First Baseball Trip of 2007 A Success

The first baseball trip for he kids and I was a huge success this weekend. Despite the weather being in the mid-forties, we were able to bundle up and enjoy some great baseball. The kids enjoyed seeing the Whitecaps mascots Crash and Franky. They do a great job of interacting with all the kids at the game and making it a great experience. We were also able to interact with the players and coaches a bit. Pictured left with Lily, is Whitecaps manager and former World Champion with the Tigers Tom Brookens, who took time to sign some cards for the kids. Hitting coach Benny DiStefano, who played for the Pirates and Astros from 1984-92, gave a game ball to Trevor. We were also able to get some cards signed by Tigers prospects such as Brandon Timm and Josh Rainwater.

Hopfully the weather will be a little friendlier next time, but a great way to start the season for us. See you at the ball park.

Whitecaps Split Double-Header With Silver Hawks

The West Michigan Whitecaps split a double-header with the visiting South Bend Silver Hawks Saturday afternoon at 5/3 Ballpark.

Game one went to the visitors by the score of 2-0. Lauren Gagniar took the lose for the 'Caps, pitching four innings and giving up four hits, including a home-run. Phil Napolitan came in relief, and pitched three great innings. He fanned two and only gave up one hit, but the 'Caps couldn't bolster any offence. They only had three hits in the game by Scott Sizemore, Brennan Boecsh, and Santo DeLeon.

Game two belonged to the 'Caps, who snuck out a 2-1 win. Outfielder Gorkys Hernandez was the star of the game with a double and run scored. He scored the winning run on a passed ball in the third inning. West Michigan's first run was scored by James Skelton who hit a double and was hit home by Boecsh. Diek Scram also had a double in the game. On the mound Angel Castro earned his first win of the season. He gave up six hits, but was able to pitch himself out of a jam in almost every inning. Steve Jensen got his second save of the season, both the 'Caps only wins.

Derek A. Smith Signs With NHL's Senators

Lake Superior State Junior defenseman Derek A. Smith signed a two-year free agent contract with the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, April 12. Smith had a break-through year with the Lakers this season, tying for the team lead in points with 30 (10g-20a) with Trent Campbell and Troy Schwab. He was a +6 on the season, and only took five minutes in penalties. Smith was also a finalist for the CCHA Offensive Defenseman Award.

Here's the official story from the Lakers website:

http://lssulakers.cstv.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/042407aaa.html

Whitecaps Ready To Defend Midwest League Title

The West Michigan Whitecaps get ready to defend their 2006 Midwest League title on April 9, when they take on the Lansing Lugnuts at 5/3 Park in Grand Rapids. With Matt Walbeck moving up to AA Erie, former Detroit Tiger and World Champion Tom Brookens takes the 'Caps helm this season. Brookens has spent the last two seasons managing the Oneonta Tigers of the New York-Penn league. He served as hitting coach for the 'Caps last season on an interim basis as well. Although the final roster is yet to be set, the 'Caps will be lead on the mound by Tiger's draft pick Jonah Nickerson. Nickerson led Oregon State to the College World Series title and played for Team USA. He also threw 13 innings in Oneonta-fanning 12 and holding the oposition to a .190 batting average. Outfielder Brennan Boesch will try to fill the void left by Cameron Maybin. He had a solid pro debut last season hitting .291 and had a combined 81 rbi/runs scored. He made six errors in Oneonta, but his strong arm makes him effective in both center or right. Infielder Scott Sizemore finished second in the New York-Penn league with a .327 average. Despite being a natural second baseman, he was put at short-stop because they had no one else to fill the position. He'll get help this year by SS Audy Ciriaco who spent the last two seasons in the Gulf Coast League hitting .232 despite the fact that he won't turn 20 until June. Also from the GCL Tigers comes relief pitcher Brett Jensen. He was 1-0 with 31 strike-out after finishing his collegiate career at Nebraska.

The Whitecaps will be giving out championship hats for the home opener on the 9th, and Cameron Maybin bobbleheads on April 13.

Welcome

Welcome to the Burrill Sports web page. I will be covering primarily local college hockey, featuring the Lake Superior State Lakers. Also, my love of baseball as well pushes me to cover some of the state's minor league teams like the West Michigan Whitecaps and the new Great Lakes Loons. I always enjoy positive feedback, and try to do my best to cover these great teams in thier respective sports.
Thank you, and enjoy.