Promo Sked, Faria Photobomb, Skitz AFL Bound

Here at the Original Montgomery Biscuits Fan blog, we don't quit when the weather gets cold. There is baseball talk aplenty in the offseason, especially this year!

BISCUIT PROMOS
We should learn plenty on Wednesday as the Biscuits release their promotional schedule. It will be chock full of new events and promotions, the Skitz front office seems to be moving ahead with fresh ideas. Hopefully everyone will find something they like in the release, though I am not sure if it is a tune up or total revamp.

The promotional schedule will also tell us how the Biscuits see themselves. Winning teams draw fans with wins, others rely on giveaways and promotions.

 WHAT TO LOOK FOR

I expect to see the fauxback uniforms on the sked, perhaps the team will take the opportunity to give a nod to the rich baseball history of the Montgomery area.

I am hopeful we might see a Kevin Kiermaier bobblehead and have a T Shirt giveaway night.

I think we will have a return of Rays Night w/DJ Kitty or Raymond. And of course the popular Star Wars night will be a standard on the calendar.

Mark Sappington encounters the Dark Side

RAYS SEND SKITZ TO AFL
The Rays released their winter ball assignations, but with Montgomery involved in postseason play it went almost unnoticed. Every year guys play winter ball, its a rare treat to get Autumn Biscuits! Priorities, ya know.

NEXT BATCH ALREADY RISING
But if you crave a taste of next summers Biscuits early, look no farther than the Arizona Fall League. Current Skitz sent to AFL duty include Jake Bauers, Closer Brad Schreiber and shortstop Daniel Robertson. Bauers has been listed as an outfielder, likely giving the young slugger a chance to show his versatility as an audition for a possible position change.

As for future Biscuits, first baseman Casey Gillaspie as well as pitchers Mike Franco and Buddy Borden are rostered for fall games and all spent time at Port Charlotte this summer.

Gillaspie lost time to injury in 2015 but still has a chance to be the Biscuits first sacker next summer and may be part of the reason Bauers will get a look in the outfield. Bauers has told me he expects to return to Montgomery to start next year.


STRIKE EM OOT, PARDNER AMIGO
Canadian Biscuit AllStar Gold Medalist pitcher Jared Mortensen told me he is headed for the Dominican Republic for winter ball.

Morty said he does not speak much spanish but says he will be brushing up ahead of the trip!

JOHNNY GETS SOME REST
Even before he broke his hand, Johnny Field told me he planned to get some rest this offseason. After spending last winter in Australian League baseball, the All Star left fielder has been experiencing summer for about 18 consecutive months and played three seasons worth of games in just two years.

"Even if they asked me to play winter ball, I would probably turn it down" Field told me. "The Rays generally prefer to not send a player for winter ball two seasons in a row."
Sorry Brisbane Bandits fans, no Johnny Field Jr this year.

JERSEYS READY
If you won a Biscuits jersey at the Charity Auction a few weeks ago, you can pick them up this week at the team store. I was happy to grab mine on monday and remember to check the Biscuits webpage for your photo.

I found mine online and got a little more than I expected with it - not just a pic with Jeff Ames but it includes a photobomb by Jacob Faria!

SUGGESTION BOX OPEN

In an effort to give readers what they want, the suggestion box is open. Let me know what you want to see and we will make every effort to accommodate.

Already this year I have gotten ideas and requests from folks about what they like or want to see more of and its my pleasure to make it happen. I love getting the feedback from readers, even if its just "hey i like the stats" or "more funny pictures" its a huge help in making it a better experience for Biscuit fans. Thats you guys!

So give a shout, leave a comment or shoot me a line at DrMiraculous at knology dot net.

COMING UP
In the next few posts I hope to look at the year in review, hand out some awards, check in on past Biscuits and start breaking down what to expect next summer.

Not goodbye, but au revoir - this blog is year round!