By Bob Wirz It is not exactly new for a relief pitcher to mature in the American Association and not too much later find himself getting a major league opportunity.  Prime examples among current major leaguers include St. Louis’s John Brebbia (Sioux Falls and Laredo), Atlanta’s Chris Martin (Grand Prairie) and Tampa Bay’s Chaz Roe...Read More

By Bob Wirz  It is only a bad joke to say that every American Association player should be looking up to Chris Martin these days even if the Atlanta Braves reliever does measure out at a basketball-worthy 6-foot-8. The real reason to use Martin as an example to today’s players comes about because the right-handed...Read More

LINCOLN, NE – The Lincoln Saltdogs have hired James Frisbie as the team’s next field manager, the club has announced. Frisbie, 47, takes over for Bobby Brown, who managed the ‘Dogs in each of the last four seasons. “We are extremely thrilled to welcome James Frisbie (Friz) to the Lincoln Saltdogs organization,” said Saltdogs President/GM...Read More

Dozens of current and former American Association players are spending their off-seasons in the Venezuelan Winter League, highlighted by OF Denis Phipps (pictured, Laredo ’14-’16, Texas ’17), who leads the league with five home runs and 15 RBI for Anzoategui. Two league alumni are managing this season: Margarita’s Alex Nunez (Laredo ’16) and Anzoategui’s Jackson...Read More

By Bob Wirz While it still is early to know all of the teams headed to the resumption of baseball in the Olympics next year, some of those who have made the Premier 12 trials in Japan outstanding already can be identified. Onetime Gary SouthShore right-hander Adam Quintana has continued to help Mexico although another...Read More

MOORHEAD, MN – The American Association has announced the schedule for the 2020 season. CLICK HERE FOR THE 2020 SCHEDULE The 2020 schedule is balanced, with each club playing 100 games comprised of two home series and two road series inside its division, and one home series and one road series against the clubs outside...Read More

By Bob Wirz While everyone would like to be David Peralta, the 2012-13 American Association standout and current Arizona Diamondbacks star who this week added a Gold Glove to his sparkling major league resume, onetime Gary SouthShore RailCats relief ace Adam Quintana (pictured) and fellow pitcher Mike Kickham of the Kansas City T-Bones are keeping...Read More