Brad Boxberger Burger Fest, History Week!

Somehow the stars aligned...

After being burned in Bham the Biscuits can enjoy a nice relaxing six-game homestand against the best team in the league and a rehab start by a big leaguer.

The Biscuits hold their fate in their own hands in the upcoming showdown against the Jackson Generals, the Montgomery nine can face off against the only team standing between them and first place. Brady needs better than a series split, this is an opportunity for the Skitz to move up in the standings.

Though it won't be easy after that, its one step at a time!

HISTORY WEEK
To add to the Biscuits history nights, I will be posting special history-related items every day this week! This is the first installment!

BRAD NOT THE FIRST
The announcement that Tampa Rays closer Brad Boxberger would be rehabbing in a start at Montgomery is exciting news. Seeing the big league product always excites the fans, but it won't be the first time Montgomery has been mentioned with the name.

MONTGOMERY BASEBALL HISTORY

BOXBERGER NO HITS REBELS

Not the first Boxberger to appear in Montgomery history, Rod Boxberger no hit the Rebels in July of 1978 in his first start in double-A. And yes, Rod is Brads dad. He was 30-55 in six pro seasons, mostly at double-A, through 1983. 

At least this time Boxberger is on our side!

SERIES VS JACKSON GENERALS


The Gens have a much different look from last years lackluster squad, this team has set the league afire. With 27 wins and just 17 Losses the Seattle affiliate has the best record in the Southern League, Montgomery trails them by 3.5 games going into this head to head matchup. The Generals bring a three game winning streak to Riverwalk.

They also bring prospects.
The PRAT for the Generals is 144, they have some top players on the list. According to MLB pipeline:
RP Edwin Diaz is listed #2
OF Tyler O'Neil is listed #4
1b/3b DJ Peterson is listed #6
LHP Ryan Yarbrough is listed #12
RHP Dan Altavila is listed #20

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Montgomery leads the league in home runs as well as two-base hits, look for Biscuits to bat balls against or over the walls.

Jake Bauers thinkin HR

Look for Generals on first base. The Gens lead the league in base hits and are second in OBP, knowing how to hit em where they aint as well as being willing to take a free pass.

Biscuits don't always rely on the long ball, the team is second in the SL in stolen bases. Look for Brady to give the green light to baserunners.

Look for strikeouts from both sides, Montgomery and Jackson have nearly identical punchout rates.

Ian Miller leads the league in triples, look for him to challenge the arms of Biscuit outfielders.

Look for Jackson to shut the door, only Biloxi has converted more saves than the Generals.

Faria pitching thru the itch in April

Top Prospect Edwin Diaz is one face you can look for in the bullpen, he was moved to the pen in mid-may.

With the promotion of Bhams Nicky Delmonico, the HR leaders in the Southern League are Casey Gillaspie and Tyler O'Neil of Jackson, both tied at 8. Look to see who emerges from the series with the lead.

After a couple tough-luck starts attributed to an itchy beard, Jacob Faria flirted with a no-hitter in his last game. Look for him to go after back-to-back great starts, allowing just one run or less, which he has yet to log this season.

Look for Tampa Rays closer Brad Boxberger to start game one. He could get a second appearance Thurs or Fri, but that isn't written in stone.

HOMESTAND WELL PLANNED
I love it when a plan comes together and it couldn't be any better than this week. MLB Rehabber Brad Boxberger starting on Burger Fest, Two History Nights, 50cent HotDogs, Three sets of fireworks, Thursty Thirsday, Catch on the Field Sunday. And if thats not enough, we get to see a head to head faceoff with the top team for a shot at the first half title! Sweet!

Wednesday 
Boxberger v Moore
Buger Fest!
Boxberger will only pitch one inning, or 25 pitches, whichever comes first. Look for Kirsch to take the hill in the second inning. If you take too long parking the car, you might miss it.

Thursday
 Hu vs Ash
90s  Night!


Friday
 Faria vs Pries
Montgomery Baseball History Night! Fireworks!

1972 Montgomery Rebels

I helped out with the history night planning, offering up info and images. Its a nod to the long and storied past of the capitol city, Rebels, Climbers, Colts, Senators, Bombers, Black Sox, Grey Sox, Grays, Blues, Lions are all among the teams discussed!

Saturday
Game 1 Guerrieri vs tba
Game 2  Mortensen vs Gaviglio
Biscuits Baseball History Night! Fireworks!

Two Games Saturday!

5pm start time, the doubleheader game two is a makeup of rainout at Jackson, Biscuits will be road team and bat first in the game for just the second time at Riverwalk, making history on a night dedicated to the history of the Biscuits!

Sunday
Stanek vs Yarbrough
Memorial Day & 50cent Hotdogs, Fireworks



MY BAD NEW GUYS
I tweeted the arrival of the relievers, but got their ERA badly wrong. Bird was 2w-1L with a 0.50 ERA. Jordan Harrison was 0-1 with a 2.77 ERA.

NEW GUY TWO
Pat Blair is another new Biscuit, making his debut for Montgomery on the road at Bham. He had three homers in 19 games for the Stone Crabs, batting just .164.

SKEETER BARNES HISTORY

We talked last time about Rays roving instructor Skeeter Barnes, I found this photo of him sliding into third base against the Rebels. Skeeter played for Nashville in 1979, this game shot from that season when he hit .266 with 12 homers.