Jimmy Lange Decisions Jimmy “The Fighting School Teacher” Holmes

By Rodger M. WoodJimmy “The Fighting School Teacher” Holmes fought tough against veteran middleweight Jimmy Lange at the George Mason Patriot Center last Saturday, but came up short on the referee and judges’ scorecards.The win made Lange’s record, 35-4-2, 24 KO, while Holme’s record dropped to 19- 2, 10 KO.Lange and Holmes went toe to toe the first six rounds, both trading punches and trying to take command of the fight.

Starting about the seventh round, Lange started getting the edge with hard right hand jabs and left – right combinations, but Holmes didn’t back off, dishing a good number of his own left –right combinations to Lange’s body and head.In the end, Lange, the Fairfax favorite, got a unanimous decision, but Holmes could go on home to Indiana, holding his head up high after giving the savvy Lange more for his money than he expected.Lange will be fighting a couple out of town matches before returning to the Patriot Center to fight September 12th.My son Thom took these great fight photos. Please review them and you will think you were at the fight yourself.

DeMatha and Paul VI Battle Again in WCAC Semi Final

By Rodger M. Wood

With 35 seconds to go, the basketball rolled around the rim, looking dangerously close to going through for a three pointer and a tie 50-50 game, but as fate would have it in the last instance, the ball bounced out to make DeMatha winners, and grasped victory from the hands of the young Paul VI hoopsters 52-47.This semifinal WCAC basketball championship game marked the third straight game this season, the 2009, 2010, 2011 WCAC and Washington D.C. champions, Dematha Stags beat the upstart Panthers in the last seconds of the game, 59-58 at home, 51-48 away, and 52-47 in the semifinal.Led by seven juniors, five sophomores, three freshmen at Bender Arena last Sunday, it looks like the Paul Vi could battle the champions again next season. Maybe this time, hard work will pay off, the lucky breaks will even themselves out in the last seconds, the ball will go through the hoop, and the Paul VI Panthers will win.View some photos from the Paul VI/Dematha 2011 Semi Final Championship Game February 28th.

If Heart and Desire Are Elements of the Criteria

Washington Nationals Prospect: J.P. Ramierez, OFby Rodger M. Wood

While not listed among Baseball America or any other sports journal’s top 10 Washington Nationals minor league prospects, if the size of a player’s heart and desire to improve are part of the criteria, outfielder JP Ramierez isa sure shot to make the majors.While impressed by his hitting when they selected him out of New Braunfels HS (Texas) in 15th round of the 2008 June Amateur draft, the Nationals questioned whether the 18-year Ramirez’ speed and quickness would be adequate down the road for major league base running and regular outfield play.Hitting 364 BA, 0 HR, 11 RBI in 11 AB in 5 games at Nationals’ GLC affiliate in 2008, and 264 BA, 4 HR, and 39 RBI in 295 AB in 72 games at rookie half season NY/Penn Vermont in 2009, the 5-10, 185 outfielder showed hitting flashes, but short on speed, there was still a question if he had sufficient tools to succeed in left and right field.Recognizing his own shortcomings, JP took the bull by the horns.“During the off seasons, I’ve worked out regularly with trainer Lee Fiosi, who has also worked with Red Sox outfielder Carl Crawford, and Scott Smith, both of whom helped me to develop an intensive work out routine to improve my speed and quickness.”During the 2010 season at Low A – Hagerstown, hitting coach and former major leaguer, Tony Tarasco said Ramirez matured in other ways.“JP knew what he had to do to make a steadfast upgrade of his skills. He came out to the ball park every day at 11 AM, took extra cuts, developed strike zone discipline and learned how to hit what the pitcher gave him.”“He also worked hard on running and improving his outfield play, taking extra fly balls to get a better jump on the ball, and cutting some time off his 1B to 3B, and 2B-HP speed.”The results of youngster’s hard work became evident in a breakout season at Hagerstown. He hit 296 BA, 16 HR, and drove in 75 RBI in 506 AB, showed better speed on the bases stretching out 27 2B, 4 3B, and stealing 3 bases, and in 73 games in the field, catching up to 116 fly balls, throwing out two runners, and making only 6 errors.Always seeming to drive the ball somewhere, JP also strove in clutch hitting situations. By his own admission, he was more focused when challenged and loved to be in clutch situations.He’ll need more seasoning in the minor leagues, but with his heart, work ethic, and attitude, JP will do just fine at Fast A - Potomac this season and surely succeed In a couple seasons,when he arrives at the “Big Scene” in Washington.

***********************************************************************************Also look at the 2010 Hagerstown Suns 164-photo folder taken by Rodger M. Wood

Rodger and Jimmy Lange Talk Boxing

I enjoyed talking with middleweight boxer Jimmy Lange between halves at the JMU/George Mason basketball game last Saturday.Since I’m from Detroit and did some boxing there, we talked about Detroit boxers. He thought Joe Louis was the best boxer to come out of the city, while I told him, pound for pound, I thought Sugar Ray Robinson was the best.Jimmy is fighting Jimmy “The Fighting School Teacher” Holmes in a 10-round light middleweight boxing match at the George Mason Patriot Center on Saturday, March 12th.Lange has a 34 wins- 4 losses- 2 draws record. He has 24 KO to his credit, the last one a dramatic 10th round knockout of Joe Wyatt this past November.Holmes is fighting out of Indiana, and has 19 wins- 1 loss, and 10 by KO.

Rodger’s Top 10 2010 Division 1 High School Football Picks

By Rodger M. Wood

There are definite signs portending its professionalization but high school football is still a game. As college football, I dread it ever losing that natural purity.

I spent most of this past September and October at high school games, practices, and individual shoots photographing high school senior Division 1 football players for the brand new Sporting News “Recruiting Guide,” which made news stands nation-wide in mid – December, 2010.

Traveling around Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky, I came in contact with many top high school players, who will have the opportunity to play college football at a Division 1 college.

If they realize their unlimited gridiron potential, they could progress onto NFL fame and a lifetime of millions dollars playing a game, which drives the American public into a wild frenzy every Sunday.

It was difficult to rank these young men in order of their ability and potential, but combined with the intangible factors of like-ability, cooperation, and heart, I was so presumptuous as to rank “Rodger’s Top 10 Division 1 Football Picks,” below:

1. Kevin McReynold, DT, 6-2, 280, St. John’s HS, (Washington, D.C.).Ranked the Sporting New #36 recruit In the 2011 class, but Rodger’s #1.

I immediately liked this serious young man at a photo shoot last year. He went through all my photography antics without complaint, and two hours later went out to play a tough football game against Bishop McNamara. After the game, he wanted me to meet his parents. I also saw him play in six other games the past two years.

Kevin has the athletic genes of his father, who played college basketball at Virginia Tech.

Kevin played both offensive tight end and defensive tackle this season and has the speed (4.97 seconds in the 40 –yard) to catch a running back.

Kevin is seriously considering scholarship offers from Arkansas, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio State, Oregon, Rutgers, and UCLA.

2. Landon Turner, OT, 6-5, 311, Harrisonburg HS, (Harrisonburg, VA)Ranked the #86 Sporting News recruit in the 2011 Class.

I watched Landon’s at practice and afterwards, had a photo shoot in mid-October at Harrisonburg, VA, which is the home of Division 2 James Madison College, who pulled off the upset of the 2010 Season beating neighbor Division 1 Virginia Tech 21-16.

Always smiling, he’s Mr. Nice Guy, and a young man, who you want to see succeed. I promised to see him in the State of Virginia Division 2 Championship game if Harrisonburg made that game, which they did the second Saturday in December against Briarwood HS at Lynchburg, VA.

Declining scholarship offers from West Virginia, where his father West Turner played, Virginia, and nearby Hokieland, he will be playing offensive tackle at North Carolina University in 2011.

3. Jameel Poteat, RB, 5-11, 195, Bishop McDevitt HS, (Harrisburg, PA)Ranked the #76 Sporting New recruit in the 2011 class.

I hugged Jameel, after he ran a 65 yard touchdown off right tackle, straight at my camera lens, while I depressed my finger on the motor drive. It took until the second half to get these great shots and I wasoverjoyed when it happened.

I met Jameel’s mother, Linda Poteat, at half time and she is a nice lady.

Wanting to emulate his cousin Hank Poteat, who played safety there before nine NFL seasons, Jameel committed to the University of Pittsburgh.

Jameel has the power and speed to run over and away from opposing defenders. He ran for 1,664 yards and 24 touchdowns in the tough 2010 Harrisburg PA high school competition.

4. Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, 6-7, 322, Dematha HS, (Hyattsville, MD)Ranked the Sporting News #1 recruit in the 2011 class.

I saw Cyrus in six games in 2009 and 2010, including the both WCAC Championship Games against Good Counsel at Annapolis.

Older brother Arie, who played with alongside Cyrus at Dematha HS in 2009, Is an offensive tackle at Alabama. Cyrus is raw and needs to fine tuning. I don’t think he’s developed his football instincts yet but has the size and potential to be great.

He has offers to play at Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Miami, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, USC, and Virginia, but is still undecided.

5. Jamal Lewter, OT, 6-7, 265, Ballou HS (Washington, D.C.)Ranked in Sporting News top 300 recruits of the 2011 class.

I saw Jamar play football against Dunbar one night in October at Ballou HS in the Anacostia section of our nation’s capital.

I think this big raw boned youngster will surprise a few people. He has the heart, big body, and ability to play big time football. He accepted an offer to play offensive tackle at North Carolina in 2011.

6. Vincent Croce, LB and TE, 6-4, 260, Good Counsel HS, (Washington, D.C.)Unranked in the Sporting News Top 300 recruits of the 2011 class.

The Washington Post ranked him the 2010 Metropolitan Washington D.C defensive player of the year.

I saw Vincent play in games against St. Johns, Dematha three times, and Gonzaga, and never saw his team, Good Counsel, lose. He was a dominant middle linebacker and captain on defense as a juniorand senior on WCAC championship teams.

Good Counsel smoked perennial champion Dematha in the 2009 and 2010 WCAC championship games.

Vincent has committed to the University of Virginia in 2011.

7. Curtis Grant, LB, 6-3, 220, Hermitage HS, (Richmond, VA)Ranked the Sporting News #16 recruit in the 2011 class.

I saw him play in a game against Godwin HS in October in Richmond VA.

Curtis was a tough middle linebacker for Hermitage HS, but most college coaches see his future at outside linebacker.

His senior year football team lost the 2010 Virginia State A – Championship game to Battlefield, to finish with a 13-1 overall W-L record.

He received his first scholarship offer from West Virginia as a high school freshman, but is also seriously considering subsequent offers from Virginia Tech, Florida, Alabama, Miami, and Virginia.

8. Zach Dancel, QB, S, 6-0, 192, Good Counsel HS, (Washington, D.C.)Unranked in Sporting News Top 300 recruits in the 2011 class.

In 2010, he developed into an effective run-pass option quarterback. He works hard and gets better every year.

Zach was the winning quarterback in three games I saw him play in 2009 and three games in 2010, including the two WAAC championship games against Dematha.

He has scholarship options from Illinois, New Mexico, Stony Brook, and Towson and visited Georgia Tech.

9. Kevin Hogan, QB, 6-4, 200, Gonzaga HS, (Washington, D.C.)Unranked in Sporting News top 300 recruits in the 2011 class.

He has accepted a scholarship to back up Heisman Trophy runner up Andrew Luck at Stanford in 2011.

He was named the 2010 Washington Post top D.C. Metroplitan QB.

He was the losing QB In the semi final WCAC championship game against Good Counsel, but gave it his best shot.

I saw Kevin quarterback in two games against Good Counsel, and one against Bishop McNamara this season. He is the best pass - run high school quarterback I have ever seen. He and Zach Dancel will both make their marks in college football.

10. Terrell Chesnut, QB, DB, 5-11, 180, Pottsgrove HS (Pottstown, PA)Ranked the Sporting News #57 recruit in the 2011 class.

He has accepted an offer to play college football at Pittsburgh in 2011.

I drove to Pottstown PA for a photo shoot with Terrell in early October, but never saw him in a game.

His future may be in the secondary on defense, rather than quarterback, but this young man will be happy to play wherever his team needs him.

He is a fine young man, who will make the effort to do everything well, both on and off the gridiron.

Nationals Cuban Pitching Prospect Struggled in Fast A Carolina League Outing

By Rodger M. WoodNationals $6 million signee and top Cuban pitching prospect, Yunesky Maya got off to a good start pitching three shutout innings in his Fast A - Carolina League debut at Potomac Sunday afternoon, but bothered by a blister on his throwing thumb, struggled with control issues in the 4th, walking the leadoff hitter and allowing tough Winston Salem batters to tee off on him for a 5-1 lead.After the game, Maya explained the blister prevented him from throwing a change-up with any confidence and gripping his splitter the way he liked. In the 5th inning, Dash 1B Seth Loman launched an 87 mph fast ball, which was up to that point in the 90 -92 range, over the right field fence.

Except for 7 innings of 1-earned run ball in two starts at Rookie GCL, the 29-year old right hander had not pitched since defecting to the Dominican Republic over a year ago.His work at GCL and Potomac is like a rehab tour intended at getting rid of the rust in his delivery. The seasoned veteran of international baseball is no novice to high pressure baseball. In the 2008-2009 Cuban National Season, Maya finished with a 13-4 record and seven complete games, and finished second among league leaders with a 2.22 ERA and 119 strikeouts finishing second to Reds prospect, Arodis Chapman’s league leading 130 strikeouts. During 6 Cuban National Series Seasons, Maya was 48-29 W-L, with a 2.51 ERAGlad he got the work in against these aggressive young hitters, Maya anticipates his next start will be at Triple A Syracuse next week.The Nationals plan on him being their 3rd starter in September.I took the supporting photographs during the game at Potomac Sunday afternoon.

Rodger’s Pick: Kipp Schutz, Aberdeen Iron Birds

By Rodger M. WoodWhat A Difference A Year Makes!Hitting #2 in a strong 300 hitter loaded Aberdeen batting order, 22-year old left fielder Kipp Schutz is feasting off NY/PA League pitching with a 344 BA, 3 HR, and 27 RBI in 154 AB in 41 games played.The Baltimore Orioles have thought highly of this youngster since Day One, drafting him twice, 30th after high school in 2006 and 19th in 2009 after his torrid junior 392 BA, 5 HR, 34 RBI season at Big 10 Indiana University, where he also played varsity basketball as a walk on his junior year.After signing in June, 2009 he was immediately assigned to Rookie A Bluefield where he struggled at the plate in July but hit over 340 in August to finish his 40-game season of Appalachian League ball with a misleading 252 BA, 1 HR, and 15 RBI.Schutz explained his slow start. “I was injured most of July and hit about 202 for the month, but improved the month of August hitting about 350 and raising my batting average 50 points to 252.”While fully recovered from his injuries and eligible to advance to full season Low A Delmarva out of spring training this past April, the Orioles held him back in extended spring training.The young outfielder thinks that decision and his hard work last winter were the reasons for his hitting improvement at Aberdeen this season.“Bluefield was a struggle. During the off season I worked out with Dodgers coach and Yankee great, Don Mattingly and his son, Preston, then was held back in extended spring training, which was a blessing because I could work on my hitting, and all those other little things you can’t during the regular season.”Iron Birds hitting coach, Leo Gomez thinks Schutz’ hard work in extended spring paid backbig dividends.“He goes to the plate now more focused, confident, organized, relaxed, and looking for his pitch. He is a 100% consistent, has a good 2-strike approach, and is the kind of hitter you want up there in a tight situation. He doesn’t swing at everything and waits for a pitch he can drive.”

The youngster is not resting on his laurels.“I’m working on everything at Aberdeen. In the right situations, I want to be able to lay a bunt down, hit to the opposite field, advance the runners, and get a better jump on fly balls.”Coach Gomez thinks he also needs to work more on his defense .“When a hitter hits like he does, you don’t want to say too much to him, just look for your pitch to hit. He will be line drive hitter like Joe Orsulak, but he needs to work on his throws, hitting the cutoff man, throwing to the right base, and becoming stronger. If he learns to do these things well, he has a good chance to advance.”In the bottom of the 11th inning of a 5-5 tie against the Tri City Valley Cats in late July, the young hitter remembered his coach’s advice. He took a couple pitches, made the opposing right hander throw a strike and drilled a walk off grand slam homerun over the right field fence to win the game 9-5.Oh, what difference a year makes!

SALLY League All Star Game Festivities A Class Act!

By Rodger M. Wood

I feel like a fire cracker on the 5th of July reporting about a South Atlantic All Star Game on July 22nd that took place over a month ago at Greenville, S.C. but I want to display the game photos and give the young all stars credit for participation in a great game..SALLY League and Greenville Drive management did a great job hosting game festivities at magnificent Fluor Field, which with a Green Monster in left field, is an almost exact replica of the Drive’s parent team Boston Red Sox’s Fenway Park.The Washington Nationals Hagerstown Suns tied for the largest team representation with six, manager Matt LeCroy, RHP Dan Rosenbaum, RHP Trevor Holder, who was called up to Fast A Potomac before getting a chance to participate, 3B Stephen Souza, OF Destin Hood, and C Sandy Leon.Boston minor leaguers, RHP Dennis Neumann, OF Ronald Bermudez, and C Dan Butler, an undrafted Arizona University backup catcher quickly emerging from an unsung Cape Cod League past to Red Sox prospect status, represented the host Greenville Drive.Baltimore Orioles Low A – Delmarva Shorebirds was represented by RHP Jesse Beal, from nearbyFairfax Station, VA, SS Garabez Rosa, and OF Brian Conley.Atlanta 2006 #1 Draft RHP Cory Rasmer and LHP Chris Masters represented the BravesLow A – Rome.The game was a nail biter after the 5th inning, when both North and South scored a couple runs for a5-5 tie, which lasted the remainder of the game until called at the end of 10 innings.Wesr Virginia Power (Pirates) OF David Rubenstein hit a double and single in 2 AB, Greensboro C Kyle Skipworth hit a HR in the first inning to put the North ahead 1-0, and Lakewood SS (Phillies) Jonathan Villars hit a solo HR in the 3rd.All the displayed photos were taken during the festivities before the game.

Eastern League All Star Festivities Are Big Fun

By Rodger M. WoodLots of fun activities before the game heightened the drama of an exciting 2010 EasternLeague All Star game at Harrisburg Metro Bank Park July 14th.Ollie’s Bargain Outlets went all out to make it a memorable day for young and old fans, some ofwhom traveled from distant Eastern League cities Trenton, Erie, Altoona, Bowie, Binghamton, Akron, Reading, Manchester, New Britain, Richmond, and Portland to cheer their heroes on.

The Family Fun Fest began at 1 PM. All Star players, graciously signed autographs for a multitude of fans, but the biggest demand turned out to be NASCAR Sprint Cup points leader, Kevin Harvick, who later threw out the first pitch and drove his bright yellow race car around the warning track.Lower Dauphin HS (PA) slugger, Colbe Herr won the high school and Altoona catcher, Hector Gimenez the Eastern League home run derby, with Harrisburg 1B Chris Marrero and Bowie CF Tyler Henson in close pursuit.The all star game was a classic good pitching, good defense 2-2 ball game until the 7th inning stretch,when the West Division filled the bases for Altoona SS Chase D’Arnaud to clear with a dramatic grand slam home run to make the score 7-2. Erie CF Andy Dirks hit a solo shot after D”Arnaud to raise the score to 8-2.In the top of 8th, New Hampshire C Brian Jerolman singled in a run for the East Division making it a 8-3 game and in the bottom of the 8th, Akron OF John Drennen hit a HR and Chris Marrero singled in a run increasing the margin to the West Division final 10-3 win. Harrisburg RHP Rafael Martin picked up the win with a perfect 7th inning.

Lowell’s Molding a Winning Combination!

By Rodger M. WoodStocked with several top Red Sox draft picks and prospects, Manager Bruce Crabbe is quickly molding a young Lowell Spinners team into a winning combination.He is rotating 2010 #1 draft pick (20th overall) Kolbrin Vitek with BA #14 David Renfroe at 3B and DH, playing #1a draft (36th overall) Bryce Brentz in RF, BA #30, Brandon Jacobs in LF, and starting BA #16 Madison Younginer and BA #23 Roman Mendez on the mound every 5 days.

Typical in short season Rookie A NY/Penn League, Manager Crabbe is trying to find the right position match for his young ball players He caught second year Sean Killeen, who’s hit 5 in 38 AB, the night I saw Lowell at Aberdeen, but mostly alternates him at 1B with 19 year old Miles Head. Joantoni Garcia, who played SS at Greenville the first half of this season is at 2B, sharing both positions with newcomer James Kang and 7th leading NY/PA hitter Jose Garcia, who is hitting 355, 1 HR, 5 RBI in 16 GP. Fleet footed Dominican prospect Felix Sanchez rounds the lineup out settling in CF with a 318 BA in 19 GP. Former Atlanta Braves major Leaguer, and astute hitting coach, George Lombard is carefully developing the Spinners’ young hitters.Under the capable tutelage of pitching coach Laz Gutierrez, three starting pitchers are hummingthe ball over the plate getting outs. Especially promising 19-year RHP Madison Younginer, whose over top fastball is quickly approaching 100 mph, is 2-3 W-L, 4.85 ERA, and has 14 K in 20 IP, RHP Roman Mendez is 1-3 W-L. 4.05 ERA, with 20 K in 20 IP and while only 0-2 W-L, Adelphi U RHP Keith Couch has a 2.60 ERA with 14 K in 17 IP.In the bullpen, RHP Charles Rosario has a save and a 4.00 ERA in 15 IP in 5 games, RHP Stephen Fox a win, and 15 K in 15.1 IP in 4 games, RHP Garrett Rau 3.55 ERA in 12 IP in 4 games, RHP Wilson Matosa 1.50 ERA in 12 IP in 6 games, and RHP Cesar Angeloni , a win, 2.45 ERA in 11 IP in 5 games. The lone LHP in the bullpen, Hunter Cervenka is 0-1 W-L, with a 4.24 ERA, 16 K in 17 IP.I shot the 2010 Lowell Spinners photo folder on display at Aberdeen on that 100 degree + day July 6th.

Lynchburg’s Better Than Their Record!

By Rodger M. WoodIn their first year at Fast A - Lynchburg, the Cincinnati Reds stocked their team much better than a lowly 17 – 27 W- L record and 4th place Northern Division, Carolina League position in the standings indicates.Their pitching rotation is anchored by BA #9, 2009 1st round supplemental USC ace hurler, Brad Boxberger, currently 3-4 W-L, with a 3.70 ERA.

Backing him up in the Hill Cats rotation are RHP Matt Fairel, 4-1 W-L, 3.47 ERA,RHP Curtis Partch, 2-3, 3.53 ERA, and BA #24, RHP Mark Serrano, 2-1 W-L, 3.38 ERA.Bullpen ace is RHP Jordan Hotchkiss, who is 3-0 W-L with a 1.57 ERA in 23.0 IP in15 appearances.The Hill Cats are strong up the middle defensively with power hitting BA #30 catcher Devin Mesoraco, (336 BA, 9 HR, 29 RBI) , SS Alex Buchholz (289 BA, 1 HR, 24 RBI),BA #28 2B Cody Puckett (277 BA, 6 HR, 20 RBI) and BA #26 CF Josh Fellhauer(298 BA, 4 HR, 18 RBI).On the corners, they have power bats at 1B in Carlos Mendez (317 BA, 0 HR, and9 RBI), and at 3B in BA #13 3B Neftali Soto (280 BA, 6 HR, 24 RBI), whom the Reds are also trying to convert to catcher.This talent is led by savvy veteran manager, Pat Kelly. pitching coach, Rigo Beltran, and hitting coach, Tony Jaramillo.The young Hill Cats have the pitching, hitting, and defense to be winners. As soon as their young hitters figure out the more experienced Carolina League pitchers and their pitchers the more experienced Carolina League hitters, they’ll set the league on fire, maybe winning the second half pennant race and season end playoffs.The 2010 Lynchburg photo folder was taken before and during a day game at Potomac April 25th.

Good Baseball Is Still Happening At Harrisburg

By Rodger M. WoodStephen Strasberg may have left town but lots of good baseball fun is still happening at Harrisburg the remainder of 2010 season.Almost major league standards after major renovations this past winter, Commerce Bank Park is hardly recognizable. Fans can enjoy the game sitting in the left field bleachers, picnicking along the left field line, or in luxury boxes behind home plate with buffet food for the price of the seat.

Families can picnic along the Susquehanna River, ride the train around the island, hit in batting cages, take a boat excursion, ride the merry go round, and still make it in time to see a ball game and do more new fun things inside the ball park.While Stephen Strasberg and Drew Storen have advanced to Triple A – Syracuse,BA #14 Nationals minor league prospect, 6-6 RHP Brad Meyers has returned to the Senators mound to pitch good ball in early outings and may just make lots of fans remember his name down the road too before the season is over.BA #6 Chris Marrero is playing at 1B, BA #5 Danny Espinosa at SS, BA #12 LHP Aaron Thompson, and BA #27 RHP Jeff Mandel are in the pitching rotation. Put savvy veterans, catcher Sean Rooney, 1B/OF Bill Rheinhard, 3B Offilio Castro, hard hitting OF Leonard Davis, OF Marvin Lowrance, and 2B Michael Martinez in the lineup with them and you have a good ball team.Harrisburg’s coaching staff, manager Randy Knorr, pitching coach, Randy Tomlin, batting coach, Troy Gingrich, and strength coach Tony Rogowski are one of the best in minor league baseball.The 2010 Harrisburg Senators photo folder was taken at Harrisburg’s games against New Britain, April 16 and April 18th, Reading April 21st, and Altoona May 4th.

Strasberg Pitches Strong 5 Innings Against Reading

By Rodger M. Wood

In his third start at Double A – Harrisburg Senators, Washington Nationals 2009 #1 $18 million draft pick, RHP Stephen Strasberg dominated a tough Reading Phillies lineup with a 98 mph fastball, knee buckling curve, and drop-off-the-table change up. He allowed only one hit, one walk and struck out 6 in five innings pitched.For the season, he is 2-0 W-L, with a 0.73 ERA and 17 strikeouts against only 3 walks in 12 ½ innings.The youngster has major league stuff of which he has full command. He has three pitches which he is not afraid to throw for strikes on any count on the batter. He throws effortlessly, without apparent strain on his arm. He is very coachable and a slave to detail.He fills the stands wherever he pitches and is a crowd pleaser. I saw him come out after his start against Reading to sign autographs for his many fans lined up in the right field grandstands.A couple more starts at Harrisburg and he’ll be on his way to Triple A Syracuse, where he will finish off June and be tested by older more savvy hitters He’ll pass this test, his stuff is legitimate - the best I have seen in my 27-years of minor league photography.I’ve seen Ben McDonald, Andy Petitte, Mike Mussina, Kevin Brown and a few others who could wing it pretty well but Stephen Strasberg, if he stays healthy, will be better than all of them. There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that he will be one of the bestpitchers of all time before his hour glass runs out.

Salem Red Sox Photo Folder Posted in Photo Galleries

Our first 2010 minor league photo folder, 114 photos of 19 different Salem Red Sox players, was posted today in the featured photo galleries.I used my new backup 40D Cannon camera to take the shots before and during a day ball game at the Potomac Nationals home field in the Prince William County Government Complex nearby Dale City, Virginia on April 11th.Several Baseball America Top 30 Boston Red Sox minor league prospects photosare in the folder, including #8 Anthony Rizzo 1B, #11 Stolmy Pomentel RHP.#19 Will Middlebrook 3B, #21 Alex Wilson RHP, #22 Tim Federowicz C, and#28 Ryan Dent SS.A complete list of all the players shown in the 2010 Salem Red Sox photo folder is in the “Available Player Lists” on this web page.

2010 Minor League Photo Schedule

We plan on shooting photos at 60 games the 2010 season. While an ambitious schedule, in past seasons, we have shot at as many as 100 games.So far we plan on seeing games at Harrisburg, Potomac, Bowie, Frederick, Knoxville, Dayton, Peoria, Greenville, Raleigh, and Aberdeen.We’ll see AAA ball at Norfolk and Louisville, AA ball at Harrisburg, Knoxville, Carolina, and Bowie, Fast A at Frederick and Potomac, Low A at Hagerstown, Dayton, Peoria, and Greenville, and Rookie ball at Aberdeen.We’ll see AAA-International League, AA-Southern League, and Eastern League, Fast A- Carolina League, and Low A Sally and Midwest League, and Rookie A-NY Penn League.And we still have to find a time to schedule Pawtucket, Louisville, Salt Lake, Iowa, Daytona, Billinf, Boise, and the Appalacian League.

Wood Sports Photography Starts New Washington Capitals Blog

To celebrate today and past seasons Washington Capitals hockey, we have started a new www.CapitalPowerPlay.com blog.Regular articles about Capitals hockey, new game and practice photographs, Collector Corner memorabilia, and nostalgic Flashback Friday articles. Interviews with former Capitals and NHL players will be published weekly.You’ll be able to follow the Capitals game by game through the 2010 Playoffs.

Lots of 2009 Minor League Photo Folders Added to Photo Galleries

In the past month, the 2009 photo folders of the AA - Montgomery Biscuits,A-Lakewood Blue Claws, Rookie A - Aberdeen Iron Birds, AA- Reading Phillies,AA- Binghamton Mets, AA- Altoona Curve, New Britain Rock Cats, AA- Bowie Bay Sox, and AA-Akron Aeros have been added to our photo galleries. Check the photo galleries/ featured photo folders out to see tomorrow’s major league stars.

#1 Ranked Gonzaga Wins A Squeaker Against Paul VI, 50- 46

By Rodger M. WoodIn their game January 19th, Gonzaga and Paul VI HS battled for 47 minutes of regulation time. If they didn’t know beforehand, the average fan would not have been able to tell which team playing was the #1 ranked Washington Post Metropolitan Area high school basketball team.Tied at 42-42 with a minute to go in regulation, the game was up for grabs until Malcolm Lemmons stole the moment, sweeping in for a hard lay up to put Gonzaga ahead for keeps by two points and with a few free throws in the last few moments, win 50 - 46.Freshman and sophomore ladened Paul VI will live to play another day. 3-6 W-L in tough WCAC conference play, the seasoning they are getting this season against several Division 1 colleges prospects will only serve to put them in very close competition in coming seasons against perennial power house Gonzaga and Dematha, who were also USA Today #18 and #20 ranked in the nation February 16th.Mark my words. I wouldn’t count the Paul VI Panthers out for the duration.

An Old Caps Fan Reminisces About Days of Old After the Caps Win 12th Game in a Row against the Rangers

2010 was another first for me – I shot photos at the Tampa Bay Lightning/Washington Caps game last Sunday January 31^st for the first time since the 1995 season...The Caps made my day beating the Lightning 3-1 for their 10^th consecutive win.  The Caps’ streak did not end with Sunday’s win, as they followed up with an 11th straight win Tuesday in Boston and 12th Thursday against New York in a wide open 6-5 shoot out at the new Madison Square Garden.

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My love affair with the Capitals goes back to their inaugural 1974-75 season. With my sons Mark and Tommy, I saw their first ever win against the Chicago Black Hawks and first ever tie game against the Los Angeles Kings. I was on the roll that season. Whenever I went to a game, they’d win or tie, which was pretty remarkable considering they won only 8 games and tied 5, while losing a record 67 games that season.Growing up in Detroit and seeing Gordie Howe and great Red Wings teams of the 1950”s, it was difficult for me to be a Caps fan those early seasons. I used to get sick of seeing their lop sided losses in person or listening about them on Ron Weber’s radio broadcasts. But if the score got too bad, I would turn them off to listen to WBZ and Johnny Most talk about Bobby Orr and the Bruins winning ways..The Caps didn’t start percolating until 1980 – 81, when Denis Maruk scored 50 goals and defenseman Rick Green played the blue line well enough to make the games more competitive. .During the “1982 Save the Caps” campaign, I bought two season tickets, and shared two others to do my share in keeping the team here in Washington.

In 1984, my daughter Aimee and I drove to Philadelphia to see the Caps win their first playoff series against the Philadelphia Flyers at the old Spectrum. I almost lost my life there when on reflect I jumped up in joy to boisterously and conspicuously applaudCaps Darren Veitch’s dramatic goal in the second period of the third game clincher.  I saw the Easter Epic Playoff Game in 1987, which ended at 1:56 AM when Islanders Pat LaFontaine beat the Caps with a clutch goal in triple overtime.I saw the Bruins sweep the Caps in four games in the 1990 Wales Conference Finals and the Detroit Red Wings sweep them in a 4 game sweep in the 1998 Stanley Cup Finals...I shared two season tickets the Caps first season but bought my own two each season afterwards until the 1990 -1991 season. Even after giving up my season tickets, I continued seeing the team at least three or four or more games a season every season to the present.In the early days of Caps hockey, I often thought I would have to climb the glass to help our poor defensemen, Ivan Labre, defend himself from various NHL hockey goons.HOF defenseman, and two time Norris Trophy winner, Rod Langway was my hero because I felt he saved hockey in Washington when he came over to the Caps in the big trade with Montreal before the 1982-1983 season and was responsible for making the Caps instant big winners for the first time in their 10-year history.

I was pained when Scott Stevens went to the St. Louis Blues after the 1990 season, but loved seeing him win the Stanley Cup with New Jersey a few seasons later. Scott was one of those always smiling, big young tough players you liked even though he often played for the wrong team later in his career.Defenseman Kevin Hatcher was awesome in the 1990-1991 playoffs, almost single handedly carrying the Caps to the Conference Finals against the Bruins.I have never seen a more intense player than another of my favorites, Dale Hunter who reminded me of the old Montreal great, Rocket Richard, who I remembered flying down the ice at old Olympia Stadium in Detroit, where I grew up.After beating Boston, Ottawa, and Buffalo in the 1998 playoffs, I thought there was a chance Peter Bondra, who scored 52 goals during the regular season, might lead our  Caps past the Detroit Red Wings in the finals for the coveted Stanley Cup at last.I have seen lots of Caps games, I’d guess well over 500 games. During the 1987-88 season, I saw all 40 home games and all the playoff games. There have been lots of big wins, big losses, and a couple 10-game streaks in the early 1980s, but nothing; I remember compares with the 2009-2010 Washington Capitals.Led by their captain, the awesome Alex Ovechkin, I think this year’s team won’t be stopped until they win our first ever Stanley Cup here in Washington, DC.  And when that happens, I hope some of the old fans from Landover will come back to enjoy the celebration with all the other Washington Capitals fans. Indeed, we have waited all our lives for this glorious moment.

2010 Brings On Another First Venture into High School Basketball!

New Year 2010 brought on another different photography venture for me - high school  basketball at the Damatha vs Paul VI game January 15^th in nearby Fairfax VAThe powerful Hoops USA National School and Washington Post Metropolitan #1 ranked high school basketball team, Damatha team beat an up and coming sophomore and junior loaded Paul VI team, 70 -54 in that contest.Except for a lot of missed close in shots, the young Paul VI hoopsters matched up with the mighty local power for much of the game. If they had their shooting eyes, they may have pulled off another upset liketheir last week’s win over another tough nationally and locally ranked rival, Good Counsel.My new photography is in support of Sporting News new “Recruiters Annual Magazine coming out next summer.

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