Biscuits Gotta Eat Too, News & Notes

Not much to report yet, the club is still getting its feet underneath itself. We are getting a good feel for what to expect this summer during this extended homestand. So far its been win some, lose some, and sometimes it rains.

BERGIE

As of this writing Erik Ostberg had two extra base hits in his two seasons with the Biscuits, both triples. One of three Biscuit catchers this season, Ostberg has good wheels and is just waiting to break out.

Look for Ostberg to find the groove and do some yard work soon. I have it from a good source that a "Bergie Bomb" is a wonderous thing to behold. "Bergie bombs don't land" was another report.

PEPPA

Nicknames are always a good way to win the crowd over and Biscuits lefty reliever Jose Lopez has a good one. Peppa brings heat from the southside and while he ran into trouble on Saturday it won't be long before the Dominican-born Lopez is Peppa in Durham.

 

MEAD RULES GOLF TOO

Every year I ask who the best golfer is, with little debate among those polled this season the answer is Curtis Mead. 

Slugging at a mad rate and handling business at the hot corner with ease, Mead was tested at second base and managed with little difficulty. 

 

Able at all tasks on the diamond, the Aussie Mead is a treat for Biscuits fans while he remains in the Southern League.

 

 

JONES ON THE RUN

With twelve steals in sixteen games Greg Jones has got the green light every time. 

After driving fourteen homers last year Greg already has a pair of dingers but has been even more impressive on the basepaths. 

Greg Jones' low batting average is due for an uptick, as indicated by his sustainable Babip and career .285 average.

 

 

SPOONS AT THE WHEEL

Grant Witherspoon has been low-key driving the bus for the Biscuits, batting .293 with thirteen runs driven in and picking up two delicious outfield assists in ten games. 

"He looks like a twelve year old with those rosy cheeks!" I heard from the seats behind me just before Grant launched a monster home run, which shows just how low-key Spoons has been. 

How low key is he? Spoons is the last guy left on the club that I don't have a good pic of yet!

WALKING KAM

Biscuits Kameron Misner is among the league leaders in bases on balls, earning nearly twenty free passes in his first fifteen games. Misner, part of the Tampa deal that sent Wendle to Miami, was with Pensacola last year for about two weeks. 

In February Forbes magazine called Misner "the toolbox" the Rays got in exchange for Wendle and "a project with upside". Not sure if thats really a compliment but there it is. For me it looks like Misner knows the zone well enough to claim a spot in the middle of the batting order for Biscuits skipper Mo Ensberg.

What? Want more?

Okay, tough crowd, but okay. Uh, it looks like the Southern League is using MLB baseballs. Not a big deal on the surface, but deeper study is needed to determine if we are seeing last years stock of juiced balls being used or if we are just being supplied this years MLB orbs due to the Southern League name not being legally cleared in time. 

One hitter I talked to was doubtful the balls in Biscuits games were juiced, having experienced the rabbit balls in extended spring training last year. 

However another source I heard from reported unusual exit velos in Montgomery games. Only time will tell. 

SHOWIN SOME LOVE

More?

Jeez, what do you want from a guy tryin to post less? Okay, okay don't freak out, I'll dish! It is nice to be wanted... 

NEW BAGS IN USE

The new bases are being used in Biscuits games this season, larger by three inches each side. 

Noticeably oversized, they have been jokingly described as "pizza boxes". At the All Star Break the second base bag will be moved a few inches closer to the mound, in what I suspect will have little or no effect on the game ever.

 

WHATTA WE GOT HERE

1870s Montgomery cotton wagons

Usually my blog posts are geared towards fans of the team and those with interest in the players and history of our area. However today we will shift the focus a little, offering intel for those who are in town either with the team or to take in the game from somewhere else. 

Montgomery's history pretty much starts with statehood in 1820 and really picks up as the industrial revolution in the east demanded more raw materials produced in the south. 

The river and the railroads met in Montgomery and the city became a hub for goods going from farm to factory.

Much of the history of our area is closely intertwined with this supply/demand and its social-political impact. Montgomery's intimate connections to the slave trade, the Civil War, as well as an intolerant and often violent reaction to the Civil Rights Movement left the city with a black eye it refused to acknowledge for decades.

Montgomery Riverfront ca 1905

Montgomery was left lagging behind in many ways, badly stunting its own growth decade after decade, until change began with the building of a ballpark in the riverfront cotton warehouse district in 2004. Since downtown renovation began with that ballpark Montgomery has grown by leaps and bounds, but still struggles to fully embrace its history.

This is reflected in the community, in part, by the lack of some amenities that visitors often expect. Our public transportation, a flashpoint of the Civil Rights movement, never fully recovered and is woefully inadequate. Education is below average, largely due to infighting among local political groups. Public events are often sparsely attended because it is tough to advertise successfully due to wide gaps in how the local population receives news and information. 

 

PLACES TO EAT IN MONTGOMERY

I have been asked about places to eat and things to do in town. Players need food and activities so I am here to share actionable information. Many of these are local gems high on authentic southern ambience and steeped in history.

Not all businesses on this list have been personally vetted since the pandemic, so make inquiries before arriving. I tried to list places fairly close to the ballpark but some are geared for lunch and close early so call ahead! 

Mostly family owned places here, if you mention Dr. Miraculous to them they wont know who you are talking about, but if we walk in together you can be sure they will know what I want before we sit down.

 

Burgers: Hamburger King at 547 South Decatur Street Simply the best since the 1960s and my favorite on this list. Chris' Hot Dogs on Dexter Ave for hotdogs gets suggested to many visitors while locals keep Hamburger King to themselves. Call ahead, they close at two pm, tell them you want the large burger with cheese, if you like that, the topping options are lettuce tomato onion mustard and ketchup.

 

Roberto Alvarez

Pizza: Midtown Pizza Kitchen 2940 Zelda Ave 

also Bibb Street Pizza 424 Bibb St.

 

Tacos: Taqueria El Campesino 1550 Mt. Meigs Rd. is my personal fave.

also Sol Restaurante 3962 Atlanta Hwy. is more of a sit down spot.

For Breakfast: Gregs Breakfast Bar 3407 Norman Bridge Road serves it up! 

Montgomery is a breakfast town, other choices include Mama's Sack Lunches, Davis Cafe for soul food. 

Greg Jones

 

For Lunch: Scott Street Deli 412 Scott Street the best muffaletta in town!

also Shashy's Dining 2700 Mulberry Street, Chappys Deli 1611 Perry Hill Road, Peytons Place 5336 Atlanta Hwy all long time local lunch faves.

 

For Seafood: Capitol Oyster Bar 617 Shady Street, well hidden but worth the effort.

Dogsitter: Riverpaws Pet Resort 444 S. Hull St. will watch your pooch like a boss.

Taj Bradley

 

Bakery: Fennel & Fig 1039 Woodley Rd. untested but recommended

 

For Mom: Gazebo Tea Room 414 Perry Hill Rd looks like the cultured place for an afternoon tea.

Vegetarian: El Rey Burrito Lounge at 1031 Fairview Ave. 

also Plant Bae 175 Lee Street.

First Watch (chain) Zelda Road

Sean Hunley

Latin: D'Road Cafe 121 Montgomery Street offers different food each day, call ahead!

 

24 HOURS EATS

Krispy Kreme Donuts 5474 Atlanta Hwy HOT DONUTS NOW!

Taco Bell 2695 Zelda Rd not quite 24 hrs, also McDonalds Zelda Road,

Costanzo, Hunt, Murray and Lopez

Wattaburger 6970 Eastchase Loop

 

INTERESTING PLACES

F. Scott Fitzgerald House, historic home of famous writer preserved from the 1920s

Old Alabama Town, collection of 1800s historic buildings on N. Hull Street

EJI Memorial

Blount Cultural Park/Alabama Shakespeare Fest/Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, lush grounds surround theater and museum

Jackson Lake, beautiful lake setting, the perfect picnic spot! Five bucks a day, worth it!

Oak Park 1010 Forest Avenue is a free, historic wooded park that also hosts the cities planetarium.

Oak Park ca 1910

#BULLPENLIFE

Your 2022 Montgomery Biscuits Primer

Your Montgomery Biscuits return to Riverwalk Stadium for the new season ready to take on the freshly re-minted Southern League, facing the Smokies in the home opening series.

 

Its tough to get into baseball after labor issues and money politics have put it in such a bad light. MLB taking over the minors means fans are putting more money in MLB owners pockets while getting less and less from teams between the chalk. 

 

Locally speaking, as a fan its been painful to watch as season after season the Montgomery roster has been used as a feeder, sending players to affiliate teams above and below regardless of the Southern League standings. Often the Biscuits are left short of a full roster for days or weeks on end. Pitchers are expected to work more innings than in other organizations and players are pressed into roles they are unprepared for. 

 

Some claim development as the reason for minor league roster construction, but when the Rays come up a game short I say its because that's just how they were taught right here in Double-A.

 

There have been fewer posts on this blog. That may be a trend that continues, as when I post my research it gets quickly assimilated into the baseball research community - and usually sans authors credit. 

Also, while truly I love to share about the Biscuits, the feeling has been hardly seemed mutual from a professional standpoint. In spite of repeated offers to work together with the Biscuits team to present history, even to pay them as a way to advertise this not-for-profit blog, I am still waiting for a call back.

Yet, hope springs eternal right?

 

YOUR 2022 MONTGOMERY BISCUITS

Skipper Morgan Ensberg addresses the squad at open practice

PITCHERS

Bradley

Taj Bradley is a fifth round pick out of Stone Mountain, rising quickly in the Rays pitching ranks. Doubling his innings pitched each of his three seasons, Taj should be able to shoulder a solid load as a starter, offering high strikeouts and efficient outings more often than not.

Brigden

Tall Canadian Trevor Brigden's ERA last season was already a touch higher than one would like when the Rays saw fit for him to skip development in double-A and go straight to Durham, where he was torched for nine earned runs in an inning and two thirds over two games. Now he finally makes his Double-A debut after a nice experience in the Arizona Fall League.

Costanzo

Chicago-born Michael Costanzo has worked his way up the organization ladder the past three seasons with consistency, bringing strikeout stuff to the bump the former Austin Peay product is a lefty option in the pen. 

Garcia

Carlos Garcia, righthander from the Dominican, as well as former Perth Heat of ABL, had a nice showing the Arizona Fall League and looks ready to take on Double-A as a reliever or starter. Offering nice punchout totals, Garcia had been getting good results until hitting a rough patch last summer that pushed his ERA higher than his career mark.

Gau

Chris Gau sent to durham

Hogan

Miller Hogan sent to Durham.

Lopez

Dominican lefty Jose Lopez brings the punchouts. He will give up a few walks, a few hits, rarely a homerun, most of the time it will just be a K.

Mercado

After a long layover Mike Mercado got back on the mound last season. The numbers probly dont matter to him, after a two year plus absence that included tommy juan and a pandemic lockdown he was just happy to be on the hill. With 18 starts at High-A Mercado comes to Montgomery with a chance to fine tune the delivery and see if the numbers will fall in line.

Murray

Jayden Murray has the quiet swagger and he should. With twenty starts last summer Murray is poised to increase his innings pitched and take his game to the next level. Efficiency has been the hallmark of Murrays moundsmanship, keeping baserunners to a limit while posting good strikeout totals. This guy is one to watch.  

Reifert

Evan Reifert arrives as "the guy we got for Brosseau", a thirtieth rounder in his second pro season. But the Iowa native shows eye-popping strikeout numbers at two levels last year.

Sampen

Caleb Sampen made four starts for the Biscuits last summer, posting an ERA of 9.17 after skipping from rookie ball all the way to Double-A. No low-A or High-A for Caleb, whom the Rays felt would better develop by not going back to single-A where he posted a sparkling 2.68 ERA in 21 starts in 2019. The son of former MLB pitcher Bill Sampen, it is to be expected that Caleb will likely adjust quickly after a shaky debut in the league last season.

Seymour

Ian Seymour is probably wondering why he is here. After skipping double-A last summer, the Rays felt he should get in some innings at Montgomery after all, and shipped him here in spite of his zero ERA in two starts for the Durham Bulls last year. Pitching well at three levels in 2021, basically every affiliate but the Biscuits, one has to wonder who is at the wheel for these assignments.

Sterner

Justin Sterner is a boss. Efficient, able to get the punchout, intimidates hitters and gets the job done. 

Strong

San Diego-born and drafted out of UNLV, Alan Strong got hammered in his Biscuits debut last year, taking one loss and pitching mostly in mop-up roles and maybe didn't pitch as well last year as his 6.91 ERA looks. Strong looks to get a much better gig this year in the Skitz pen, and is an early pick for guy to watch - because he has so much to prove.

Witt

Nathan Witt, I love this guy, give him the ball. He had an 8.44 ERA for us last year. Don't care, give him the ball. He walked eight guys in ten innings. Don't care, give him the ball. He's got a career WhIP of almost 1.5. Don't care, give him the ball. Maybe he won't get you all of them, but he will get the ones you really need. Give him the ball.

 

CATCHERS

Alvarez

Roberto Clemente Alvarez, this Puerto Rican catcher comes to the Biscuits fresh from a solid season split between low and high-A leagues. A consistent contact hitter at the plate, Alvarez work behind the dish grades high, with a very good arm and solid blocking ability. It has become harder for pitchers to throw it past Roberto, a skill sure to be challenged this summer at Riverwalk.

 

Hunt

Blake Hunt returns to the Gump as one of the top catching prospects around. The back of his bubblegum card reminds us he was once dealt for former Biscuit Blake Snell and was a second round choice of the Padres in 2017. Barely cracking the lineup last year in Montgomery in seventeen games, Blake brings a large presence to the batting order as he looks to prove last years hitting slump a fluke.

Ostberg

"I was only here two weeks" Erik Ostberg told me when we chatted at the open practise, "but I remember you!" And we remember you Os! His four hits in six games weren't popping off the stat sheet but I never forget it when I score a triple for a catcher in my scorebook. Ostberg's lone extra base hit for Montgomery was an RBI triple and was one of the most exciting tours of the pillows I had the pleasure of enjoying for some time. 

Look for Ostberg to share time behind the plate and in the bullpen where his affable nature makes for good company during long summer games. Also, look for Erik to hit considerably better than his .191 stat line from last year. A career .253 hitter, Ostberg has been a steady hitter at all stops.

 

INFIELD

Edwards

Evan Edwards .

Jones

Speedy Greg Jones was just getting started last year when injury ended his Biscuits season. With fourteen homers and thirty four steals between two levels, Jones will be given the green light to run and swing away. Look for Greg to bat high in the order and improve on last years totals at the plate.

Lopez 

Johan Lopez continues a trend of infielders who come to Montgomery after skipping high-A ball. The right handed Venezuelan brings versatility to the infield, capable at shortstop or third base, with occasional second base option. Speed is a weapon for Lopez, easily capable of about twenty stolen bases a season.

Mead

Curtis Mead, third baseman from Australia, skipped double-A last year after a solid season at single-A, where he absolutely smoked the ball. Mead is another Biscuit scratching their heads at why they are being sent to Montgomery after hitting .429 in four games for Durham. Look for Mead to obliterate Southern League pitching over the next few weeks while he keeps an eye out on apartments for rent in Durham.

Shenton

Austin Shenton is a rare player - one that the Rays appear to have traded for mid-season in a deal that would have helped the Biscuits and no other affiliate in the near term. And then a fractured thumb ended his season after just thirteen games in Montgomery. Now he is back and ready to pick up where he left off. A doubles hitter, the Washington state native should be a welcome addition to the batting order for skipper Mo Ensberg, who needs every power bat he can get.

Wisely

Brett Wisely should have his own radio station, the man is a hit machine. This will be Bretts third pro season, he played a lot at second base last year, which figures to be a crowded spot in Montgomery this summer. Wisely is versatile and a good bet to fill the DH role on days he isn't given a spot on the diamond.

 

OUTFIELD

Alexander

Hill Alexander tore up high-A last summer and if the numbers bear out Hill should enjoy playing at Riverwalk very much bigtimes. Able to drive the ball well, Alexander should be a staple in the batting order and in right field where he will split time with...

Hulsizer

Niko Hulsizer sent to durham. 

Misner

Kameron Misner was drafted in the 33rd round of 2016 and didnt sign, getting drafted again in 2019 just a little higher, taken in the first round by the Marlins. Last summer Kam spent fourteen games helping Biscuits opponents, swatting for Pensacola to a .309 average in his first taste of Double-A. Now with Montgomery, Misner should provide plenty of support in left and center fields.

Qsar

Jordan Qsar has played for Perth in ABL and the Arizona Fall League. I mention this not just because I am a fan of both leagues, but because the Rays send guys to both those places that the club hopes to see advance. It signals an amount of expectation that they help these guys career paths with the experience both these special teaching tools offer. 

Last year Jordan surpassed the twenty homer mark for the first time in his pro career, now getting the chance to prove himself at Double-A.

Witherspoon

Grant Witherspoon, a fourth round choice from Colorado is another with ABL experience. He, like Qsar, popped twenty plus homers last year for the first time in his career. Proving his solid .269 average and 24 homer season was no fluke is the task set before Grant this summer, with the Southern League providing the venue.

HISTORY ZONE

*formerly this week in montgomery baseball history 

Hey what can I talk about here without some clown stealing my research and throwing together a book about it before I can even verify the events? Well, at the risk of getting my papers photographed, I have been reading with enjoyment newspaper accounts of local wrestling back to the 1930s. We had a lot of famous wrestlers but the ones I like are the weird ones, though I admit I have little interest in modern wrestling. But how can you not love The Green Shadow and his big match with The Bat? Classic!

 

#BULLPENLIFE