Offseason Updates
Well fans, we’re about a month and a half into the offseason. The weather is cooling here in The Triangle, the Arizona Fall League has kicked off and other players are prepping for winter ball in other countries. As we get deeper and deeper into the winter, we’ve decided to give you a little update on all things Bulls, Rays and DBAP.
First things first though. It’s been almost five months since our last post here on Hit Bull Win Blog, and frankly, that’s no bueno. When we created this blog we promised consistent, clever, behind-the-scenes content, and this season we failed to deliver. Moving forward, we’ll ramp back up our efforts to bring you solid content like before. Now, with that out of the way, we turn our attention to some headlines of the offseason:
Fall Fan Fest on Saturday, October 24
The Bulls’ annual Fall Fan Fest is coming to the DBAP on Saturday, October 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. As always fans will have the chance to take BP on the field, and enjoy huge sales at the Ballpark Corner Store. Additionally, fans that bring three canned food items will be entered into a raffle for Wool E. Bull to join their family on Halloween for Trick-of-Treating.
Former Bulls in the Postseason
Entering Wednesday, the Blue Jays and Cubs are still alive in their respective league championship series, but just only. Former Bull Jason Hammel (2005–2007) takes the hill today for the Cubs as they try to avoid a sweep at the hands of the Mets. Meanwhile in the American League, David Price (2008–2009) and Dioner Navarro (2010) hope the Blue Jays can rattle off three straight wins against the Royals, who feature both Ben Zobrist (2006–2008) and Wade Davis (2008–2009).
Charlie Montoyo Interviews for Mariners Opening
Legendary Bulls manager Charlie Montoyo made the news earlier this week, as he interviewed for the Seattle Mariners manager position. The 2015 season was Montoyo’s first at the big league level after spending 18 seasons as a manager in Tampa Bay’s minor league system, including eight as Durham’s skipper.
Birling Earns International League Award
Bulls’ General Manager Mike Birling was named the IL’s Executive of the Year for the 2015 season, marking the second time in his career he’s won the award. Under his guide Durham set its second straight single-season attendance record, tallying a paid attendance of 554,788.
Duke Baseball Moving to DBAP
Early in October it was announced Duke baseball expanded its partnership with the DBAP and the Bulls, as the team will play up to 36 games a season in the downtown ballpark. The Blue Devils completed their Fall World Series at the DBAP this past weekend, playing a three-game series.
Winter/Fall Leagues
In the Caribbean, Taylor Motter, Joey Rickard and Cameron Seitzer are all suiting up for the Leones del Escogido in the Dominican Winter League. Motter was Durham’s 2015 MVP, while Rickard hit a blistering .360 after his promotion from Double-A Montgomery in early August. Seitzer figures to make the jump to Durham next season as well, after earning Southern League Postseason All-Star honors with the Biscuits this year.
The Arizona Fall League — which showcases some of the best prospects in baseball — kicked off this past week. The Rays sent six prospects to the AFL, with SS Daniel Robertson one of the most heralded of the bunch. Acquired in the same trade that brought Boog Powell to the Rays’ system, Robertson spent all of 2015 with Montgomery, making him a prime candidate to begin the 2016 season in Durham.
Additionally, the Rays will send a handful of prospects to the Australian Baseball League as well to suit up for the Brisbane Bandits.
