Lehigh pitcher Matt Svanson shutting out the SFCBL

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There is clearly a big difference between what Lehigh saw out of Matt Svanson and what the South Florida Collegiate Baseball League is seeing.

At Lehigh, Svanson has a 6.51 ERA in 25 total appearances, 10 of which were starts. This spring, he started all four games but recorded a 7.77 ERA.

In five starts with the West Boca Snappers, Svanson has an ERA of 0.00 and his last two starts saw him strike out eight batters. Svanson’s arsenal features a sinker, slider and changeup mix. His sinker is  his first pitch which is aimed for ground ball outs and his slider is his strikeout pitch. 

Much of his performance has been credited to his head coach and former Miami Marlins minor league pitcher, Riley MacEachern.

“Riley’s been awesome,” Svanson said. “Because he’s a former pro player, he is so well with mechanics and be able to communicate with me. We have a pretty good relationship for the most part. Whenever I have an issue on the mound, he’s able to self-correct me.”

MacEachern was drafted in the 33rd round by the Marlins out of Stony Brook in 2015 and spent thre as a reliever going as far as Single-A Greensboro.

According to MacEachern, it didn’t take much to unlock Svanson’s potential.

“He had it the whole time,” MacEachern said, “just needed to get him to gain that confidence.”

Svanson was originally slated to pitch in the Cape Cod League but it got canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So instead he was recruited by MacEachern to pitch for the Snappers and now they are on top of the South Division with a five game lead.

Svanson is not alone in the SFCBL. There are two other Lehigh pitchers and first baseman Charlie Von Werne are also with him in the league. Luke Rettig has a 1.89 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 19 innings over five games with the Palm Beach Diamond Ducks and Mason Black has 25 strikeouts in 18 innings and an ERA of 1.00 in five starts.

“We push each other all the time, Svanson said. “We want to be No. 1 going into next year and it’s a battle every time. Obviously what matters to us is we win three games each weekend but but right here want to go and see each other absolutely dominate.”

The season runs through July 30 followed by the playoffs. As it currently stands, it looks like there could be a matchup between Rettig and Svanson for the title.

5 Key Moments from Spoelstra, Herro, Silva Interviews

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After another day of 5 on 5 practice, Tyler Herro and Chris Silva talked to media along with Coach Erik Spoelstra. Here are 5 Key Moments from Spoelstra, Herro, Silva Interviews.

Spoelstra, Herro, Silva Interviews Comment #1:

There was some pretty unique news reported last night by Chris Haynes about Miami Heat’s own Jimmy Butler. It was reported that there was a noise complaint in the hotel, and when security got to the room, it was Jimmy Butler drenched in sweat in the middle of a full workout. Coach Spoelstra seemed to enjoy this, saying “That’s why I love Jimmy.” He continued to talk about his work ethic and described him with the word discipline. He says Jimmy is so unique with his workout times, nutrition, consistency, and more.

Comment #2:

Tyler Herro received the same question that Spoelstra did earlier in the interview. Tyler Herro was not surprised at all when he heard the news about Jimmy, since he’s seen Jimmy’s drive all season. He says that Jimmy was probably “bored in his room,” and usually causes him to do what he does best which is put in more work. The phrase “not surprised” is used all the time by teammates of Jimmy Butler. The team knows how he is which is why they respect him so much on and off the court.

Comment #3:

Tyler Herro talked about his health standpoint and the shape he is in after the hiatus. He says “I’m the best I’ve ever felt in my life.” This is a good sign due to the fact that it’s pretty much the exact opposite for other players in the bubble as of right now. Tyler follows this statement discussing his body fat and says it’s down to 5.5%. It seems as if that Jimmy Butler hard work is contagious throughout the locker room, especially since the coaches made sure they stayed in shape as well during the hiatus with zoom workouts.

Comment #4:

Chris Silva also got to talk to media today. He discussed the topic that seems to come up a lot in these interviews. Depth. He says he doesn’t think everybody is going to play as many minutes, which will definitely be true for the eight regular season games and probably the first round. Chris Silva will be ready to play if his name gets called once the season return. He may see the court a lot during the regular season since Spoelstra will be playing around with different lineups. Chris also talked about the impact this virus had on him personally. He planned on returning home to Gabon before the pandemic.

Comment #5:

Erik Spoelstra talks about the depth of this team once again. He says, “I don’t know if there’s ever been more of a need for depth.” This is definitely true for a couple different reasons. Guys will need some time to get back in game shape, which means there’ll be more of a need to get fresh legs on the court. Another reason is that this format is different than anything the NBA has ever seen, which means this playoffs may not only benefit veterans. Young guys may flourish in this type of format, which is why Erik Spoelstra will be playing around with this roster as much as he can before the playoffs start.

 

Michael Schuler starts in the SFCBL to be a better reliever at FAU

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The South Florida Collegiate Baseball League has it’s fair share of pitchers who are going from reliever to starter. Florida Atlantic pitcher Michael Schuler seems to fit that mold while pitching for the Phipps Parks Barracudas.

His last three apperances have seen his innings increase from three to four to most recently five on Tuesday, In that game he allowed three runs on six hits and struck out eight in an 8-5 win against the Boca Raton Blazers.

“I feel like I’m doing a lot better than my last spring,” Schuler said. “It’s just gaining confidence, feeling out the offspeed (pitch). As long as I can get that confidence with the offspeed pitch I can dominate.”

However, despite the long outings, Schuler is not trying to transition to starting pitcher. In fact, he believes that the structure of a starter helps him become a better reliever.

Michael Schuler Becoming a Starter

“I’m not trying to become a starter,” Schuler said. “I love the relieving aspect but as being a starter in this league it keeps me on routine like getting my lifts in on time and recovery on time. I kind of know when I’m throwing so I’ll bump up my innings to get my extra work in.”

As a freshmen at FAU, Schuler went 3-1 with a 4.20 ERA and as arguably the best reliever during the C-USA slate with a 2.18 ERA. His first five outings against conference opponents were scoreless. His best outing that season was also his longest outing, 4 2/3 shutout innings against Charlotte.

He only made six appearances in his shortened sophomore season with his longest outing lasting two innings.

So far this summer, Schuler has a 3.50 ERA in six appearances and 22 strikeouts in 18 innings pitched. Schuler’s mission on the mound is to improve and learn after each outing.

“Every inning I’m working on something and after that I got my routine to do,” Schuler said. “Every day you come out here you want to learn something new. You don’t want to be the same person the next day. You want to consistently get better. Consistently is the key.”

Schuler said he is working on adding the slider to his arsenal this summer.

“It’s always been a downfall for me,” Schuler said. “I figured out as long as I stay in my back hip and lean forward, I get the sharp break that I want.”

FAU Players at SFCBL

A handful of his FAU teammates are in the SFCBL competing for the title and bragging rights. Schuler has Cade Parker and Victor Castillo on his side with the Barracudas but many more occupy the teams in contention for the playoffs. So far the only Owl Schuler has faced was catcher Nick Toney of the South Division leading West Boca Snappers. He won that matchup by getting Toney to ground out to third base.

“Playing against my FAU teammates this summer is a blast,” Schuler said. “It brings a higher level of competitiveness out each other. When facing each other we push each other to be better. Overall facing them is very competitive and beneficial to each other.”

The SFCBL season runs through July 30, followed by the playoffs.

Marlins roster

5 Marlins Roster Questions

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Fans learned the answer to one of the big questions for the Marlins roster in 2020 yesterday. Manager Don Mattingly revealed on the Marlins YouTube show ‘The Line Drive’ that Sandy Alcantara will be the Opening Day starter for Miami.

This decision was not unexpected, particularly considering Alcantara’s stretch to end 2019. The first-time all-star pitched lights out over his final 11 starts of the campaign. Over 74.1 innings pitched, Alcantara posted a 2.74 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with 62 strikeouts. He hit seven innings in seven of his last 11 starts, including one shutout.

With that question answered, the focus now shifts to others. Here’s a look at five questions Mattingly still needs to answer regarding the Marlins roster.

Marlins Roster – Who will be the fifth starter?

While the front end the rotation seems set, the fifth starter on the Marlins roster is a spot still up for grabs. Vying for that spot are: Jordan Yamamoto, Elieser Hernandez, Robert Dugger and Nick Neidert.

Last Sunday, Yamamoto and Hernandez faced off as the starters. According to reports, both pitchers had moments and struggles. Yams played well defensively and struck out two. Hernandez gave up a homer but struck out five over his five innings.

Dugger threw on Monday, finishing four innings with two strikeouts and two hits.

Neidert also threw Monday. Over four innings, he surrendered three hits and registered three strikeouts. Lots of weak contact, according to reports. Mattingly said Neidert, who impressed in the Arizona Fall League, is in a “position to stay.”

“There’s a good chance you could see both of those guys here, either early or at some point during this year,” Mattingly said of both Neidert and Dugger.

Yamamoto and Hernandez seem like the frontrunners for the spot. Dugger could land in the bullpen. Neidert might not break camp with the club, but he’s probably the next pitcher in line for promotion.

Who will be the centerfielder?

Heading into spring, Monte Harrison stood out among the options for centerfield. He competed with Lewis Brinson and Magneuris Sierra, among others, for the spot. Harrison built on successes last year at the Triple-A level and parlayed that into an impressive spring/summer.

“Monte looks good,” Mattingly said. “He’s swung the bat good here. Plays with energy, plays fast. He’s aggressive.” Mattingly called Harrison a “mega-talented kid.” The 24-year-old profiles as a potential 30-30 guy for the Marlins.

The other significant option is Jonathan Villar, who started in center on Monday for the sim game. According to Mattingly, Villar could bounce “back and forth between centerfield, second base, shortstop and DH.”

Villar said he’s “here for the team” and the possibility of playing multiple positions is one he’s ready for. “You have to prepare mentally and physically every day. I’m prepared for whatever comes.”

Villar admitted some discomfort working in centerfield, saying judging line drives has been particularly difficult early on. However, his spot atop the lineup is all but assured.

Other options include Sierra and Harold Ramirez. For Sierra, he’s out of minor league options. If he doesn’t make the team, he’ll need to go through waivers to remain with the team. His speed would be valuable for Mattingly off the bench.

Who will man first base?

One of the major issues for the Marlins in 2019 was a lack of power. The team was last in homers and runs scored. Miami made that a focus of their offseason acquisitions, adding Villar, Jesus Aguilar, Corey Dickerson and Matt Joyce. Among that group, Aguilar sports the most power, having hit 35 home runs during his 2018 All-Star campaign.

Mattingly has said “we like the way he looks” and he’s put Aguilar at first for the most recent scrimmages. Aguilar’s fine defensively, but he’ll need to regain his 2018 form, after struggling in 2019, in order to remain the regular first baseman.

Garrett Cooper manned first for the Marlins 73 times in 2019. During the offseason, Mattingly expressed doubt concerning Cooper’s ability to be an everyday player. Cooper has struggled with injuries during his time with the Marlins, but he does possess All-Star and 30-homer potential.

Cooper will be on this roster, and he’s likely going to be a regular fixture in the lineup. He can play first, right or DH. That versatility makes him a valuable plug-and-play option for Mattingly this season.

The dark horse candidate for the Marlins roster this year is Lewin Diaz. The 23-year-old prospect holds tantalizing power potential. Mattingly compared Diaz to former MLB All-Star Carlos Delgado, and the manager has indicated there’s a good chance Diaz could be with the club at some point this season. His left-handed power could be an integral part of this lineup.

Who will fill out the bullpen?

Last season, the Marlins featured one of the worst bullpens in MLB. Miami relievers posted the fifth-worst ERA (4.97), strikeout-to-walk ratio (2.11) and save percentage (55.1). Their WHIP (1.45) was seventh worst. Relievers blew 22 save opportunities and surrendered a .235 batting-average-against and .343 on-base percentage.

The Marlins turned over a considerable part of this bullpen. And while Brandon Kintzler seemed locked in at closer, there are question marks throughout the rest of the ‘pen.

The other locks are probably Yimi Garcia, Ryne Stanek and Drew Steckenrider. At least one of the pitchers who don’t make the cut as fifth starter will likely slide over as a long reliever. Sterling Sharp also seems like a lock considering his Rule-5 acquisition.

Beyond that, players like Brad Boxberger, Jeff Brigham, Adam Conley, Aaron Northcraft, Josh A. Smith, Stephen Tarpley, Alex Vesia and Nick Vincent, among others, are all vying for spots.

Who are the wildcards on the Marlins roster?

One of the most interesting parts of the Marlins roster construction remains the versatility. Multiple players could slot into various positions. Most notably, Villar has been seen during summer camp working along three different positions (CF, 2B and SS), and he has experience at a fourth (3B).

Another wildcard is Vesia, the lefty rookie who sported a 41 scoreless inning streak through spring. Vesia posted a 1.62 ERA with 138 strikeouts over 100 innings while advancing to Double-A.

“Everywhere he went he had success.” Mattingly said Vesia “pitched with confidence” and “has some moxie about him,” noting “He’s on the attack; he’s not afraid; he’s a strike thrower.”

Vesia’s emergence could endanger lefty veteran Conley’s spot in the bullpen. A similar emergence from Steckenrider could make Kintzler expendable at the trading deadline should the Marlins be out of the race.

Harrison also stands a wildcard for the Marlins roster because if he can take center or right field, that will transform what the roster looks like. Joyce’s absence thus far makes Harrison’s spot with the club all the more important. Joyce, who could also be a DH, would’ve competed with Cooper and Ramirez for an everyday role in right.

Finally, former Olympian and local product Eddy Alvarez is also a Marlins roster wildcard. He’s another player with positional versatility, and he’s a switch hitter. At the Triple-A level in 2019, Alvarez hit .323 with 12 home runs and 43 RBI over 66 games.

“I like the kid,” Mattingly said of Alvarez. “I think he’s got a chance to help us depending on what happens during this this camp.”

Starting Streak: Inter Miami CF Suffer Fourth Straight Loss

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Kacper Pryzbylko’s 63rd minute goal led Philadelphia Union to a tight, 2-1 victory over Inter Miami CF.

In a game that featured over 30 fouls, a red card, and some VAR controversy, the Union were able to see out the victory despite Inter Miami’s late push for an equalizer. The three points gained by Philadelphia secured their spot in the knockout stages of the MLS is Back Tournament. For Inter Miami however, no points from two games only gives them a small chance to advance. They’ll need to win on Monday vs. NYCFC and hope that the three points, and whatever goal differential they finish with, is enough to be a top-4 third place team. Philadelphia will go on to battle Orlando City on July 20th to determine the winner of group A.

The Match’s Opening Moments

Philadelphia opened the scoring with a very early goal. In the fifth minute, Inter Miami struggled to clear the ball away in a threatening area. Robles was faced with a hard, low shot from Kai Wagner, where his touch wasn’t enough to keep it out of the back of the net. This is now Robles’ second conceded goal in two games where he had a touch, but ultimately could not keep the ball from getting through.

Following the goal, Inter Miami responded with positive play. They controlled the game from that point forward, and were rewarded with a goal from a counterattack in the 36th minute.

Lewis Morgan was quick to dribble up the midfield only to find Rodolfo Pizarro for a nice 1-2 at the end of the box. Morgan then played a through ball to Matias Pellegrini, who found Pizarro back in the box and after some nifty footwork, scored.

Miami stayed on the front foot to finish out the first half, and luckily for Philadelphia, no more goals were scored. When the second half whistle blew, Miami still looked to commit numbers forward and control the game.

Inter Miami CF Fought in Second Half

Committing numbers forward gave Miami three good chances to start the second half. Julian Carranza failed to play a perfect ball in correctly. Although the defenders were split, Andre Blake was quick off of his line to stop the threat. Morgan was also faced with a great opportunity but a shot on his weaker foot did not have enough power behind it to beat Blake. Pizarro then had a great run that put him inside the area, but was unlucky to find Carranza on the edge of the six yard box.

In the 63rd minute, Pizarro was fouled about 25 yards out in the corner of the field. No yellow was given. But a failed free kick cross led to Brenden Aaronson sprinting down the field only to find himself with the ball at his feet in a 3-on-1 situation. He laid off the ball to Pryzbylko who did great to get the ball on his left foot on the end of the box and find the bottom corner with a shot. Robles was beaten for the second time in the match. Inter were down by a goal with less than 30 minutes to play.

Subs Doing Work

MLS Veteran Lee Nguyen was subbed on along with MLS debutant Jerome Kiesewetter in the 68th minute following the goal.

In the 74th minute, Carranza was given another great through ball with which he failed to control.

Just a minute later, and seven minutes after being subbed on, Kiesewetter’s efforts in the press almost led him to winning a penalty for Inter Miami. After a long pause in play following a foul, and a review from VAR, a penalty call was disallowed after claims of a handball. Kiesewetter would argue he was pushed in the back.

In what was an amazing chance for Inter to tie the game, Roman Torres won a header from a corner. However, it was met by the crossbar. No luck for Inter Miami late seems to be the theme amongst their first four games.

Victor Ulloa and Ben Sweat were subbed off in the 87th minute for Jay Chapman and Mikey Ambrose. Ulloa looked to be injured after making a game-saving tackle just minutes before. But he walked off the field on his own power.

The eight added minutes gave Inter Miami more than enough time to create chances, and they did. Unfortunately, after a headed effort from Carranza and a missed opportunity from Chapman inside the box, Inter could not convert.

After throwing numbers forward, Miami were caught again with another Philadelphia counterattack. The attack resulted in Andres Reyes fouling a Union player. Reyes would then be seeing his second yellow card of the match. The red card shown will now prohibit Reyes from playing in the match vs. NYCFC on Monday. Diego Alonso will be forced to change some defensive tactics due to the suspension.

Disappointing End

Inter Miami finished the game with 55% possession, over 70 more completed passes, and 3 more shots unblocked. The eye-test would conclude that Inter were unlucky to not come out of this match with at least a point.

July 20th, 9 AM EST is when Inter Miami CF kick off again, this time facing NYCFC. Both teams have started off the tournament with two losses. And they will both be looking for victory and a shot at qualifying for the knockout round.

Grading Inter Miami After 2-1 Loss

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Inter Miami is the soccer version of the pre-tank Dolphins of the 2000s. You can see the flashes of brilliance and the capability to go toe-to-toe with anyone, anytime…but you can also see the brain farts, the lack of a killer instinct and the overall lack of discipline of a team that is not only still looking for its first ever MLS win, but also is on life support in the MLS Is Back tournament. Grading Inter Miami is not easy.

All Inter Miami can hope for now is to advance as one of the four best third-place teams with a win against NYCFC next Monday and a combination of other results.

Let’s get into the individual grades for Miami, shall we?

Important note: Only those who played at least 30 minutes will be graded. Those who didn’t will receive an Incomplete unless they did something otherworldly or were vital to the final outcome of the match.

Grading Inter Miami

Luis Robles (6): Second consecutive match with two goals allowed for the captain and 36-year-old veteran, but he bore no real responsibility in either one and prevented the final score from being 3-1 with a couple of key interventions during injury time.

Jorge Figal (2): The 26-year-old from Argentina was mediocre in the tournament debut, but straight up awful against Philadelphia. Incredibly naïve, out of position and nowhere to be seen during the Union counterattack that caught the Inter defense with its pants down after a basic free kick in its favor.

Román Torres (4): Made the crossbar tremble in what would have been the 83rd minute equalizer, but also fell into the defense´s general confusion and did nothing to fix it.

Andrés Reyes (3): Received two yellow cards that turned into a red and left Miami without his services for the final match of the group stage. Slow and indecisive, that may not be such a bad thing.

Ben Sweat (4): Got caught with his metaphorical pants down as the last man standing between the Union attackers and Robles during the second goal. Would not have been that much more embarrassing if his shorts had been pulled down.

Víctor Ulloa (5): Got lost in the shuffle, nowhere near as good as against Orlando City. Couldn´t establish himself and seemed torn between trying to lend a hand to a confused defense or help the offensive effort. Did neither in the end.

Will Trapp (3,5): A night to forget as he was personally responsible for the first Union goal, out of position and couldn´t cover his man down the right side before the cross. Yellow carded in the 38th minute, unceremoniously replaced in the 68th.

Rodolfo Pizarro (6,5): His back-heel pass and goal were a thing of beauty, but he also came and went in the match without being able to assert himself like Miami needed him too. He made a difference, but needs to do it more consistently for 90+ minutes.

Other Grades:

Lewis Morgan (7): The best Inter Miami had to offer in the entire night. The way he orchestrated the goal blazing down the middle before connecting with Pizarro. Finding Pellegrini at full speed was something that should be taught to kids everywhere. His speed was trouble for the Union defense all night long.

Matías Pellegrini (5): Assisted Pizarro for the goal, and nothing else. Muted effort for the Argentinian winger. Replaced by Kiesewetter in the 68th minute.

Julián Carranza (3): I said he is a better striker than Agudelo, but he wasn´t against Philly.   Scatterbrained and wasteful. Could have scored once in the first half and twice in the second. Especially in the 72nd minute with the score 1-1 and a golden opportunity all alone against the goalie that went for naught. He thought he was offside and reacted too late when he realized that he wasn´t.

Jerome Kiesewetter (5): An almost-header of his deflected by a Union defender nearly resulted in a penalty kick for Miami. But VAR reversed it correctly.

Lee Nguyen (4): Missing in action for 30 minutes after coming in for Trapp.

Mikey Ambrose (Inc.): Not much he could do after coming in for Sweat in the 87th minute.

Jay Chapman (Inc.):   Unable to generate much of anything after entering the match alongside Ambrose.   

Butler, Spoelstra and DJJ interviews

5 Takeaways from Jimmy Butler, Spoelstra, DJJ Interviews

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The Miami Heat are slowly making their way into more intense practices this week after taking the day off yesterday to watch film. Here’s some post-practice comments from the Butler, Spoelstra and DJJ Interviews.

Post-Practice Comment #1:

There has been a lot of questions about KZ Okpala after the Heat drafted him in the second round this past year. He’s been going back and forth between Sioux Falls and the Heat roster all season. And it seems too familiar. No matter if it’s an un-drafted guy or a second round pick, the Heat always has a young prodigy flying under the radar. Coach Spoelstra also says “He’s learning how to do things at a more intense level with detail…and I like it.” It seems as if Spoelstra is just as intrigued with him as Heat fans are.

Post-Practice Comment #2:

Jimmy Butler starts off the interview with his Social Justice message on his jersey. He chose to not put a message on his jersey, just as LeBron James said he would do a couple days prior. But he also wants to not include his name on the back of his jersey, saying “I am no different than anyone of color. I want that to be my message.” He also says later in the interview that he sees a lot of talking on Social Justice topics, but he wants to see more action. Jimmy is still working on getting the approval to have no name on the back of his jersey.

Post-Practice Comment #3:

The NBA world has been waiting for the match-up of Jimmy Butler and TJ Warren after the altercation early in the season. And it seems as if Jimmy Butler still hasn’t forgotten about it. Jimmy says “I’m pretty sure you can’t see the smile that’s on my face,” when thinking about that TJ Warren match-up. He gives the Indiana Pacers credit by saying they’re a very good team, but closes the topic with “I’m taking the Miami Heat twice.” Which pretty much sums up this whole teams confidence in each other.

Post-Practice Comment #4:

With Derrick Jones Jr’s contract up after this season, there has been a lot of question marks about his decision. The salary cap may be a little tight with other players including Goran Dragic, Jae Crowder, and Meyers Leonards having their contracts up as well. But though there may be more money thrown at Derrick from other teams. He says, “I never want to be on another team.” He love everything about this team including the style of play, which is defense. Derrick said, “I’m gonna just keep doing exactly what I do. Guard the best player, make his life miserable.” This quote right here proves that the Heat don’t want him on another team as well.

Post-Practice Comment #5:

There has been a lot of complaints and comments inside the bubble over the last week about food, rooms, and more. But this doesn’t include one Heat player. Jimmy sums it up for the rest of the team. “We do get to eat, we do get a roof over our heads. For a lot of people, it could be worse. For a lot of us, it has been worse.” He adds that he is speaking for the team. But some of the others have expressed the same idea over the last few days. This type of answer shows this team is ready. They’re not here for a vacation, it’s a business trip. And like Jimmy said earlier in the interview, “I think you can count on this Miami Heat team.”

Forgotten Heat in Miami: Ricky Davis

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Let me tell you the story of Tyree Ricardo Davis, you may know him as “Ricky”. Ricky Davis was J.R. Smith and Dion Waiters before there were memes, a misunderstood player with a long NBA career that spanned more than an entire decade and two different stints in Miami.

You think you would remember him more clearly if he was with the Heat twice in his career, wouldn’t you? In fact, he didn’t miss a single regular-season game the second time around during the team’s disastrous 2007-08 campaign. However, you struggle to come up with an image of him in the red-and-white jersey and all you seem to come up with is “Oh yeah, he is that guy that went AWOL for mysterious reasons for a while, isn’t he?”

Maybe this anecdote about his fine money funding a team outing to Atlantic City best sums up what his career was in Miami and elsewhere:

Allow me to introduce you to the kid born in Las Vegas that bet it all on himself, thought he was better than a certain future King and certainly put on a show until time found him destined to become yet another “Forgotten Heat”.

AN OVERLOOKED PRODIGY

Davis spent the first 12 years of his life in Vegas, but it wasn’t until his family moved to the small city of Davenport, Iowa that he truly tapped into the potential he had as a basketball player.

Imagine the buzz around Davenport North High School as the kid who had dunked as an eighth grader in a junior high game was about to join its ranks. Davis was the most exciting thing to happen to a city of fewer than 100,000 people since…well, ever. How many times can you walk up and down the Riverfront before you say “Yeah, this is nice, what else is there?”

Davis played for Davenport’s varsity team since he was a freshman and was named to the All-State squad as a junior, he even played Center for Davenport at one point, but he was never a state champion or named a McDonald’s All-American. The national spotlight eluded him, and the gap between what he perceived himself to be and what others saw him as started to widen along with the chip on the shoulders that carried the weight of expectations.

Heading to the League

Ricky could have emulated fellow prep star Tracy McGrady and entered the 1997 NBA Draft out of high school, but he opted to play for coach Tom Wilson at the University of Iowa, a preseason Top 15 program, instead.

That team had four future NBAers and was led by a determined Davis, who averaged 15.0 points per game to become the highest scoring Iowa freshman of the past 25 years, a mark that still stands to this day.

Iowa went 20-11 in the 1997-98 season with Ricky as its offensive stalwart, but it didn’t make the NCAA Tournament. Davis didn’t garner any individual honors either while Michael Olowokandi, Antawn Jamison, Vince Carter and Paul Pierce hogged the spotlight.

He decided to enter the 1998 Draft after just one year of college basketball anyway. In hindsight, a year or two more of development would have been ideal for him…but he was going to show them. He was going to show them all that fame and glory were his destiny.

HELLO, MIAMI

Olowokandi went first, Jamison fourth, Carter fifth, and Pierce ninth. Davis had to wait until the 21st pick to be selected by the Charlotte Hornets, where he played with future Miami Heat teammate Eddie Jones. In fact, Jones helped him in the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest, where he was a last-minute addition after Jamison was injured, but he was no match for “Vinsanity”.

Eddie Jones was an All-Star and had asked for a trade out of an underachieving Hornets team, so Davis ended up joining him in a nine-player extravaganza that would become the largest trade in Miami Heat history.

The Heat were poised to contend and reach the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history during that 2000-01 season, but Davis barely played seven games before breaking his right foot and watching the Heat get unceremoniously swept by his former Hornets teammates in the first round of the playoffs.

That had to hurt.

Davis wouldn’t make long-term plans in Miami. The 22-year-old guard was traded in a multi-team deal to the Cleveland Cavaliers before the 2001-02 season for Chris Gatling, a marginal veteran.

The Cavs would go on to be 29-53 that year, but Davis had a successful individual season playing all 82 games and improving his scoring average from 4.6 to 11.7 points per game off the bench.

He seemed to be finding a home in Cleveland, blossoming as a potential franchise player and getting recognition for highlights such as a beastly dunk on Steve Nash.

 

“I dare him to try that again,” Nash said. Don’t mess with Canada, Ricky.

Davis’s Production

Davis averaged a career-high 20.6 points per game and starting 76 of them.  However, Cleveland was going from bad to worse collectively at 17-65 and Davis was getting a bad reputation.  His misdeeds included butting heads with coach Paul Silas and intentionally missing his own shot to grab a rebound and get a triple-double as time expired in a 120-95 Cavaliers win at home over the Utah Jazz

 

That pissed many people off, including the commonly reserved Jazz coach Jerry Sloan ( “I would have fouled him too. I would have knocked him on his ass”) while some sportswriters even called for his suspension and fans nicknamed him “Wrong Rim Ricky.”

Davis and LeBron

None of that truly mattered anyway. Cleveland was eagerly awaiting the arrival of “The King”, the hometown hero who would make everything right.

Ricky Davis initially thought that LeBron was there to be his sidekick, but the rookie had other plans and averaged 20.9 points as Cleveland’s leading scorer while Ricky averaged 15.3 in 22 games before being traded to the Boston Celtics in December as his lack of on-court chemistry with LeBron was evident and Davis was no mentor for him.

“I knew (LeBron) was the real thing when he came in….it was the era when no boys where allowed.”

 

The Cavs had chosen sides. LeBron was selfless, while Davis was selfish. A self-centered shooting guard that put the emphasis on “shooting”. Davis was becoming a basketball nomad with his fourth team in six seasons.

That wouldn’t change in the upcoming years as he would be traded from Boston to Minnesota in 2006 despite being appreciated by fans, and then back to Miami for an unexpected second stint under Pat Riley that Davis called “life changing.”

That trade was seen as a win for the Heat, which was able to unload the Antoine Walker deal. But in reality it was just exchanging one erratic shooter for another.

“It was a good trade for Miami; I didn’t think it was a good trade for Antoine,” Paul Pierce said at the time, and he was wrong as usual.

Wade’s Wingman

Ricky Davis was supposed to be Dwyane Wade’s sidekick and help lead Miami’s resurgence just two years removed from a championship. However, Wade was hampered by a shoulder injury that would limit him to 51 games that season. The Miami offense ended up running through Davis most of the time.

“We will run all of the things we run for Dwyane for [Davis], so we don’t have to change our offense that much,” Riley said before the 2007-08 season.

Bad idea. Davis played all 82 games for the second time in his career in a sixth man role. He started 47 of them, but barely averaged 13.8 points while playing 36 minutes a game. He also dealt with personal issues, including a five-game suspension for failing the league’s Anti-Drug program.

His lone shining moment came in April, 2008. He went off to tie a Miami Heat record of three-pointers in a single game with nine. His 33 points weren’t enough in a 109-95 loss against the Wizards.

By this point in his career, over a decade in, his demons were stronger than his talent. They would also be his demise.

Just like in Cleveland, Davis’ expanded role didn’t translate into wins. The Heat went 15-67. Davis helped drive Riley into coaching retirement before being traded to the Clippers in July, 2008.

His life as a basketball nomad continued with two forgettable seasons in Los Angeles before being waived in 2010. He would never step foot in an NBA court again.

Ricky Davis: WANDERING AND WONDERING

PHILADELPHIA, PA – JULY 16: Ricky Davis #31 of the Ghost Ballers. (Photo by Rob Carr/BIG3/Getty Images)

The following decade would see him play in Turkey, China, France, Puerto Rico and the NBA D-League between 2011 and 2013, where he suffered one final indignity after being waived by the Erie BayHawks having averaged 8.5 points and 3.3 rebounds in 11 games.

He seems to have found a home with the “Big 3” basketball league as the co-captain of the Ghost Ballers. But he also never forgot about Miami. Davis actually made it a point to give back to the South Florida community before playing there in 2018.

If Davis hadn’t had such a big chip on his shoulder, if he had been more about “we” than “me”, then maybe he would have won a ring as a supporting player in a contender. Now he is just a fleeting memory of what could have been.

For the first two chapters of the “Forgotten Heat” saga, click here and here.

How SFCBL players feel about playing baseball during the COVID-19 pandemic

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The baseball fields of the South Florida Collegiate Baseball League, SFCBL, feel like an oasis these days.

With the COVID-19 pandemic consuming the country and more specifically Florida, playing baseball right now can feel like playing under the eye of a hurricane.

Summer leagues across the country like the SFCBL has provided an outlet for players who worked hard to prepare for the spring season only to see it erased due to the coronavirus.

SFCBL Players

“It was a real bummer,” said former Florida pitcher Justin Alintoff, who plays for the Delray Beach Lightning. “At UF, we were 16-0 then next thing we know, the season is over. I would encourage everyone to wear a mask and stay safe, wash your hands. This is a real shame and it’s good that we’re able to get out and continue to play.”

The players say that baseball has allowed them to free their minds from the threat of the coronavirus, but even that can be difficult because of the need to be cognizant of the new rules and regulations put in place to keep them safe.

“The only time I’m not thinking about [COVID-19] is when I’m on the baseball field,” said Florida infielder Cory Acton, who plays for the West Boca Snappers. “We still have to wear the masks and still be protected but other than that, we’re playing like it’s a normal day.”

“You try to not think about it,” said Florida Atlantic infielder Jared DeSantolo, who plays for the Palm Beach Diamond Ducks. “It’s definitely interesting seeing what they’ve been doing, trying umpires behind the mound and having them all wear masks. At the end of the day, it’s still baseball.”

New Rules

“Now I kind of think about it a lot because of the new rules and regulations they kind of put in,” said LSU outfielder Gavin Dugas, who plays for the Boyton Beach Buccaneers. “It’s kind of weird playing though it but it’s not that bad.”

Georgia outfielder Randon Jernigan, who plays for the West Boca Snappers, said the mask is an important part of the process because the nature of the baseball dugout doesn’t allow for social distancing.

“In the dugout we’re all pretty conscious about it now because everybody is making sure we’re putting on our masks.” Jernigan said. “It’s kind of weird being so hot but I’m getting used to it.

“You have 30 guys in a little space and you have to wear masks because you’re not going to get six feet apart,” he said. “I don’t care who tries to enforce it, it’s not going to work. But as long as we have masks we’ll be okay.”

South Florida Collegiate Baseball League

Every player in the league was tested before the beginning of the season. A few players and at least one coach have already tested positive for the coronavirus. Alintoff said one of the players who tested positive was on his team and everyone who was around said players were then tested after that, and that the protocols in place has been able to keep the game going safely.

Two umpires officiate each game and wear masks at all times. Players don’t have to wear masks while on the field since the nature of the sport keeps them distant. However, when in the dugout, the players are instructed to wear masks and some of them who aren’t playing would watch the games from outside the dugout and field.

“Playing in this outbreak is definitely unlike something I’ve seen before,” said former FIU pitcher CJ Dearman, who plays for the Pompano Beach Clippers. “We have way more rules to abide by like wearing masks on the field and trying to keep a safe distance away for me each other.

“Also our full team is never at the same game,” he said. “Our teams usually split in half and the half playing is the ones who show up to the game. I must admit it’s really weird playing like this and acting as if you can’t touch anyone, but in order to play this game it’s worth following all the rules.”

The Fields

Some fields have made an effort to make social distancing somewhat possible. One example it Little Fenway Park, home of the Lightning and Boca Raton Blazers having reserved the bleachers to players not on the field to watch. The fans the come to those games bring their own chairs to the game which naturally creates its own form of social distancing.

Palm Beach Atlantic University, the only college field used by the league, has their bleachers open for fans to watch. Usually the only people that view these games are a few scouts and the family members of the players who live locally. 

COVID Concerns

According to anonymous player, one of the league coaches contracted the virus and two players are currently quarantining. One of those players who tested positive feels that it could possibly be a false positive test. He feels no symptoms and his family all tested negative.

The players originally would stay with host families during the summer season if they are coming from out of state. This time around, players are staying in hotels and Air BnB’s. One of the best aspects of summer baseball for players is the opportunity to meet and bond off the field.

That hasn’t been as easy this time around.

“It’s a huge adjustment. Obviously you want to get to know the players and everybody and get close and have conversations. But obviously we need to be more spread out,” said Villanova infielder Jeff Manto, who is plays catcher for the Lightning. “I’m just glad that we’re down here playing and I’ll do whatever we can to keep playing. Whatever it is I’ll make an adjustment.”

Some of these rules are sometimes not followed and usually difficult to enforce. However if the league can make it through the season, which runs through July 30 followed by the playoffs, with minimal cases. Then the SFCBL and other summer baseball leagues would serve as an example for how sports can be played safely.

Three heart surgeries can’t keep Austin Matsoff off the mound

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Austin Matsoff, a sophomore pitcher at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Kansas, has been through three heart surgeries over the last two years. Yet there he was on the mound on June 13 in the South Florida Collegiate Baseball League staring down a hitter from LSU.

Being from a NAIA program, he had no business taking on SEC talent. Which meant he had nothing to lose.

“When I first signed up for the league and I was looking at the rosters from the previous years, my whole mindset was these guys are better hitters than I am pitcher,” Matsoff said. “That’s just proven. They all go to like UCF, Vanderbilt, LSU, all these schools known for baseball and I’m at a small NAIA school in Kansas. So when I came in here, it was really a mindset of what’s the worst that can happen?”

The worst thing never happened. Instead, he struck him out with his submarine delivery.

“That was a big moment for me,” Matsoff said. “It was such a surreal feeling. I never thought of myself being able to be on the same field as these guys like that.”

Clear eyes, full heart, he couldn’t lose. In five appearances so far this summer, Mastoff has allowed only two runs in six innings with three strikeouts and a save. 

“I’ve been pitching well all summer and the idea that I’m out here competing with all these other guys is just huge for me.”

MATSOFF’S HEART CONDITION

Austin Matsoff was diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia during his senior year of high school at Westminster Academy in Fort Lauderdale. VT is a condition in which the heart’s lower chambers beat much faster than normal because of a problem with its electrical impulses.

“The main issue with mine is that it beats too fast,” Matsoff said. “It’s a genetic issue. The problem is that there are clusters of electrical nerves attached to it which cause it to beat faster.”

According to Matsoff, the best way he’s been able to treat his heart, ironically, is by making it beat faster. His resting heart rate ranges from 90-120 BPM but when he’s exercising, it ranges between 120-180 BPM, which is actually a normal range when active.

“The problem isn’t when I work out really,” Matsoff said. “It’s when I’m resting that there is a problem. Like I’ll be resting and sometimes it’ll shoot up to 200 BPM.”

Basically his heart is like the bus from “Speed”. He’s got to keep moving or else that’s when tachycardia occurs. It runs in the family. His mother is a triathlete with the same heart issues.

“The way my heart condition works is I actually feel better when I work out,” Matsoff said. “When I work out, my sinus heartbeat rhythm takes over the bad heartbeat and it levels off at 180 BPM. It only gets up to 200+ when I am resting, because that is when the electrical nerves are taking over. So I am always working out because my heart goes into a normal rhythm and makes me feel better as opposed to resting.”

BASEBALL BEFORE AND AFTER SURGERY FOR AUSTIN MATSOFF

Matsoff’s first surgery was in December 26, 2018. The second one came on June 5, 2019, a week after his high school graduation. Both procedures were cardiac ablations whereas the third surgery resulted in a monitor implanted in his chest just above the pulmonary valve of his heart.

The surgeries have not prevented his heart from experiencing tachycardia. His most recent episode came on May 29, just before the start of the summer season.

“I didn’t really feel that one,” Austin Matsoff said. “I didn’t find out about it until I went to a doctor and they checked my monitor.”

His worst case of tachycardia occurred while he was in college a few weeks after the third surgery.

“I was at dinner up in kansas after a practice,” Matsoff said. “I started shaking then felt a sharp pain in my left shoulder and my heart rate got up to 220 BPM.”

A fourth heart surgery has not been scheduled nor has it been recommend.

Austin Mastoff pitching for the Boca Raton Blazers

Matsoff pitched on the JV team as a freshman during the fall at MNU. His two biggest games came the day before his third heart surgery, which happened on October 10, 2019, and week after.

“Pitching before the surgury was probably the most energetic I have ever been on a baseball field,” Austin Matsoff said. “We had a night game against our rival school. It was about 40 degrees, but there were a good amount of people at the game. I knew I was only going out for one inning and it was the best inning I threw all fall. Struck out the last batter of the inning and got super hyped up because I knew there was a chance I wouldn’t be throwing again for a while.

“The game after my surgery was a little scary,” he said. “I had pestered my coach all week to let me throw simply because it was the last game of the fall and I wanted the satisfaction of coming back for our last game to end fall on a high note. During warm ups and running around in the outfield, I was feeling a little uncomfortable because I was not used to having the monitor in my chest. When I got on the mound, I was trying to make adjustments to accommodate my discomfort and it was difficult, but I figured it out and put up a zero for my inning.”

HOW AUSTIN MATSOFF ENDED UP AT MNU

How Austin Mastoff ended up at MidAmerica Nazarene is an amazing story in itself. In high school, he went from only six at-bats in junior varsity as a freshman to hitting .400 while starting every game as a sophomore, finishing with two varsity pinch-hit appearances.

He didn’t begin pitching until at the tail end of the fall semester of his junior season, when his coach decided that he will be a submarine pitcher from here on out. The team had a crowded outfield and his switch to pitcher filled a need on the varsity front.

MNU was the only school to take a chance on Mastoff and give him a scholarship.

Boca Raton Blazers pitcher Austin Mastoff working out in his home gym.


WORKING OUT LIKE HIS LIFE DEPENDED ON IT

When he’s not playing baseball, Austin Matsoff hits the gym for olympic weightlifting and boxing. He got hooked on fitness the summer before his senior year of high school. He credits weight lifting for playing a major role in his development.

“One thing in particular I really enjoyed was olympic lifting because it involves strength, speed, and mobility,” Matsoff said. “When I got to MNU, our strength coach was an olympic lifter and she saw me wanting to work and helped me out. She gave me programs and would help coach me whenever I had time in between classes.”

Boxing originally started as a fun way for Matsoff to get in shape. He wasn’t trying to get in a ring and fight but he enjoys the workout immensely. He joined a boxing gym in his college town and saw the sparring in action and his competitive nature took over.

“Before I knew it, I was getting in the ring and sparring on a daily basis,” Matsoff said. “It has been one of the greatest stress releases that I’ve ever experienced other than baseball. The problem with baseball, especially as a pitcher, if you throw too much you risk injury. So as much of a release as baseball is to me, I can only do it so much before I risk hurting my arm or something like that. Boxing is something I can do that gets me in better shape for baseball without risking my arm.”

Matsoff has a garage gym complete with a speed bag and a heavy bag. He also has gym access to through SFCBL, which has a good amount of space and allows him to do keep up his weightlifting.

Between working out eight hours a day and playing baseball against Division I competition in his backyard, Austin Mastoff says, “This is the best I have felt in a long time.”