Nothing newsworthy to add. I just wanted to wish everyone a great Turkey Day and I hope you all have plenty to be thankful for -- I know I do.  Enjoy this day with family and friends.

 

No news yet on the Free Agent front, though I'm doing my best to keep my ears to the ground, so to speak.  I'll share information as soon as I find it.  Needless to say, I've got my fingers crossed that there is a team out there that is smart enough to give him a shot. 

 

I will be working on adding a few things in the interim.  If there are any suggestions or if you would like to add anything, please let me know. 

 

Well, there's been some new information on why Mr. Duffy is no longer playing in Mazatlan as well as an update in his status with the Pirates organization...Mostly that he isn't part of it any more.  According to Pirates.com, he filed for minor league free agency after he got back from Mexico and has no intention of returning to the Black and Gold. 

 

The link to the story from the Pirates is HERE.

 

After all that, he's moving on, hopefully to someplace that suits him better.  I'd love to hear from him -- if you're reading, Mr. Duffy, please email me -- and hear his side of the story.  I'm getting a little frustrated hearing mostly the negative comments...I'd love a little positive insight, if possible.

 

Keep checking back as I'm going to do my best to keep track of where we may get a chance to see Chris Duffy play again.  I wish him well...and I hope he finds a place that he feels like he can thrive in.

 

 

 

I know -- it's been a couple of weeks since I've posted, but honestly, there hasn't been anything to post.  I really haven't heard anything at all since Chris Duffy left Mexico due to the stomach illness -- to which I would like to say I hope he is doing better. 

 

As the off season continues, we get nearer to the winter meetings, the Pirates will start putting together their 40-man roster for next season.  They have already removed 2 pitchers to make space for Phil Dumatrait and Tom Gorzelanny to be re-added.  I have been told by a friend, and fellow member of the PBC Blog -- or the Asylum -- that if Duffy is not added, he is eligible for the Rule 5 draft.  So, we'll wait, sitting on our hands, until December, I guess to see what's what.

 

Otherwise, below is a link to the Green Weenie, that gives a review of Duffy's up and down career with the Pirates.  It is one of the most honest pieces I have read, without it being overly-negative. Please click here to read the piece.

 

I haven't updated in a couple of days, well, because there hasn't been anything to update as far as Chris was concerned.  However, it pains me to type that he has left the team in Mazatlan due to a stomach illness.  That is the most information that the Venados' website had as of this afternoon, but I will try to find out more.  His roster spot has been filled by Eric Reed, so I am unsure if Duffy will even be returning.  Not great news, but it's all I've got.  I hope it's not serious and he returns to full health soon.

 

Game 1 of the road trip started out as a pitcher's duel, until the bottom of the 10th inning.  Duffy led off the game with a single, but was out on a double play by the next batter.  Overall, not a bad night for Chris...2 for 4, with a walk, a double, an RBI and he was hit by a pitch...and he struck out once.  But in the end, Evan Meek couldn't repeat his performance from the season opener, as he allowed the bases to become full, with a little help from an error by shortstop Lizarraga, and he was the losing pitcher.  They'll do it again tonight in Obregon.

 

I'm trying to find some photos, but so far, no luck. 

 

The home opener for Duffy and the Venados wasn't quite as celebratory as the game in Culiacan.  They lost 6-2, with Duffy going hitless with 1 strikeout.  However, thanks to the internet, I was able to watch most of the game on streaming video and there was one truly awesome catch late in the game.  Running backwards, diving into the warning track to make the grab.  From what I've seen of him play -- okay, also pretty much exclusively on streaming video from MLB.tv -- it was vintage Duffy defensive work and very cool.

 

No game on Monday night, as the Venados hit the road to Obregon for a road trip.  I'll scour for whatever video and photos I can find.  Vaya Venados! 

 

The Mexican League season has started...the Venados of Mazatlan played their first game last night against the Tomateros of Culiacan in Culiacan. They won, 4-1, with all the runs being provided by not only US Major-Leaguers, but by our very own Pirates' players...And -- I'm going to let out a "Woo-Hoo" here -- the winning runs were driven in by none other than my favorite Centerfielder. Chris hit a 3-run Home Run in the top of the 4th inning to add to the then 1-0 score.  That first run being an RBI single by Steve Pearce.

 

Overall, Duffy went 2 for 5, with the 3 RBI's and one other single.  He made several put-outs as well.

 

The third member of the Pirates' organization, Evan Meek, pitched a scoreless 9th to close the game out.

 

I managed to scavenge a photo or two, but if you're interested in getting an idea of how Culiacan opened their night, click Here.  It links to a photo gallery of the local paper.  Get a load of the pink away pants. 

 

The home opener for Mazatlan is this evening, about 6pm local time, or 8pm for those of us in Pittsburgh.

 

Um....Vaya Venados! (?) 

 

 

The Venados win 4-1 over the Tomateros

 

Chris Duffy killed his rivals with both his bat and his glove.

 

Duffy, centerfielder, debuted in the 2008-2009 season of the Mexican Pacific League with a 3-run home run and Pablo Ortega allowed the three hits in 6 innings to bring the Venados to a triumph of 4-2 over the Tomateros at its home, on it's inauguration.

 

The American got his chance in the field and was a defensive key, along with 2nd baseman Francisco Javier Lizarraga.

 

In this way, Lorenzo Bundy achieved his first win as manager of the Venados.

 

Duffy showed that he arrived ready to regain the level of play that brought him to the big leagues three years ago as he had a pair of hits in four at-bats to be the clutch hitter at the beginning of the season. 

 

After being dominated in his first turn, Duffy lined a single to right field in his 2nd at-bat, and in his 3rd at-bat a three-run shot that became the difference in the final result before the removal of the losing pitcher, Nelson Cruz.

 

Before the Duffy home-run, Miguel Ojeda and Heber Gomez had 2 hits.

 

Mazatlan scored first, when after one out, Christian Quintero and Terry Tiffee hit singles, while Myrow was hit by a pitch.

 

Steve Pearce sent a solid iner to left to score Quintero.

 

Ortega, (1-0 ) proved himself by a first outing in which he gave up 3 walks and threw 3.1 innings with out a hit or run before Jesus Cota broke that with a hit to right.

 

In the 5th, Ortega lost the shut-out when Dionys Cesar connected for a solo shot for the only run for Culiacan.

 

Ortega was followed by a parade of pitchers Mauro Nieblas, Hector Navarro and Evan Meek, who earned his first save of the season.

 

GOOD PRESENTATION

 

The Foreign Legion of the Venados showed its quality to be an important part in obtaining a win in the inaugural game in Culiacan.

 

The hitters combined to go 16-6 with 4 runs, while Evan Meek threw the last inning in order.

 

 

Steve Pearce and Evan Meek have joined Chris Duffy in Mazatlan.  They played a charity game the other day as well as participated in what looks like a big fan event. Check the photo gallery for additional photos.

 

Their season starts on Saturday, with their home opener on Sunday.

 

Getting down to business in Mazatlan...the following is my translation of today's Venados practice...

 

 

The Venados returned to full practice at Teodor Mariscal after having had its penultimate preparatory meeting on Sunday before selective mazatleco.

 

The novelty was centerfielder Chris Duffy participated on a par with his teammantes and showed a lot of good things with the bat.

 

Duffy sent several line drives over the players on the field and was fast on the bases, proving why he is regarded as the leadoff batter this season for the Venados.

 

The US baseball player is recovering from an injury that has him currently out of the Major Leagues.

 

Duffy played for the Pirates and usually occupied the top two positions in the batting order.

 

The remainder of practice was similar to previous sessions and the only thing noted, besides Duffy, were elements of previous days already practiced that weren't done today.

 

Today they will practice the same way and hope that Terry Tiffee, who arrived in Mazatlan, will be ready to pracitice with his teammates.

 

 

 

I'm excited about watching October baseball!  No, I'm not referring to the Major League post season, though I am interested to see if the Rays can make it to the Fall Classic or if it will be the Red Sox or the Angels.  Or if it will be the Dogers or the Phillies on the National League side.   

 

I'm referring to winter ball in the Mexican league and they're getting ready to start this Saturday with their home opener on Sunday. 

 

I may have forgotten to mention that the reason I'm excited is that Chris Duffy has reported to camp for the Venados in Mazatlan.  The story and photo follow, but if you want to take a gander at the home page, click here.  (The translation is the best I can do, however if anyone out there has any corrections, please feel free to contact me.)

 

 

Centerfielder Chris Duffy became the first foreigner to report to the Venados of Mazatlan to start the 2008-2009 season of the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico.

 

Duffy is part of the Pittsburgh Pirates organization of the United States and he has already had 2 years of experience in the Major Leagues.

 

Today he will integrate himself into training campe for the Venados at the Teodoro Mariscal.

 

Duffy was met by the manager of the Venados, Jesus "Chino" Valdez and  local mass media.

 

"It is a great honor that a team with such tradition and recent history of success is allowing me to be a part of it, many of my friends have told me that this is the best place to be in the winter and I have come to find out for myself," were the first words from the American.

 

The centerfielder admitted that he considers himself a line drive hitter and is very active when he finds himself on the basepads.  "I'm a hitter that likes to make lots of contact, for me to be on base and find a chance over all to advance myself and put pressure on the defense and the opposing pitcher, and this is why I came."

 

Duffy hopes to have a lot of playing time with the Venados and is looking to return to the Major Leagues and seems happy to have Steve Pearce and Even Meek as his friends from his summer team and now again in the winter.

 

 

 

Final recap for the 2008 Pirates season...

 

I can't believe it's over until March.  I can't tell you how many times I went to the Pirates' homepage to check the game time, or starting pitcher for tonight, only to remember that there won't be one until next year.  Sure, there's post-season ball, and (hopefully) watching Duffy play a little winterball...only via computer -- No way I can afford to travel to Mazatlan -- but somehow it's just not the same thing. 

 

I'm glad they Pirates ended the season the same way the ended it -- with a win.  I know they didn't have near enough in between, but it's always good to end on a positive note.  And despite what some folks think, some good things happened this year -- Ryan Doumit and Nate McLouth had fantastic years and give us the promise of more to come.  Paul Maholm had an excellent year on the mound and should have won way more than 9 games.  Despite being out 2 months, Matt Capps had a very good year in his first season as a closer, they added a spark plug in Doug Mientkiewicz and I really hope he stays.  I do think this team played better and with more cohesiveness this year than last...and that's something to build on.

 

There were bad things too and obviously ending the year at 67-95 is one of them.  I think they took big blows when Xavier Nady, Damaso Marte and Jason Bay were traded away...talk about losing some ammunition!  We wish them well, but wish they could have been part of a winning team here.  Gorzelanny, Duke and Snell had less than spectacular years...hopefully that will get fixed in the off-season. 

 

I wish all the Pirates well during the off-season and I look forward to spring training in Bradenton.  And I'm very much looking forward to seeing Duffy do well in Mexico and carry that over to Bradenton.  I like Nyjer Morgan...love his enthusiasm, but seriously, Duffy's my guy in the outfield.

 

I'm going to be working on a few things, so keep checking back for some photos and slideshows.  I'm still working on getting highlight clips put in here too, so bear with me.  I'm always open to suggestions, or if you've got any stories or photos you'd like to share, drop me a line, just follow the links below.

 

 

Yesterday was the last home game for the Pirates this season. And yes, I was there, sitting along the 3rd baseline...there was no way I was missing the Season Finale the first year I moved to Pittsburgh!  It was a beautiful day for a game...it would have been better if the Pirates had won, but it wasn't meant to be.  They tried to rally, and for a minute there, it looked like they had a bottom of the 9th 2-out comeback in the works, until Houston's pitching shut them down. 

 

Some lucky fans went home with autographed same-day-game-worn jerseys...I was not one of them.  But then again, I figured I would draw Robizon Diaz, who is currently assigned #6 for the Pirates and as good as a guy as I'm sure he is, it would have the wrong name on it for me.

 

They spend the final week of the season traveling to Milwaukee and San Diego, where they end this season playing the Padres at PetCo Park. 

 

I would like to take a minute to send this out to the players...I don't get much into how management is doing.  I care about the guys on the field and I went to Bradenton and saw them this spring and I attended several games throughout the season.  I have never once felt like this team ever stopped fighting.  They were overmatched at times and other times the bats and the pitching couldn't get it together on the same night, but I NEVER saw them give up.

 

These guys played their hearts out all season but I think the trades took a lot of the wind out of their sails, and a lot of pieces were changed.

 

I'd like to thank the players for putting it out there every day...the bumps, bruises, long road trips and time away from their families, the heckling and boos they got, not only on the road, but on occasion, at home...they don't deserve that. 

 

So to Ryan Doumit, Nate McLouth, Jack Wilson, Paul Maholm, Adam La Roche, Freddy Sanchez, Doug Mientkiewicz, and the rest of the Pirates' players, old and new...Thank you for your hard work this season.  I look forward to watching the remainder of the games this year and for next season, when the Boys of Summer hit the field again. 

 

Nothing new to report specifically except that the season for the Venados starts on October 11, in Culiacan, then the home opener is on October 12, in Mazatlan. The pre-season started today for the team, not including the foreign players going down to play a little extra ball. It does look like they have some multimedia coverage...as with everything I'll keep you posted.

 

Hit me up it you have any questions, photos or anything you'd like to share, at administrator@chris-duffy.com

 

 

Woo hoo!  It looks like Chris Duffy will be showing his stuff in Mexico after all!  In Mazatlan, to be specific.  According to their website, Duffy will be playing for the Venados this winter.  Thanks to Nancy Zinni for forwarding the link on to me. 

 

Click here for the story, but if you don't have any Spanish skills, loosely translated it says:

 

Outfielder Chris Duffy, from the Pittsburgh Pirates' organization, is the fourth foreigner signed by the Venados of Mazatlan for the 2008-2009 season in the Mexican Pacific League.

 

Duffy will join outfielder Justin Ruggiano, first baseman Steve Pearce and bench player (I think...I can't find that word) Ferry Tiffee.

 

Duffy comes from having played in the Major Leagues with the Pittsburgh Pirates, though he has been bothered by injuries in recent years and he seems to be ready to retake his spot after spending time with the minor league teams in Altoona and Indianapolis. 

 

(The last paragraph is spotty, but I think that's the gist of it...if anyone has a better translation, please give me a shout! )

 

From Pirates.com

 

 

HOUSTON -- With the Minor League seasons completed, the Pirates have finalized a number of their fall and winter ball assignments.

Among those set to play in winter ball in Mexico are Steve Pearce, Nyjer Morgan, John Van Benschoten and Dave Davidson. Outfielder Chris Duffy is also tentatively slated to play there, though that assignment is not yet set in stone.

 

I was excited when I heard Duffy was going to play winter league ball, and I hope this means that there is some problem with the assignment -- not that he's changed his mind about going.  Stay tuned...

 

 

It looks like there will be more winter action to report.  According to the Post-Gazette, Duffy is set to play for a Mexican team this winter.  Trying to be optimistic, I'm hoping that's a good sign for the Pirates wanting to give him a shot...why else would they bother sending him to play?

 

At any rate, when I get the information, I will put it up here as to which team he's on and I'll do my best to keep all of his stats updated.  I hope he's able to get some good at-bats during his playing time south of the border. 

 

The Pirates have arranged for five players to participate in winter leagues: Reliever Dave Davidson and outfielders Nyjer Morgan, Steve Pearce and Chris Duffy are set for Mexico. Reliever Jesse Chavez is set for the Dominican Republic.

 

2008 is in the books, for the minor teams at least, and unfortunately, the Pirates didn't include Duffy in their September plans.  I am not sure how to take that except that they do have a lot of new, young players in the organization that maybe they felt it was more beneficial to get a look at right now.  And it bears noting that Duff didn't exactly have tons of playing time this year, with that shoulder taking its time to heal and the illness, etc.  That's still too bad though, I think, because he was starting to get on a roll and I would have liked to have seen if he could have kept it up with the Pirates. 

 

So, as he most likely heads back to Arizona and his family for the off-season, I wish him well.  I hope he is able to keep up the positive momentum he started and translate it into an awesome spring.  I, for one, am hoping to see him roaming the outfield next season. 

 

Please keep coming back, though.  I will be adding to the site as often as I can.  I do have some old articles and photos to share.  Also, I will be as vigilant as possible on any off-season moves.

 

This is it...the last game recap of the 2008 season.  And for Chris Duffy, it was a very good night...very good.  Below are excerpts from the game recap. 

 

From IndyIndians.com:

 

LF Chris Duffy sparked the Indians' offensive attack, going 3-for-4 with two runs and finished the season reaching base in 10 of his last 12 at-bats. Duffy also blasted his first long ball of the season, lifting a solo shot to right center field in the fourth inning to break up a 0-0 tie.

Duffy and 2B Brian Bixler led off the eighth with back-to-back singles and moved into scoring position with a double steal. 3B Neil Walker followed with a base hit of his own to drive in Duffy and tie his single season career high with 80 RBI.

Duffy (3-for-4, 2 R, 1 RBI) and Diaz (2-for-4, 2 RBI) collected multiple hits for Indianapolis, while RF Michael Griffin (2-for-4) and LF Shaun Cumberland (2-for-4) turned in multi-hit efforts for Louisville.

For the complete game story click here.

 

The season ended against Louisville, in Lousiville and Duffy had quite a night on the first game.  Unfortunately the Indians lost, but they still have one game left before those lucky few get called up to Pittsburgh and everyone else goes home to prepare for next season.

 

From the Indians' website:

 

The Tribe jumped out to an early lead with single runs in second, third and fourth innings. 2B Brian Bixler and CF Andrew McCutchen each collected RBI singles in the second and third, before LF Chris Duffy roped an RBI double in the fourth.

C Ronny Paulino brought the Indians to within one, singling to lead off the eighth, before trotting on a Louisville wild pitch.

Duffy (3-for-4, 1 R, 1 RBI), McCutchen (2-for-3, 1 RBI) and Bixler (2-for-4, 1 R, 1 RBI) all collected multiple hits for Indianapolis.

 

 

Okay, so my plans for this weekend came to a screeching halt...I very much wanted to be in Indianapolis for this game, but it was not to be.  And it figures, that tonight would be the night Duffy's bat came alive for Indy...to quote a good friend, there's a conspiracy out there.  Someone doesn't want me to see the man play, in person, at least not this season. 

 

Starting in left tonight, Duff went 2 for 4, with a double and a bunt single, as well as having reached on a fielding error.  He was responsible for the Indian's only run in a 4-1 loss to the Bats. He also may 2 put outs on the night, this the Indian's last home game of the season.

 

 

 

Okay, so I'm starting to worry about the bat...it was very quiet again tonight.  But the Indians once again beat the division leading Lousiville Bats, 8-4.  Hopefully Duffy will have a better weekend...September call-ups are coming!

 

For a full game recap, please click here.

 

Duffy got the start in Center tonight for the Indians' win over the division winning-Louisville Bats. His bat cooled off a little, but he played a solid outfield as the rest of the team took control of the offense.

 

For full game recap, please click here.

 

Chris Duffy sat out last night's game as the Indians returned home for the final homestand of the season. Hopefully he'll be in the lineup tonight...at the very least on Saturday, as I'm trying hard to get out to Indy to see him roam the outfield in person!

 

On August 27, Chris went 0-4 against a pitcher that only allowed one hit until the 7th inning and only 2 other base runners up to that point, one by walk and another via fielder's choice. 

 

The Indians came out on the losing side of an extra inning contest last night, and Chris Duffy played all 10 innings in Center.  Overall, he went 1 for 6, adding another RBI to his total of 3 since he's joined the Tribe.  Duffy has reached base safely in each game he has started. 

 

I was holding out hope that the empty spot on the Pirates' extended roster would soon be filled by one Chris Duffy.  However, with the acquisition of Robinson Diaz, a catcher from the Jays that completed the trade for Jose Bautista, that spot was filled.  Is it wrong to hope for another possible opening?  I think not..it's not probable, but we can hope. 

 

Bulls walk off to 9-8 win over Tribe DURHAM, N.C. -- Left fielder Jonny Gomes roped a bases loaded walk-off in the bottom of the 10th inning to move Durham within one win of reaching the playoffs with a 9-8 victory over Indianapolis on Monday evening at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The Bulls improve to 70-67 on the season and 31-38 at home, while the Indians fall to 65-72 overall and 30-39 on the road. The win snapped the Tribe's five-game winning streak against Durham this season. Before Gomes came through with the extra inning heroics, the game was a see-saw battle back and forth with seven lead changes and three ties. Indianapolis got on the board quickly when SS Brian Bixler blasted a one-out solo home run in the first inning. The long ball was the seventh of the season for Bixler and his first since July 6. Durham quickly answered in their half of the first as RF Fernando Perez led off with a single, stole second and eventually trotted home on a sacrifice fly by Gomes. SS Ronnie Merrill gave the Bulls their first lead in the second inning with an RBI double that plated 2B Elliot Johnson. However, the Tribe stormed back in front in the top of the third on a two-run single by 3B Neil Walker. Durham again answered in their half of the third on an RBI base knock by 1B Chris Richard that tied the score, before CF Chris Duffy singled in DH Ryan Mulhern in the top of the fourth to put the Indians ahead. Merrill and Perez ran the Bulls back out ahead in the bottom of the fourth, each drawing a walk, stealing a base and coming around to score on a double by CF Nathan Haynes. The bats then remained quiet until the seventh when Walker again powered the Tribe to the lead with a two-run long ball to left field. The homer was the 50th of Walker's Minor League career and gave him his third four-RBI game of the season. LF Matt Kata followed Walker's blast with an RBI single that looked to give the Tribe a comfortable cushion. That was until Durham C John Jaso launched a long ball of his own, plating three runs in the seventh to give the Bulls another advantage at 8-7. Bixler would send the game to extras with his third run of the game in the eighth inning. The Tribe shortstop singled with one out, moved from first to third on a wild pitch and came plateward on a sacrifice fly by 1B Steve Pearce.

 

Though he went hitless yesterday, Duffy did manage to reach base in the Indian's win over Durham.  He walked and reached on a fielder's choice, which also plated a run. He started the game in Left Field last night, but moved to Center, after they removed Andrew McCutchen from the game and brought Jorge Cortes in.

 

Overall Chris went 0 for 5 (Ouch!) but again, walked, scored a run and got credit for an RBI on the Fielder's Choice. 

 

The Tribe play Durham tonight and tomorrow, before returning home for the final homestand of the season.  Can it really be the end of summer already? 

 

From the Indians' website:

 

LF Chris Duffy started the scoring for the Indians with an RBI fielder's choice that plated 1B Jason Delaney, who led off the third inning with a walk. CF Andrew McCutchen, Pearce, and DH Ronny Paulino followed with back-to-back-to-back singles to extend the Tribe lead to 3-0. 

 

For the rest of the game recap, please visit www.indyindians.com.

 

 

Duffy started in left last night for the Indians, playing in Durham against the Durham Bulls, the AAA affiliate for the Tampa Bay Rays.  A couple of firsts for him during this game -- well, firsts since joining the Indians -- 2 stolen bases and an RBI.  Overall, he went 2 for 5 in the Indians' win.

 

For those who doubt Duffy's "want to", take note: 

I'm excited to see what he's going to do for the remainder of the season...I hope the Pirates, or anyone for that matter, are paying attention.  Keep up the good work Chris! 

 

INDIANAPOLIS (64-71) won at Durham, 6-3. LHP Corey Hamman (4-3, 5.03) allowed three runs -- two earned --- and six hits in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out six, walked one. RHP Evan Meek (2.61) pitched two perfect innings of relief and struck out three. SS Luis Cruz (.322) hit his first home run, a two-run shot, and went 3 for 5. LF Chris Duffy (.333) went 2 for 5 with an RBI and two steals. CF Andrew McCutchen (.279) went 1 for 5 with an RBI and steal.

From the Post-Gazette, Aug. 24.

 

After having a night off on Thursday, Aug. 21, Chris Duffy was back in the lineup for the Indians.  I either must be going blind or there was a change on the Indian's website -- I could have sworn that when I checked the linue-ups at 7:15pm, that they had Matt Kata slated to play left, but thankfully, that was wrong. 

 

Playing his third game since being added to Indy's roster, Duffy has now played at all 3 outfield positions -- like Trent Jewett said when news Duffy was joining his team came out, he's an outfielder.  Everyone knows he can play centerfield -- and very well, in my humble opinion -- he just needs to get out on the field and remind everyone how talented he  is.

 

In the Indians' win against Charlotte on Aug. 22, Duffy went 1 for 4, with a lead-off double in the ninth.  He was stranded on base, but had a good night playing left.

 

The Indians now travel to Durham to play the Bulls for 4 games.

 

Chris Duffy made his second start for the Indians, this time in Centerfield, as Andrew McCutchen got the evening off...or was supposed to -- he came in for the ninth and subsequent innings.  Chris went 1 for 2, had 2 walks and was caught stealing for the second time in as many games.  The Indians ultimately lost the game in 11 innings, 5-4.

 

After much confusion on Monday as to when, or if, Chris Duffy was in fact part of the Indianapolis Indians, it's finally official and he started last night in Right Field in Charlotte.  He made 4 catches, and from the sound of it, a couple of them were classic Duffy catches...way to go!

 

RF Chris Duffy (.250), in his first game with Indianapolis since being option, went 1 for 4.

 

Here is a link to his player page with Indy and I'll post the remaining schedule on that page.

 

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Chris%20Duffy&pos=OF&sid=t484&t=p_pbp&pid=434659

 

As of this morning, there hasn't been a change in Chris' roster status with Indianapolis, but apparently, he's not just sitting around.  Nancy Zinni was at the game last night and generously sent me a photo from the game, where he coached first base for a few innings.

 

Thank you Nancy! 

 

Not directly related to Chris Duffy, but great news for Pirates fans...they signed their first round draft pick, Pedro Alvarez last night.  It was announced very late last night, after the deadline had passed, and the Post-Gazette's Dejan Kovacevic was up very late keeping us all refreshing the blog updated.  Many thanks to him!

 

The link to that story is below...

 

 

Let's Go Bucs!

 

It's been a long week for me...watching the roster for the Indianapolis Indians, trying to see when/if Chris was playing.  I was very frustrated and wondering what was going on -- there hadn't been any word of him reporting, not reporting...nada. 

 

Until I came across this blog.  He is there...not active, but he's there...click the link for more info.  Oh yeah...and a new photo. 

 

 

 

 

Full of outfielders

Chris Duffy will join Indianapolis tomorrow or Monday, making him the third legitimate center fielder on the Indians' roster.

Indianapolis manager Trent Jewett said it is possible Duffy, Andrew McCutchen and Nyjer Morgan will play in the outfield at the same time.

"Outfielders are a lot more interchangeable than infielders are," Jewett said. "And it's not like we're trying to find out if Chris Duffy can play center field. I know he can play center field. Chris Duffy just needs to get on a baseball field and show how good he is."

McCutchen has played center field in "90 to 95 percent" of the Indians' games, Jewett said. Morgan primarily has played left field. So maybe Duffy plays right field?

"I'll watch him and see where he is physically, and then we'll figure it out," Jewett said.

From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

 

Center fielder Chris Duffy and right-handed reliever Franquelis Osoria both cleared waivers Thursday and both were assigned to Class AAA Indianapolis. This means Indianapolis now has -- what? -- three center fielders? Duffy, Andrew McCutchen and Nyjer Morgan. Manager Trent Jewett has a nice problem, it would seem.

From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

 

So, Chris is basically in baseball limbo right now.  According to the following item from the Altoona Mirror, he's returned home and is waiting to either be claimed by another team, or clear waivers for the Bucs. 

 

SAFE AT FIRST: The sad saga of CF Chris Duffy appears to be over for both the Curve and Pirates. Duffy was designated for assignment by the Bucs on Thursday and returned home to Arizona. There's a good chance some team will claim Duffy on waivers since he is still considered a great defensive player.

 

Nearly lost in the Pirates' trade of Jason Bay was that they cast off Chris Duffy, their opening-day center fielder in 2006 and 2007, and probably will not get him back.

Duffy, who had been with Class AA Altoona, and reliever Franquelis Osoria, who had been with the major league team, were designated for assignment yesterday to create room on the 40-man roster for three of the four newcomers in the Bay transaction. Bay's departure created the other.

When a team designates a player for assignment, it has 10 days to waive, trade or release him. Duffy and Osoria will be placed on waivers, with the Pirates hoping each clears, but that seems unlikely with Duffy: Despite voluminous problems the past two years, including a shoulder surgery that has kept him out of the majors for 13 months now, he still is seen as a front-line defender, and teams such as the Atlanta Braves and Florida Marlins have expressed interest in him in the past.

Duffy, 29, was batting .259 in 18 games for the Curve before a combination of dehydration and an inner-ear infection cause him to miss the past two weeks. He was rehabilitating in Bradenton, Fla., this week.

Note:  Duffy is only 28...not that a year makes that big of a difference, but I'm a detail-freak.

 

Oh, the trade deadline.  I really wasn't worried about it, as far as Chris was concerned -- he's on the DL...in Bradenton, recovering from an inner ear infection, planning on returning to Altoona this weekend, what is there to worry about right?

 

Wrong.

 

The Pirates were part of a major trade that involved a total of 6 players, sending much-loved left-fielder Jason Bay to the Boston Red Sox.  In turn, Manny Ramirez went to the L. A. Dodgers.  What did the Pirates get?  They got 3B Andy LaRoche -- no, not a coincidence...Adam's younger brother; OF Brandon Moss; and pitchers Craig Hansen and Bryan Morris.  Morris is the only one of that group NOT going to the big league club...everyone else is expected to join the Bucs in Chicago as soon as tomorrow. 

 

How doest this affect Duffy?  They needed a spot on the 40-man roster, and Neal Huntington decided to chance designating him for assignment, placing him on waivers.  There is now a 10-day period in which he can be traded or released...if he isn't claimed by another club, he can then be assigned to a minor league team.  Speculation is rampant by readers of the Post-Gazette's Blog that he'll be snatched up -- quite possibly by Atlanta, who were very interested in Chris last year when the talks for Adam La Roche were proceeding.  Miami has also expressed an interest in the past.  So, it's a very good chance that we've seen the last of Chris Duffy wearing the Pirates' black and gold...I'm just a little on the sad side right about now...stunned, definitely.

 

Anyway, for more reading and information, click the following links:

 

 

 

According to the Altoona Mirror, Chris could be back with the team in time for the homestand this Friday!  Please follow the link below for more information.

 

 

And this from today's Pirates' Mail Bag:

 

 

Let the Duffy saga continue. Right now, Duffy is in Bradenton, Fla., recovering from an inner ear infection. It probably won't be until the end of the week until he is ready to return to the field. Duffy already appeared as an unlikely long-term fit in the organization, considering the logjam of current outfielders (Jason Bay, Nate McLouth) and up-and-coming ones (McCutchen, Steve Pearce). And now with the addition of Tabata into the system, the prime prospects continue to be outfielders.

We'll see what exactly that means for Duffy, but it's safe to say that he is not in the category of either McCutchen or Tabata.

Jenifer Langosch is a reporter for MLB.com.  From Pirates.com.

 

Center fielder Chris Duffy (inner ear infection) has flown down to Bradenton, Fla., where he is recovering. He can do no on-field activity for the next week as he deals with the viral infection. (from mlb.com)

 

And from the Post-Gazette, Pirates Notebook:

 

Center fielder Chris Duffy (inner ear infection) has been placed on Class AA Altoona's disabled list and sent to Bradenton. Stark said Duffy could be out another seven to 10 days.

 

So it looks like it will be at least another week before we see #43 roaming centerfield in Altoona.  Let's hope he'll be back as soon as he shakes that infection. 

July 23, 2008

So, he's not in the lineup last night...not that I expected he would be after being told to rest by the doctor at AGH Monday.  I'm trying to verify a report that he was actually admitted yesterday...I've seen this little tidbit on a blog -- yeah, I know, not a great source -- but also on ESPN.com, claiming it was on the Post-Gazette.  I didn't see any indication of hospitalization, but I could be blind.

 

Since the Curve are playing a farm club to an American League team, the DH is in use, so I'm not expecting a pinch-hit appearance at all either. 

 

Chris also has the dubious honor of being the Curve's all-time team leader in getting hit by a pitch, a total of 20 times -- Ouch!

 

On Monday night, July 21, Freddy Sanchez hit an inside the park homerun in the Pirates' 9th inning win over the Houston Astros. 

 

Duffy was the last Pirate to accomplish this on June 8, 2007...Speedy Gonzalez at his best!