro money.
|Uplifting Colors by BBrooks
from Orb
|Hey! by Flor Tempra
from Laughing Camera
|Nightshift by Hobbyfotograaf
from - The Steel Worker - (Full Colours Only + A Border)


text:
Nice Pontiac G6. Comes with dual airbags, AM/FM radio, CD player, Air Conditioning, Power windows, Doors, Mirrors, Cruise Control, Has safety and warranty $4,450
Please visit us at www.boyceauto.ca to see our complete list of inventory, warranty and financing options
3 Month 3,000km Power Train. Many extended warranty options available. Please visit our website at http://boyceauto.ca/warranty/ to learn more
Ask us about our new In house Life time engine and transmission warranty on this car. Available for $999.99


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Leaving a Trace
On Keeping a Journal
by Alexandra Johnson
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An inspirational, practical & literate guide to starting & keeping a journal - & transforming it into something permanent like a memoir or a novel. Leaving A Trace is a practical guide to keeping a journal successfully & transforming it into future projects. Each chapter features both narrative & tailored exercises for beginning & committed diarists. Beginners will turn first to quick ways to overcome inhibitions, get started & stay on course. Seasoned chroniclers will start diaries with a new slant: they will learn how to trigger inspiration with creative brainstorming exercises; how to note patterns in diaries they already have & how to shape their material.
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by on October 28, 2016
eBook Details
- Little, Brown and Company, September 2009
- Imprint:
Back Bay Books
- 9780316082419
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Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration Registered Nurse (RN) - 400 Acute Medical/Observation Unit in Tomah, Wisconsin
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
2 vacancies in the following location:
- Tomah, WI
Work Schedule is Multiple Schedules - Excepted Service Permanent
Opened Thursday 9/8/2016 (48 day(s) ago)
** Closes Wednesday 11/9/2016 (14 day(s) away)
Job Overview
Vacancy Identification Number (VIN): 1797560
OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan" by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate care to Veterans?
As a VA professional, your opportunities are endless. With many openings in the multiple functions of VA, you will have a wide range of opportunities at your fingertips. Not only is it the largest, most technologically advanced integrated health care system in the nation, but we also provide many other services to Veterans through the Benefits Administration and National Cemeteries.
VAMC Tomah ( http://www.tomah.va.gov/ ) has been improving the health of the men and women who have so proudly served our nation. We consider it our privilege to serve your health care needs in any way we can. Services are available to veterans living in a Western/Central area of Wisconsin.
In addition to our main facility in Tomah, we offer services in four community-based outpatient clinics. These clinics are located in La Crosse, Clark County, Wausau, and Wisconsin Rapids. VAMC Tomah is one of seven facilities that comprise Veterans Integrated Services Network 12 (VISN 12) which is administratively headquartered at Hines, IL, and includes facilities in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
NOTE: The Professional Standards Board (a peer-review group) will review the selected candidate's education and experience and recommend the step at which the candidate will be placed in that specific grade. The salary is based on the grade and step approved for the selected candidate.
Acute Care/Observation 400 is a 10 bed medical unit staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days per week to provide medical care for acute patients. The nursing staff includes registered nurses and nursing assistants. The population served includes patients with a variety of medical and mental health diagnoses, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease, Congestive Heart Failure, Rule Out Myocardial Infarction, pneumonia, cellulitis, alcohol and opioid withdrawal, among others. Patients range in age from 18 to frail elderly. Biological treatments include intravenous infusions, blood administration, medication administration, chronic wound interventions, and cardiac monitoring. The Acute Care unit provides an interdisciplinary approach to meeting the needs of patients who require respiratory services, physical and occupational therapy, as well as social work, nutritional services, and pastoral care. Discharge planning begins upon admission to prepare for and meet the patient's home-going needs. All services are provided under the direction of a medical provider, with average length of patient stay 2-5 days. In addition, the Acute Care unit nursing staff provide outpatient services daily for intravenous infusion therapies and sleep studies.
Critical thinking and clinical judgment required to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing and medical interventions. Essential skills include intravenous insertion / monitoring, wound and skin assessment, patient/family instruction for medications/treatment/discharge needs, and effective team-aligned communication. The registered nurse must be trained and recognized in Advanced Cardiac Life Support Skills.
Work Schedule: One full time night position (midnight - 8:00 am) and one .8 evening (3:30 pm - midnight). Please indicate on your application material the shift(s) you are applying for.
Functional Statement Title/#: Registered Nurse
Travel Required
- Not Required
Relocation Authorized
- No
Job Requirements
Key Requirements
- Must pass pre-employment examination.
- Designated and/or Random Drug Testing required.
- Background and/or Security Investigation required.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- U.S. citizenship. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate State-accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of current, full, active and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing.
- The completion of course work equivalent to a nursing degree in a MSN Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration constitutes the completion of an approved course of study of professional nursing. Students should submit the certificate of professional nursing to sit for the NCLEX to the VA along with a copy of the MSN transcript. (Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6)
Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or the District of Columbia. *Grade Determinations: *The following criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade:
Nurse I Level I - An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional nursing practice/experience required.
- Nurse I Level II - An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 1 year of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a bachelor's degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience; OR a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional nursing practice/experience.
- Nurse I Level III - An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a BSN with approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; ORa Master's degree in nursing (MSN) or related field with a BSN and no additional nursing practice/experience.
- Nurse II - A BSN with approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 2-3 year's of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing or related field with a BSN and approximately 1-2 year's of nursing practice/experience; ORa Doctoral degree in nursing or meets basic requirements for appointment and has doctoral degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience required.
- Nurse III - Master's degree in nursing or related field with BSN and approximately 2-3 year's of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree in nursing or related field and approximately 2-3 year's of nursing practice/experience.
Preferred Experience:
3-5 years of Medical Surgical Nursing
Critical thinking and clinical judgment required to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing and medical interventions.
Essential skills include intravenous insertion/monitoring, wound and skin assessment, patient instruction for medications/treatment/discharge needs, and effective team-aligned communication.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
*Education/Experience Requirements:*
Experience as a RN will be evaluated to determine if the experience is of an acceptable level of quality with regard to the following four dimensions of nursing: Practice, Professional Development, Collaboration and Scientific Inquiry. Each dimension of practice has criteria that demonstrate essential core competencies for VHA Nursing Personnel. The criteria are as follows:
- Practice: practice, ethics and resource utilization;
- Professional Development: performance, education/career development;
- Collaboration; collaboration, collegiality;
- Scientific Inquiry: quality of care, research.
Physical Requirements:Walking, bending, stooping, and some lifting in the direct care of patients. There may also be extended periods of sitting.
Security Clearance
Additional Information
What To Expect Next
After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. During our review, if your résumé and application package do not support your questionnaire answers, we will adjust your rating accordingly. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email (if provided); otherwise, applicants will receive a notification letter via the U.S. Postal Service. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking on "Application Status." For a more detailed update of your status, click on "more information." Information regarding applicant notification points can be found in the USAJobs Resource Center.
The first list of eligible applicants will be pulled for referral on September 19, 2016. Subsequent referrals will be made every 10 days after that date. Applications received after the first cut-off date, will be considered for the second cut-off, and so on throughout the life of the announcement and within your specific period of eligibility.
All applicants may receive consideration for 3 months from the date of application. If you wish to be considered after that period, and the announcement is still open to receive applications, you must re-apply to indicate your continued interest.
VA offers a comprehensive benefits package. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered: http://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/benefits/index.asp.
Annual leave shall accrue for full-time Nurses, and Nurse Anesthetists at the rate of 8 hours for each full biweekly pay period.
Other Information
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
Salary Range: $54,686.00 to $101,408.00 / Per Year
Series & Grade: VN-0610-00/00
Supervisory Status: No
Who May Apply: United States Citizens
Control Number: 450007700
Job Announcement Number: TM-16-1797560-OCA-BU


text: How do I put this politely? Salma Hayek's husband and baby daddy, Francois-Henri Pinault, sounds like a huge douchebag. Pinault is currently embroiled in a child support battle with ex Linda Evangelista, with whom he has a five-year-old son, Augie, and the French billionaire is not looking so good. Evangelista is demanding $46,000 — a… READ MORE »


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Chiefs in the Show
Every Wednesday, our broadcast intern Conor Green will take a look at a former Chiefs player who's made his way to the Major Leagues. Enjoy…
Adam Lind was born in 1983 in Anderson, Indiana and quickly became a star at Highland High School. After passing on the Twins in the 2002 draft, Lind signed with the Blue Jays after being selected in the 3rd round in 2004. Lind had a sharp first season in the organization, hitting .312 with seven home runs in 70 games with the Auburn Doubledays.
Despite the performance, Lind was just ranked as Toronto's 17th best prospect by Baseball America following the season. However, that sentiment shifted after another phenomenal year in 2005. With the Dunedin Blue Jays, Lind hit .313 with 12 home runs and 84 RBIs. The performance was the catalyst to Lind's top prospect ranking prior to 2007.
The outfielder/first baseman played with the Chiefs on-and-off from 2006 to 2008, while moving back-and-forth to the big leagues. In those three seasons, Lind continued his hot-hitting, with a .394 average in 2006, .299 average in 2007 and .328 average in 2008.
The Indiana native played with the Blue Jays full time in 2009 and had his best season as a professional. Lind was one of the most explosive players in all of baseball, hitting .305 with 35 home runs. Additionally, he led the team in doubles (46) and RBIs (114). He followed with back-to-back solid years in 2010 and 2011, hitting 49 home runs with 159 RBIs combined.
Lind's All-Star caliber performances came in spite of a habitually bad back. Oddly enough, to remedy the uncooperative ailment, Lind turned to yoga. Prior to the 2013 season Lind hired his own personal yoga instructor, saying later, "It was especially good in the second half of the off-season when she had gotten to understand my body a little better and was able to figure out ways to get to the spots that have bothered me the most last summer." The ancient Indian practice has allowed for Lind's career to span 13 professional seasons.
In 2016, Lind has played a pivotal role for the playoff contending Mariners. He's tallied 13 home runs and 70 RBIs through the midway point, as Seattle trails his former team, Toronto, by five games for the final Wild Card spot. The long-time pro also played a stopper role for the Mariners earlier this year with a walkoff home run to end a six-game losing streak.
This former Chief turned his time in the salt city into a long, sturdy career in the big leagues. He will look to continue his good play out of the All-Star break, as he attempts to top 30 home runs for the second time in his career.
Minor League Monday 7/11/16
While another Monday brings us another work week, it also signals the return of our weekly Minor League Monday post here on the Inside the Chiefs Blog. Now unless you get to celebrate this week with a few days off thanks to the Triple-A All-Star game like us, use this read up on Andrew Stevenson to start your week off right. Stevenson is the feature of this production, a speedy defensive-minded player who currently patrols the outfield for the Harrisburg Senators, the Nationals Double-A Affiliate.
Andrew Stevenson
Position: OF Age: 22 DOB: 6/1/1994 Bats: L Throws: L Height: 6'0'' Weight: 185 lbs.
Bill Kamenjar/InsideNoVa.com
Andrew Stevenson was a steal in the 2015 MLB Draft. The Nationals were able to pick up the LSU product in the second round, 58th overall, with the organization's first selection (Washington lost its top pick of the Draft in the process of signing Max Scherzer in the offseason). Entering the draft, scouts were very high on Stevenson, labeling the three-year collegiate player as possibly the best defensive player out there. The Nationals knew what they were getting in him, a great defensive talent with a definite upside at the plate. Stevenson climbs the ranks thanks to his prowess in the outfield, but with work could become a top of the lineup hitter. His talent led him through a tough freshman year at LSU, paving the way for his success at the collegiate level and beyond.
As a Tiger, Stevenson had a rough go of it in his freshman campaign, hitting just .193 while striking out with more frequency (25 times) than collecting hits (23). However, thanks to his electric play in center, he started every game, helping LSU to the 2013 College World Series in that manner. Switches flipped prior to the 2014 season, and Stevenson really turned it around offensively, batting .335 his sophomore season, a team high, before hitting at a .348 clip in his junior year, which also ended in the College World Series. His efforts earned him a spot on the 2015 All-SEC First Team, an accolade to accompany his two SEC All-Defensive Team honors (2014 and 2015). The awards pale in comparison to his actual play on the diamond, which included many highlight reel catches over that span. It was at LSU where Stevenson demonstrated that he possessed Major League abilities in terms of speed and defensive ability. Those tools were enough to get him drafted in the second round, with the notion that other assets would develop over time in the Minors.
Stevenson made three stops in his first professional season following his exit at LSU. After a two game stint with the Gulf Coast Nationals, Stevenson stopped by Auburn for 18 games, where a .361 batting average quickly moved him to Hagerstown. He finished out the season with the Suns, batting .285 with 16 stolen bases to give him a slash line of .308/.363/.309 after his first professional season. To start 2016, Stevenson was promoted to the Potomac Nationals, Washingtons' High-A affiliate. This came after MLB.com ranked him as the Nats eighth best prospect in the system, a high debut for a young player. Stevenson carried over his success here, knocking 83 hits in 273 at-bats while driving in 18 and stealing 27 bases. These numbers led to a promotion to Double-A Harrisburg, but not before Stevenson earned Mid-Season All-Star accolades for his work with the Suns, his first professional All-Star appearance. Adjustment to Harrisburg has been a slight issue for Stevenson so far, however. Through 16 games he holds a .183 batting average with just 11 hits with all of them coming as singles. This is nothing to worry about in the long run, as the stretch classifies as his first real professional slump, and can be expected in the transition phase to a higher level.
Let's take a closer look at what the scouts say about Stevenson, in particular to his MLB.com ranking. Eighth in the organization, scouts tab his fielding ability as his top tool, rating it a 65 on the 20-80 scale. His speed, rated a 60, compounds this success in the outfield, while his arm strength has room for improvement in the Minors (rated a 35). At the plate, scouts know Stevenson can hit, ranking that tool at a 50, though not for power, where he receives just a 30 grading.
John Oubre/Advocate Staff
A herky-jerky swing would aptly describe Stevenson's mechanics at the dish. Weight moves all over, first forward then back, in his preparation for a pitch. This translates to base hits, though not over the fence power. And for the role Stevenson could play, that's not a bad thing at all. As mentioned, many people project Stevenson to be a defensive-first center fielder who has the ceiling to hit at the top of a lineup. Based on what we've seen, this is entirely possible. He can hit, and once on base is always a threat to steal and put himself in scoring position, just what you want to see at the top of a lineup. The ability to see if Stevenson could earn that spot remains to be seen, but from what he has displayed at the collegiate level and now early in his professional career, it is entirely likely he may be atop a Major League lineup in the future.
The skills that will, and have, push Stevenson's progression forward lies in his defensive abilities. He can fly with his speed, and this combined with excellent route taking makes him a centerfielder with the capability to cover huge stretches of the outfield en route to catching a fly ball. If you don't believe that even after watching the first video hyperlinked, I'll throw in some more proof here and here. It's worth noting that the grab in the first video came in a 3-3 ballgame in the top of the 12th inning, just to add a little more impact to the play. While the second video doesn't do a great job in capturing the athleticism required to make that catch, you can see how Stevenson couldn't have taken a wrong step in catching that ball. It was hit on a line, requiring a full extension dive to catch it just above the grass. Had Stevenson taken one step in the wrong direction while first tracking the ball, it would have fallen down ahead of him. Note that these videos are all from his days at LSU (the SEC will always be more glorified than minor-league baseball). He was working here with mostly raw ability, talent that had yet to be honed by professional level coaches. The LSU coaching staff certainly influenced him, but the training Stevenson now is receiving on an everyday bases certainly outshines collegiate play.
The book on Andrew Stevenson is certainly an open one with much left to be written, but the first few chapters yield heavy promise. Stevenson holds rare defensive talent, and has the ability to bring up his offensive talent as well. Syracuse will likely see this player within the 2017 season at some point before he is able to make a jump to the majors following that. From a Tiger to a Sun to a Senator, Andrew Stevenson is quickly progressing his way up the baseball ladder. He is a player of many talents and one with a high ceiling, and much more importantly of course, is this week's Minor League Monday prospect of the week.
Chiefs in the Show
Big bats in baseball are difficult to find, especially with the increased prevalence of power pitchers. Home run numbers have dropped across the board, even at the traditional power positions. In this week's edition of Chiefs in the Show, we look at one former Chief who's developed into an All-Star power threat in an increasingly powerless sport.
Ian Desmond was born in 1985 in Sarasota, Florida and attended Sarasota High School. Desmond separated himself as an athlete early on, his high school baseball coach saying, "He's mature, and a very, very hard worker. Those kinds of traits make him someone that's probably very inviting for an organization." (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A18438-2005Mar8.html?nav=rss_sports/leaguesandsports/mlb/washington)
(Jim Commentucci | The Post-Standard)
He was selected out of high school in the third round of the 2004 draft by the Montreal Expos and his fielding ability quickly garnered attraction from the organization's front office. General Manager Jim Bowden said after spring training in 2005, "I wouldn't be afraid to bring him to the big leagues to play defense." (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A18438-2005Mar8.html?nav=rss_sports/leaguesandsports/mlb/washington)
Despite the verbal accolades, Desmond's rise through the organization was arduous. The shortstop hadn't yet developed into a power threat and it took five years before he received a promotion to Triple-A Syracuse. In 2009 with the Chiefs, known primarily as a singles-doubles hitter and an excellent defensive shortstop, Desmond hit .354 with with 12 doubles in 55 games. The stint led to the shortstop's promotion to Washington for the latter portion of the season.
The promotion was more than just a professional advancement for Desmond. The move to Washington made his lifelong dream a reality. He commented on his 23rd birthday in 2009, "From my 12th birthday until this birthday, every single time I've wished that I get to the big leagues.'I never made another wish. Not once." (baseball.playerprofiles.com) Desmond's wish was granted and he became the Nationals everyday shortstop for the next six years.
With Washington, Desmond developed into a top-level power threat at the shortstop position. He hit 15 or more home runs in five out of six years, while knocking 20 or more long-balls three times. One of the team's most reliable producers, Desmond patrolled the middle infield in a period that saw the Nationals progress from N.L. East bottom dwellers to World Series contenders.
Desmond was not re-signed by Washington following the 2015 season and instead joined the Texas Rangers. The move transitioned the Sarasota native to new positions, playing a mix of both left and center field. With Texas, Desmond is enjoying one of his most successful seasons as a professional. At the midway point, he's batting .321 with 15 home runs and 52 RBIs. The scalding start led to him being named as an A.L. All-Star along with teammate Cole Hamels. His contribution has the Rangers holding the best record in the American league, at 53-32.
Ian Desmond's journey in the big leagues now features him as one of the best players in all of baseball. From Syracuse to the big leagues, he'll again play a major role come October. This former Chief continues to be a major difference maker in the Show.
Minor League Monday 7/4/16
While burgers and Budweiser are on the slate for many today, baseball doesn't take the Fourth of July off, and neither does Minor League Monday. We are back for the third edition of this weekly posting which examines and evaluates prospects across the Washington farm system. So far we've touched upon two high end prospects, Lucas Giolito and Victor Robles, but today we are dipping a little further down into the talent pool, where we find a speedster currently stationed in Double-A Harrisburg.
Rafael Bautista
Position: OF Age: 23 DOB: 3/8/93 Bats: R Throws: R Height: 6'2'' Weight: 165 lb.
Cliff Welch, MiLB
Rafael Bautista is certainly not the blue chip prospect that Giolito or Robles is, but the outfielder possesses enough talent to become a proficient major league player. Bautista, since starting his professional career in 2012 in the Dominican Summer League, has already been twice named an Organizational All-Star, twice selected as a Post-Season All-Star and once tabbed a Mid-Season All-Star. This accolades all came during his 2013 and 2014 campaigns, the best years of his young career. Bautista has a very high ceiling and some raw abilities that show the impact he could have with a major league team somewhere down the road.
Before the 2016 season, Bautista was moved up to Double-A, despite a 2015 season that was cut short due to a broken finger suffered in the first week. His best play came between 2013 and 2014. In 2013 he displayed his stuff stateside for the first time with the Gulf Coast Nationals at the Rookie level, where he slashed .322/.400/.391 with a solid contact swing. A mix of this solid offense and stellar defense moved him up to Hagerstown for 2014, when he really came onto the scene. Bautista hit at a .290 clip with 141 hits and an astounding 97 runs scored, far and away his career best. That rate also led the South Atlantic League. At the end of the season he moved into MLB.com's top 15 rankings for the Nats, premiering prior to the 2015 season at 15th.
Onto the next season, where according to the prospect rankings from scouts at MLB.com, Bautista was Washington's 16th ranked prospect prior to 2016. Based on the 20-80 scouting grades, with 50 being an average MLB player ranking and 65 being at an All-Star level, here is the consensus on Bautista:
Hit: 45
Power: 30
Run: 70
Arm: 50
Field: 60
(Via http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2016?list=was)
As we can see here, Bautista's calling card comes with his defense and speed. Combine these attributes, and you have a pretty solid outfielder in the making, which is exactly the route this young man is on. Many see Bautista as a fourth or fifth outfielder on a major league roster, though his big upside contends that he could become a starter. He has great initial reads when prowling the outfield, which paired with his plus plus speed allows him to reach balls that certainly may have dropped in on other players. The ground he can cover on any given play will certainly be an asset when it comes to earning that major league starting role.
Tracy Proffitt, MiLB
Bautista's speed also factors in heavily on the offensive side of the game. He has the ability to steal any base at any time, making him a threat to score even when receiving just a walk. Check out this great jump and steal of third base when he was with Potomac. No throw to third on a stolen base attempt? You don't see that too too often. Bautista has already stolen 211 bases in his young career, including a South Atlantic League-leading 69 in the 2014 season. In perspective, the second highest number of swiped bags in the league that year was 49 by Hagerstown teammate Wilmer Difo. Already in this season at Double-A Harrisburg, Bautista has stolen 35 bags in 41 attempts. Speed also comes into play in regards to Bautista's bunting ability, which he can do for a base hit.
At the plate, Bautista isn't an outstanding hitter, but he certainly is no slouch. He puts up stats typical to a center fielder, exempting Mike Trout and a few other outliers. While he doesn't have outstanding power, though that does appear from time to time, Bautista generates good contact at the plate, which translates into base hits. Of course from there, the threat of a steal is imminent. A positive for Bautista this season is his ability to become more patient and work walks. With his ability to steal, getting on base, however possible, is what he needs to do. Already in 2016, he has reached base 29 times via a free pass in 77 games. This is about to shatter his career high of 33 walks in 2015 when he appeared in 133 games. Through his years thus far, Bautista has a slash line of .289/.353/.360. Clearly not power numbers, but solid averages for a player in Bautista's role.
All in all, Bautista is a talented young prospect worth of the high grade assessed to him by many scouts. The threat of his speed is a legitimate game changer, either in the outfield or on the basepaths, where it will influence games more. That asset, along with his fielding capabilities, are among the best in the minors. The only downspell to his game comes at the plate. While Bautista can certainly handle himself at the dish, his numbers against minor league pitching does open the door for slight concern over whether he can translate his abilities to the major league level. The power is something that will likely never play into his game. Anywhere from 10 or more home runs a year would be a stretch for Bautista to collect, especially if the power remains as is. However, Bautista can apply solid contact to earn base hits, something he has shown consistently thus far. The X factor in becoming a player at the major league level for Bautista is his ability at the plate. At the rate he is going, a backup outfielder role seems in the cards, but there are variables that could sway that outcome in either direction. More strength to add at the plate would certainly make the case for this young prospect to earn a more valuable, everyday spot. The future is bright for Rafael Bautista, but the path to the bigs is not totally clear yet. We will see what this speedy outfielder, this week's Minor League Monday feature, has in store in seasons moving forward.
Sabermetric Saturday: Spin Rate
Welcome to our fourth new recurring blog series: Sabermetric Saturday! If you've enjoyed Minor League Monday, Chiefs in the Show Wednesday or I.L. Trip Advisor Friday…well, there's absolutely no correlation to whether or not you'll enjoy this! So pull up a chair, hope my exclamation mark key breaks and enjoy!
Each week in this space, we'll examine a statistic or term that's part of the sabermetric baseball world. What are "sabermetrics"? They are, according to Merriam-Webster, "the statistical analysis of baseball data". The phrase was coined by the legendary baseball thinker Bill James in 1980 as an homage to the Society for American Baseball Research – or SABR.
On Sabermetric Saturday, we'll attempt to explain something beyond the realms of traditional baseball thinking (home runs, RBIs, ERA, etc.) and apply it practically to your enjoyment of the game and/or the Chiefs. Our goal here is not to turn everyone into statistical junkies, poring over spreadsheets of data while examining variable after variable. That work is valuable to a certain group of people and should not be dismissed. However, we recognize it doesn't always make for simple dinner conversation. These write-ups will hope to simplify and educate you on something that may be new.
So let's talk about spin rate.
First of all – what is spin rate? Here's how MLB.com defines it:
A pitcher's Spin Rate represents the rate of spin on a baseball after it is released. It is measured in revolutions per minute.
The amount of spin on a pitch changes its trajectory. The same pitch thrown at the same Velocity will end up in a different place depending on how much it spins. (For instance, a fastball with a high Spin Rate appears to have a rising effect on the hitter, and it crosses the plate a few inches higher than a fastball of equal Velocity with a lower Spin Rate. Conversely, a lower Spin Rate on a changeup tends to create more movement.)
As more data have become available, most experts have agreed that fastballs and breaking balls are tougher to hit when they possess higher Spin Rates. In fact, some data suggest that Spin Rate correlates more closely than Velocity to swinging-strike percentage.
The short version: higher spin rate generally equals more swinging strikes. This varies from pitch to pitch – for instance, high spin on a splitter isn't good, because splitters are supposed to dive. This MLB.com breakdown on how spin applies to different pitches is a good example of spin rate's effectiveness per pitch.
The Chiefs' king of spin is right-handed pitcher Paolo Espino, thanks to a dazzling curveball with a mighty break. That might not surprise you. Its specific metrics, however, might.
Espino has become a believer in his spin rate as it relates to his success. Here's what he told us back in May…
"I hit 3,100 (rpm) this year, and I think in the past I hit 32. When I was in Columbus in 2010 or '11, that's the first time I heard about spin rate."
Espino began talking to the Clippers' video intern in charge of the "TrackMan" program that measures spin rate. That's where Espino began to realize just how impressive his curveball was.
"I've only seen one guy getting close to you", the intern told Espino. "He told me that it was Ivan Nova. I had no idea what it was then. He only told me it was really high."
Paolo Espino's curveball was "really high"? Ladies and gentlemen, that may be the understatement of the century. Once again, that link – Statcast's look at every pitch thrown at least 100 times last year in Major League Baseball.
At that link, we can see that Garrett Richards threw a curveball with the highest spin in the majors last year – at 3,086 rpm. That means Paolo Espino – who has never pitched in a Major-League game in a career spanning 10 seasons and more than 1,200 innings – has a curveball that spins as much as any curveball in Major League Baseball.
Just how does Espino spin the ball that much? That has to do with his "choke" grip and release point. It's a topic for a different day. For now, know that with the proper spin rate, you don't even have to throw 90 miles per hour to strike out batters and pitch effectively at this level – or above.
If you have suggestions for something you'd like to see on Sabermetric Saturday, please shoot me an email at firstname.lastname@example.com. If you have thoughts on what you like or don't like about this post, those messages are welcome as well. Here's to exploring.
I.L. Trip Advisor – Rochester
Today we continue with the second installment of our blog segment, I.L. Trip Advisor! Sometimes what makes or breaks a road trip for Kevin and I is where the hotel and ballpark are located in relation to great food spots. Thanks to uber, we have been able to explore the local cuisines of the I.L. cities even further. So every Friday, I'll try and be your I.L. Trip Advisor. This is not a complete list, as there are far too many spots to try and get to in the few days we have in each city. But I'll do my best to try and bring to light some of the best spots the I.L. footprint has to offer. With the Chiefs 90 miles west in Rochester, today we take a look at some Flower City spots. Bon Appetit!…
Now last week we spent time ranking some breakfast spots in Syracuse, which over the course of the season I'll continue to do with other food items. But for some of the other I.L. cities, we simply have not scouted out enough joints to make a full rankings list. So with the Chiefs in Rochester today, we won't go through a full ranking of city foot, but look at a spot or two that have helped us pass the hours and meals on the road in the I.L.
Now with Kevin (and before him Jason Benetti) having been around the league for much longer than I, many of the best choices in each city were actually originally scouted out by them. And Jim's on Main was discovered by Kevin, and is a great breakfast spot.
Jim's on Main
Distance from Stadium: 1.8 miles
Meal of Choice: Corned Beef Hash, Side of Home Fries
About a mile down the road from the team hotel, Jim's on Main is an awesome spot to grab breakfast in Rochester. We drove over Friday morning and had to park a few blocks away, but not to far to hurt the experience. I had a delicious corned beef hash and got a choice of a side toast that I turned into a bagel. All for only $6.95. French toast for only $4.25. Great food at an affordable price is as good as you can ask for as a minor league broadcaster on the road. The service was excellent, nice friendly folks and the food came out quick. Kevin enjoyed cinnamon french toast, and even with a late morning they served us breakfast past the 11:30 marked changeover to lunch. Very happy we discovered this spot.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Distance from Stadium: 1.8 miles
Meal of Choice: Pulled pork sandwich, side of mac & cheese and mashed potatoes
Dinosaur simply needs no introduction. Just on the other side of the river from the hotel, it is a great spot for lunch in Rochester. I'll save more of an in depth review for when we talk Syracuse lunch/dinner spots, but the Rochester Dino is actually a little bit bigger than the Syracuse one, and is usually pretty accessible to get a seat on a weekday walk over the river. And the food is as good as any in the city or the league. Dinosaur takeout has also worked out great on days we are running late and can savor pulled pork and mac and cheese at Frontier Field.
Frontier Field Press Spread:
As an added bonus, I'll rank the press spread at the ballparks in the league. Frontier Field is a good place to start. Pizza and wings on Friday. Thursday decent burgers and hot dogs with above average quality rolls. Coffee is available which is big for me, and the Red Wings always end things right with multiple cookie selections. Definitely above average: 7 out of 10.
Coming Up on our next trip to Rochester –
– Genesee Brew House
Chiefs in the Show
Baseball is a sport riddled with ups and downs. A player can swat multiple home runs one week and go hitless the next. A sport in which failure seven times out of ten, can culminate in a Hall of Fame bid. In this week's edition of Chiefs' in the Show, we'll take a look at a former Chief who overcame adversity, while fighting through a bevy of peaks and valleys, en-route to the big leagues.
In high school, Tanner Roark won two state championships, in both 2003 and 2005, at Wilmington High School in Illinois. Roark then attended the University of Illinois at Urabana-Champaign and was later selected by the Texas Rangers in the 25th round of the 2008 draft.
The right-handed starter quickly rose through the Texas organization, compiling a 14-5 record with four affiliates from 2008-2009. This included a perfect 10-0 record and a 2.70 ERA, with 91 strikeouts in 86.2 innings, at Single-A Bakersfield in 2009. The Illinois product was promoted to Double-A Frisco later that year, before being acquired by the Nationals organization via trade midway through 2010. Roark made 21 starts with Double-A Harrisburg that season, going 9-9 with 92 strikeouts in 117 innings, before being called up in 2012.
To this point in his career, Roark faced little adversity, compiling a win-loss record of 34-19 in his progression to Triple-A Syracuse. The 2012 season began like most others, with a strong performance against Rochester in his debut. But it all unraveled shortly thereafter. Roark suffered his worst season as a professional. He lost a career high 17 games, leading the international league, including losses in his five of his last six starts.
The hardship led to a group-meeting between Roark and Chiefs' then-Manager Tony Beasley, then-Pitching Coach Greg Booker, and Nationals Assistant General Manager Doug Harris. In the meeting, the trio convinced Roark to simplify his approach. Roark later reflected on the 2012 season, saying, "I was being selfish, I guess. Little things would happen, bloop hits. I would be getting it in my head and saying, 'Why is he getting on?' I was trying really hard." (www.washington.nationals.mlb.com/news/print.jsp?ymd=20140501&content_id=73989028&c_id=was)
The renewed approach did not produce instant results. After a scoreless debut in 2013, Roark's difficulties returned. He lost his next two starts, including a disastrous outing against the Buffalo Bisons. Roark went just three and two-thirds innings, allowing ten runs on 12 hits, in a 27-9 loss. The 27 runs were the most scored in the International League in over 40 years and resulted in Syracuse relegating Roark to the bullpen.
But something clicked for right-hander shortly thereafter. Whether it was the development of his two-seam fastball, or the continuance of a simplified approach, the Illinois product began to shine. From May 11 through June 29 of 2013, Roark allowed just two earned-runs in 42 innings. Over the stretch, he surrendered only 19 hits, while striking out 33 batters.
The turn-around resulted in Roark's return to the starting rotation. He won six of eight starts with the Chiefs from June 23rd through August 2nd. The strong stretch amounted to Roark's call-up to the show. With Washington, he finished the last two months with a 7-1 record as a starter-reliever hybrid. Roark's success continued into 2014, where he went 15-10 with a 2.85 ERA.
Earlier this season Roark had his best performance to date. Against the Twins the former Chief twirled a gem. He pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing just two hits, while striking out 15. The 15 strikeouts were the most Roark's tallied as a professional. The righty's explanation for the phenomenal performance was simple, "I was throwing four pitches to lefties and righties," Roark said. "Keeping them guessing, uncomfortable at the plate." (http://espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=360423120)
In 2016, Roark's been one of the most reliable starters in a loaded Nationals rotation. He sports a 7-5 record and a 2.96 ERA, with 89 strikeouts in 100 innings. Roark's sharp pitching has contributed to the Nationals first-place positioning in the N.L. East.
From success to hardship, and now back to success, Roark has ridden the roller coaster of professional baseball. In 2012, his likelihood of reaching the majors appeared bleak. Fast-forward four years later and Roark has established himself as a reliable, consistent starter at baseball's highest level. Tanner Roark's fight through turbulence is a testament to his determination in joining the exclusive list of Chiefs in the Show.
Minor League Monday 6/27/16
We are back again for another Minor League Monday post here on the Inside the Chiefs Blog. Today's rising star is currently stationed in AA Harrisburg, where he finished last season. Let's talk to it.
Lucas Giolito
Position: RHP Age: 21 DOB: 7/14/1994 Bats: R Throws: R Height: 6'6'' Weight: 255 lb.
Logan Bowles, USA Today Sports
It is hard to do a blog on the Washington Nationals farm system without bringing up Lucas Giolito. I was going to attempt to save this post for a little while down the road, but when an organization has the rights on a 6'6'', 255 pound right-hander who has three above average pitches, it's hard not to get around to him. Giolito is an ace of the future. The term "the sky's the limit" has never rang more true than in the case of this 21 year old.
Giolito was taken by the Nationals in the first round of the 2012 draft with the 16th overall pick. Washington was lucky to pick him up so late- the prep star was mocked much higher, but concerns of an elbow injury his senior year scared potential suitors off. Prior to those concerns, it was speculated that the Southern California product may have become the first high school right-hander to be taken number one overall. After he fell, the Nats took the bait, and are now reaping the benefits. It wasn't without a little worry, however. Giolito did undergo Tommy John surgery shortly after he signed in the summer of 2012, though this came as no surprise to Washington, who weathered the storm and came out with baseball's top prospect prior to the 2016 season, according to MLB.com. Baseball America has him ranked as the fifth best prospect in the game while Baseball Prospectus slots him at third.
After the Tommy John procedure, Giolito began his first full professional season in 2014. To say it eliminated worries over his elbow would be putting it lightly. The big righty dominated the South Atlantic League, going 10-2 with a 2.20 ERA in 20 starts with the Hagerstown Suns. His efforts reaped a mass of postseason accolades, including being tabbed twice as a pitcher of the week, named to the Low-A Futures team, selected an Organizational All-Star for Washington and given the 2014 South Atlantic League Most Outstanding Pitcher award. Giolito split time between Hagerstown and AA Harrisburg in 2015, going 7-7 overall on the bump with a 3.15 ERA. This season, Giolito is still with Harrisburg, putting up similarly stellar numbers for such a young prospect. He sits at 5-3 thus far with a 3.17 ERA in 14 starts. At the pace he is going, it may not be long before Giolito works his way to Syracuse and the AAA level, a likely pit stop before joining the ranks of the Washington staff in the big leagues.
With such high regard all across the board, it is Giolito's physical makeup and astounding three-pitch arsenal that have scouts in consensus of his prospect ranking. The Senator pitcher has drawn comparisons to Roy Halladay, thanks to his hulking frame and above average pitches. Giolito's best pitch is his fastball. Some scouts even have it topping out the 20-80 grading scale, while others have it at "just" a 75. The heater averages around 93 miles an hour, and did coming out of high school, but can also range up to the mid to high 90s when Giolito really reaches back. In addition to the pure speed of his fastball, Giolito also has natural, late break on the pitch, providing yet another challenge for batters. As if a straight as an arrow 95 mile an hour pitch wasn't enough. Take as close a look as you'll ever want to facing Giolito with this link, courtesy of PennLive.com.
While the heater is a huge weapon on its own, imagine gearing up for a 95 mile an hour fastball but getting a hard, sharp, 12-6 curve that drops just prior to reaching the plate. This is where Giolito really gets batters. He'll pair the fastball with that breaking curve, setting up hitters for weak, or no, contact. Like the fastball, Giolito's curve has that late break that just compounds problems for hitters. It's sharp bite on the end makes it extremely difficult to hit, especially when expecting a fastball. For many pitchers, this type of curve would be their bread and butter. For Giolito, his curve is his number two pitch, rating at a 70 according to scouts. Both pitches on their own are enough to buckle a batter's knees, but what sets Giolito apart is his ability to throw them with extreme skill and precision, much of the reason behind his top pitcher status.
It seems impossible, but Giolito isn't done there. He has been developing a changeup in recent years, which has really come a long way in the minors. He is throwing it with more frequency and success, and has been using it especially as a tool against left-handed batters to keep them guessing. The change has usually been ranked around a 50 to 55 by scouts, though it is always improving. It has a dipping motion that drops it just before the plate, yielding weak contact when hit. The change has become a swing-and-miss pitch, though Giolito has been gaining ground on throwing it for strikes when he wants as well.
See these pitches in action here with a clip from a 2015 appearance with Harrisburg. In the game, Giolito went seven innings, allowing just one hit while striking out 11. If anything, watch the last pitch of the at-bat. The curve thrown on a 3-2 count not only shows Giolito's confidence in his control of the pitch, but also displayed just how deceptive that 12-6 curve is. A true thing of beauty. However, while all of these pitches combine for success on the mound, they may not even be Giolito's most effective weapon.
John Absalon, MiLB.com
That lies with his build. At 6'6'' and 255 pounds, Giolito has one of the best frames for a pitcher. It contributes to not only his power, but in the way he, literally, comes at a batter. His frame best comes into play when referring to the downhill plane in which he throws his pitches. Pitching downhill is a hard to achieve feat that makes pitches much more difficult for batters to hit. When hurlers can get this downhill action on their pitches, the batter now must deal with not only catching up to speed (in Giolito's case the mid-90s) but also hitting the ball level as the pitch is moving towards the hitter while also moving downwards. In simpler terms, it is much more difficult to hit Giolito because his pitch moves down as it reaches the plate, rather than just coming in straight. While it doesn't seem like much, the difference here can make or break some prospects, or at the very least make a pitcher much more difficult to drive a pitch off of. The term "hitting it square" is commonplace around baseball. For batters against Giolito, it is much more difficult to do so because of this downward action.
Giolito has one consistent "issue" with his pitching. I write "issue" with that insinuation because to many other prospects, if this was their biggest problem, life would be much easier. The problem comes with his delivery, which Giolito has yet to fully master in terms of consistency. His delivery sometimes is cut short, landing a bit abruptly on his front leg, which makes his control falter slightly. Him and Harrisburg pitching coach Chris Michalak have worked on this together, working to solve the issue before Giolito climbs the ranks further. Here is a slow-mo of Giolito's full windup, in case you're a mechanics aficionado. Despite this, Giolito still owns a 3.13 K/BB ratio throughout his young career.
Giolito is a rare talent; one that doesn't come with every annual draft. All of his raw abilities and talents translate to fluid success on the mound that can be seen with each passing pitch. While there is the blemish of the Tommy John surgery, all signs point to the fact that Giolito has effectively put any sort of issue with that behind him. Even if some problems do arise in the future, the Nationals organization does have plenty of experience in dealing with that, thanks to the battle tested Stephen Strasburg. It should be only a short time before Giolito makes his way to Syracuse and beyond. He has been more than effective thus far in 2016 at the AA level and seems ready to take the next step. After he does come to the Chiefs, it is likely he will be Washington bound in just a short time after. Lucas Giolito is a true talent that one day has the promise to be a starter on Opening Day for an organization. All the tools, both physical and mental, are in the right place as this prospect continues to show off his baseball skill set. Syracuse has seen superstars before in Bryce Harper and Strasburg, but the time is near to see tomorrow's superstar at NBT Bank Stadium. That superstar is Lucas Giolito, this week's Minor League Monday prospect feature.
UPDATE (as of 6/27/16 at 3:30 PM)
Giolito has been promoted to Washington, bypassing AAA Syracuse, and is set to start Tuesday's game against the New York Mets. The Nationals have been in a bit of a tailspin recently, losing seven of their last eight and also losing Strasburg to a back injury. The Nats need Giolito to be effective in his MLB debut, especially against the NL East rival Mets. The two clubs begin a three-game set Monday night, with New York and Miami trailing Washington by just three games in the NL East. Giolito is scheduled to face off opposite Matt Harvey on Tuesday. Harvey has been in a funk of sorts all season, holding just a 4-9 record and 4.64 ERA amidst season-long speculation that he should be scratched from certain outings. A solid start from Giolito would be clutch for Washington, who is in a very precarious situation with the recent slump and without their ace. While the start will be a milestone in Giolito's young life, he will have to push aside any emotional feelings to concentrate on this key mid-summer matchup. The Nationals are throwing Giolito into the fire for his debut, so we will really get to see what baseball's top prospect is made of. The game can be viewed on MASN 2 or MLBNetwork.
I.L. Trip Advisor – A Syracuse Breakfast
Today we unveil a third new recurring blog segment! Sometimes what makes or breaks a road trip for Kevin and I is where the hotel and ballpark are located in relation to great food spots. Thanks to uber, we have been able to explore the local cuisines of the I.L. cities even further. So every Friday, I'll try and be your I.L. Trip Advisor. This is not a complete list, as there are far too many spots to try and get to in the few days we have in each city. But I'll do my best to try and bring to light some of the best spots the I.L. footprint has to offer. And since the Chiefs just got back to Syracuse, lets start right at home. Bon Appetit!…
For being one of the smaller cities in the International League, Syracuse is far from short on great places to eat. Now sure, living here for five plus years now I have uncovered my share of lesser known spots that may make this list a bit longer than other cities we only visit for three days, but the Salt City really has its fair share of excellent offerings for any meal of the day. We'll leave some suspense and throw a few Syracuse hot spots into the mix as the season goes on, so today let's start with the most important meal of the day. Here are my top three breakfast spots in the 'Cuse.
#3 Mother's Cupboard
Distance from Stadium: 15 min
Personal Meal of Choice: Pancake and Home Fries
If you are in the mood for a little bit of a drive and dont mind a wait, Mother's Cupboard is a great choice.
Made famous by an appearance on Man vs. Food, Mother's Cupboard is a small, 36 seat breakfast spot on the edge of Syracuse on James Street. The line can be long but the wait is more than worth it. Once inside, among the many excellent options is the chance at the Frittata Challenge.
Though I was not bold enough to try this task which according to the restaurant, 95% of people have failed at, it features a six point frittata with scrambled eggs, sausage, pepperoni and hash browns. If that isn't your speed, Mother's Cupboard has excellent pancakes a foot long in diameter and some of the best home fries I have ever had. This is an excellent spot if you are hungry for a large and delicious breakfast.
#2 Stella's Diner
Distance from Stadium: 5 min
Personal Meal of Choice: French Toast, Side of Scrambled Eggs
I grew up in Connecticut where there was a diner in every town. I loved going to the diner, and at Stella's I get the diner and amazing breakfast. French toast, eggs, sausage, home fries, you can't go wrong at Stella's. Now there can be quite the line on a Saturday or Sunday morning, but once your in you are taken back to the 1950s style diner and the food comes fast and the meal is excellent.
#1 Funk n' Waffles
Distance from Stadium: 10 min
Personal Meal of Choice: The Jersey Shore
Whether you are up by the SU hill or in Armory Square, Funk and Waffles has become a favorite spot of baseball players, coaches, and broadcasters coming into town. Originally created by two Syracuse University students and entered into an SU business school entrepreneurship competition, the students stuck around and let their idea of waffles and music grow. And boy are we glad they did. The environment is perfect for a morning bite, and the food is dynamite. Bacon-stuffed waffles. Ice cream. Fried chicken and waffles. If you are really hungry, you can even go with pulled pork on a waffle. You could go here for two weeks and not get the same thing, and enjoy every offering. And especially during baseball season, there is almost never a wait with students away for the summer break. This is an awesome unique spot and the breakfast is never a let down.
Chiefs in the Show: Marco Estrada
It's another new recurring blog segment! Every Wednesday, our broadcast intern Conor Green will take a look at a former Chiefs player who's made his way to the Major Leagues. Enjoy…
The journey from the minors to the majors varies greatly from player-to-player. For blue chip up-and-comers like Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg, minor league advancement is often a swift process. But this obviously doesn't hold true for every prospective major-leaguer. In this edition of Chiefs in the Show, we look at former Chief Marco Estrada, and his professional voyage.
From 2015 to 2016, Estrada has been a revelation in the starting rotation for the Blue Jays. This after playing a starter-reliever hybrid role, across the majority of his 11-year career. In 2016, Estrada sports a 5-3 record, while ranking fourth in the American League in ERA at 2.70.
Picked in the 6th round by the Nationals in 2005, Estrada was a standout at Sylmar High School in California, but was not a highly sought after prospect, resulting in pitching at Glendale Community College in California from 2002 to 2003. Following two years at Glendale, the right-hander transferred to Long Beach State in California, before being drafted in 2005.
After college, it took Estrada three years to progress out of Single-A ball, eventually moving to Double-A Harrisburg in 2008. With the Chiefs in 2009, Estrada had his best season as a professional to that point. In 25 starts, he went 9-5 with an ERA of 3.63 over 136.1 innings. Following the season, he was claimed off waivers by Milwaukee.
With the Brewers, the Californian made 70 starts over five seasons, not once winning more than seven games, while shifting from a starter to reliever role on occasion. Estrada didn't tally All-Star totals with Milwaukee, but his five years with the Brewers provided an opportunity to start at the big-league level. Estrada will long be appreciative, saying, "I'm thankful every day for the opportunities the Brewers have given me. Not only that they picked me up in the first place, but that they actually gave me a chance to pitch."
The pitcher's breakthrough has come in the last two years in Toronto, with Estrada playing a pivotal role in the Blue Jays' 2015 playoff run. In the ALDS, down two-games-to-none to the high-powered Rangers, Estrada pitched a sparkler. He went six and one-third innings, allowing just one run, en route to a 5-1 Blue Jays game-three win. Estrada's performance propelled Toronto to the first of three-consecutive wins, as they eventually won the series in five games.
Then, again facing elimination against the Royals in the ALCS, Estrada kept the Blue Jays alive with another dazzling performance. Trailing three-games-to-one, the former Chief went seven and two-thirds innings, once again allowing just one run, while surrendering only three hits. The Blue Jays later fell to the Royals in game six, but without the playoff poise provided by Estrada, Toronto's first playoff berth since 1993 wouldn't have been as memorable.
Over his 11-year career, Estrada has navigated the murky waters of minor-league baseball, faced early hardship at the big-league level, and emerged as one of the more effective and consistent starters in the major-leagues. The road to the bigs was no easy ride, with some bumps along the way, but over the last few years this former Chief has begun to make his mark in the show.